Help!! Cat Almost Killed Bird!

[Griffin Nest]

Today I heard a horrible scream coming from outside, and I noticed my cat hovering over a bird! It's not a pet, it's a wild bird. I'm only used to button quail (I have 3) I took it in and it has a big gash under it's left wing. I took out my brooder, put pine shavings, a little box, the water dish I use for when I have baby quail, and finch feed which i already have. what do i do?! will it live? It was perching on my finger, but barely. it seems that its left foot is totally messed up.

 

[jjthink]

You are good -hearted to want to help this poor bird.

Likely the best chance for this bird is if you can get it to a wildlife rehab place. At minimum it will have to be started on the right antibiotic pronto. Bacteria from cat's saliva will kill the bird otherwise. I hope you have such a facility near you. If not, you can call such facilities and see if they will help you over the phone. There are many of them - you can google? Otherwise, an avian vet if you're able. Have to head to work now but wishing you and this little bird well.
JJ

 

[teach1rusl]

Honestly, I'd probably keep it in a pen w/food and water, clean the wound as best you can, and it'd either heal up or not. Whatever meds you use on your quail would probably work on the bird if they work at all. I'd try to find what kind of bird it is so you'd know more about its diet. Good luck w/the birdie!!

 

[Nambroth]

Quote:
I want to second this. If the cat scratched or bit the bird at all (which from the sound of the wound it seems like), it needs to be put on antibiotics right away or it will likely suffer from a fast and furious infection from the cat's natural bacteria. Birds are not fragile as we think and can overcome major wounds-- if they can fight off the infection. Cats carry a natural flora of bacteria under their claws and in their saliva that can kill a bird quickly.

Depending on the species it may not eat seed at all. Many wild birds are insectivores. Your best bet is if you can find someone that is a licensed rehabber if possible. Best wishes!

 

[ByeByeBlackBird]

You will do better to save this bird by bringing it to a local Audubon society. no question.

 

[Griffin Nest]

thanks guys! i have neosporin that I use for my button quail. my cat has attacked my quail before and with the neosporin it lived.

 

[animalpro24]

Sorry but you should have just let your cat eat it. It's part of life. And sorry I don't have any advice on this, no clue.

Good luck though

 

[Griffin Nest]

yeah, i know. i just felt like helping it. and my cat wont eat it, he just plays with it until it dies

 

[animalpro24]

Quote:
I know how you feel. Me and my friend when we were younger saved a mouse from one of my cats. We let it rest then went to set it free but it wasn't where we had put it.

It can be annoying sometimes when your cat gets a mouse or something and he will just play with it, I'm like just kill it already!!!!

Again, good luck!!

 

[jjthink]

How goes it? The wildlife rehab places give oral or injectible antibiotic - I don't think topical neosporin alone usually does the trick because the problem is that the especially potent bacteria from the cat's saliva gets into the bird's (or mouse or whatever) bloodstream.

Sorry but you should have just let your cat eat it. It's part of life.

Unfortunately, we have messed with ecology big time by unleashing bazillions of cats out there, many of whom just torture a bird or other being till it dies. It may be life but it isn't a natural situation by any stretch. Songbird populations are being decimated in part because things are so out of balance with so many cats. I adore cats beyond words (have them, rescue them..) but do not abide by them maiming/killing/torturing, especially when it isn't for survival. Of course, the only way we'll really get a handle on this problem is by much more massive cat spay/neuter and by keeping our own pets inside at least during crucial times such as when baby birds are fledging right and left.

JJ​