A cat caught bird

The most regularly seen bird injuries at wildlife rescues are those caused by the household cat. Around 80% of the bird casualties that are brought to us are cat attack victims. Any bird that has been 'catted' needs to be taken to a wildlife rescue as quickly as possible, so that it can receive antibiotic treatment.

Cat bites should be considered extremely dangerous to both birds and mammals, because of the potentially fatal bacteria they carry in their saliva. A cat's tooth will inject this bacteria deep into the skin of the animal, which is a perfect breeding ground for infection to develop.

Therefore, in a very short period of time if left untreated, this bacteria will cause Pasteurella Septicemia, which is a very serious infection in the bloodstream of the animal or bird. Scratches from the cat's claws are also extremely dangerous as the risk of infection is again very high.

So if the wildlife casualty has been brought in by your cat, please take it as quickly as possible to your nearest wildlife rescue, where appropriate antibiotics can be administered. Although the bird, or little mouse, your cat has just caught may appear bright and alert with no visible injuries, PLEASE DON'T release it back into the wild. This 'catted' casualty will most likely die later due to preventable infection. If the injured bird is just a baby, please follow our emergency care for baby birds link.