Quick Answers
If your cat catches a bird but it is still alive, here are some quick things to consider:
- Check the bird carefully for any wounds and handle it gently. Injured birds are in shock and handling can make injuries worse.
- If the bird seems otherwise unharmed, take it outside right away and release it in a bush or tree. Do not let the cat out at the same time.
- If the bird is injured, call a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance. They can properly assess and care for the bird.
- Never try to treat an injured bird yourself, even if the injuries seem minor. Only a trained wildlife rehabilitator should attempt treatment.
- Monitor your cat after the incident. Cats have bacteria in their mouths that can infect and potentially kill birds.
Assessing the Bird’s Condition
If your cat has caught a bird but it still seems alive, the first step is to carefully assess the bird’s condition. Here are some tips:
- Use thick gloves or a towel to pick up the bird gently. Injured birds often peck, claw or bite in an attempt to protect themselves.
- Check for any blood or obvious wounds, but also look for subtler injuries like punctures, swelling, limping or inability to fly.
- See if the bird is alert and reactive, or if it seems stunned. Look at its eyes and breathing.
- Listen and feel for any crackling or grating which could indicate broken bones or dislocations.
- Note if there are any feathers ripped out as this may signify bruising or other trauma underneath.
- See if the bird can stand properly. If a foot or leg appears broken, do not try to extend or test it.
Being observant and gentle will help you assess damage. Birds are delicate and their conditions can worsen with excessive or careless handling. If injuries seem at all severe, seek wildlife rehabilitator assistance right away.
Caring for Minor Injuries
If the bird appears alert with only minor superficial injuries and is capable of flying, the best option is to release it immediately outdoors. The shock of capture and restraint can harm a bird, so let it go before it goes into greater distress.
Choose an area with bushes, trees or high perches where the bird can land off the ground and be protected from predators. Open the door or window in that direction, gently toss the bird outside, then shut it quickly so your cat cannot follow. Monitor to ensure the bird is able to fly off safely.
You can place the bird in a paper bag or cardboard box with air holes for safe transport outside. Be sure there are no hazards enroute, and limit the time inside confined spaces. Only keep the bird as long as absolutely needed for its safety.
Even if injuries appear minor, do not attempt first aid yourself. Things like antibiotic ointments, home remedies or food/water can do much more harm than good if administered improperly. Let trained professionals provide appropriate care.
Getting Prompt Wildlife Rehabilitator Help
For any significant, life threatening or unclear injuries, the best option is to call a local wildlife rehabilitation center right away. Here are some tips:
- Call ahead so the center can advise you on safe capture and transport. Follow their guidance exactly.
- Minimize time holding the bird. Keep it in a ventilated box in a warm, quiet space until you can get it to the center.
- Do not try to splint legs/wings yourself or give food, water, heat etc. This will only further stress the shocked bird.
- Note any details about the incident like where it happened, damage noticed etc. to report.
- Get the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Timeliness greatly impacts survival rates.
Qualified rehabilitators have the knowledge and facilities to properly assess injuries, provide supportive care, administer medications, splint and wrap wounds, and ensure optimal nutrition. With their treatment, many injured birds fully recover and can be released back to the wild.
Avoiding Infection Risks
Even after a cat releases a bird, there are still risks from bacteria in cat saliva called Pasteurella multocida. When cats bite or scratch, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause potentially fatal septicemia or respiratory infections.
Birds showing any signs of lethargy, swelling, discharge, wheezing, limping or other issues after cat contact should see a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. TreatingPasteurella requires appropriate antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and other medications.
To help avoid infection risks:
- Handle cats gently and minimize scratches/bites when retrieving caught birds.
- Isolate cats from all birds for at least 2 weeks after any cat-bird incidents.
- Take any possibly-exposed birds to rehabilitators at the first sign of illness.
- Educate cat owners on infection risks. Prompt vet care greatly improves outcomes.
- Consider vaccinating outdoor cats against common strains ofPasteurella.
Any bird illness or death following cat contact should be reported so other birds potentially exposed can be treated promptly.
Preventing Future Incidents
The best solution is to prevent your cat from catching birds in the first place through the following tactics:
- Put bells and other alarms on your cat’s collar to warn birds of its approach.
- Keep your cat indoors – the only sure way to eliminate hunting risks.
- Leash-train your cat for outdoor time to control its activities.
- Provide supervised outdoor enclosures such as catteries to keep your cat contained.
- Trim back bushes birds use for nests and cover to avoid attracting them.
- Use deterrents like ultrasonic devices or water sprayers when cats enter forbidden areas.
- Monitor your yard and intervene quickly when cats are spotted stalking birds.
Prey drive is a natural feline instinct, but curbing hunting helps protect wildlife. Work with your cat to redirect its energy to appropriate toys and interactions.
Conclusion
If your cat catches a bird, stay calm and prioritize the bird’s safety. Quickly assess its condition and release unharmed birds immediately. Seek wildlife rehabilitator help for any significant injuries to give the bird its best chance of survival. Monitor for infection risks, and take ongoing steps to keep future incidents from occurring. With some preparation and vigilance, you can both enjoy your cat’s antics and protect local songbirds.