Chick attacked by kitten

[TweetyNPetey]

Hi,
I brought home 6 baby chicks the other day, and my kitten was fine with them the first 2 days, but this morning I woke up when a chick started shrieking. I had to chase the cat around the house until he dropped the chick on the floor and ran off. The chick is back in the brooder, drinking water, but his breathing is pretty fast and his legs appear to be injured, because he can't stand. He struggles to get up, but settles back down. He's sleeping now. Any advice?

 

[WalnutHill]

He may be simply panicked and stressed. As long as he is SAFE, warm, and dry, time will tell if he is too badly injured internally to survive.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Monitor and treat for shock - and cat-proof/escape-proof your brooder. Chicks are natural prey for cats.

 

[TweetyNPetey]

Just checked him over and discovered a bite mark and some blood on his down. Will clean it and isolate him from the others so they don't start pecking at him.

 

[Nambroth]

Keep a close eye on your chick. I know it's not feasible for most people for a chick, but if it's a loved pet you might want to consider getting it on an antibiotics course immediately. The bacteria in cat saliva can cause a fatal infection in birds that small.

More info:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/831830/chicken-health-info-for-those-that-experience-cat-attacks

 

[TweetyNPetey]

The little guy passed away a few hours ago. Cat bite went pretty far into his side, behind his wing.

Other chicks are getting along fine. I'll be sure to cat-proof the brooder.

 

[Allisha]

I'm sorry to hear the news..
Even if the cat had left a tiny wound on the chick, the chances of it surviving are basically zero because of the bacteria in the cat's saliva. He may have survived if the injury was caused by something else.