Are cat attacks common ? If so, why?
By far the most common and most severe injuries Le Nichoir sees in its patients are from cat attacks. Recent estimates put the number of wild birds killed by cats in Canada at 100 million to 350 million annually.
Domestic and feral cats aren’t part of nature and aren’t natural predators of wild birds. Most birds attacked by cats result in death.
Cats are not native to North America, and only spread and became common in many areas in the last two hundred years. That isn’t enough time for native species to evolve defenses against their hunting strategy.
Cats have many advantages over wild birds: they have a safe home to sleep in, they have access to a veterinarian if they are injured or sick, and they are provided with food no matter how successful their hunting is. Even feral cats are usually fed and taken to the vet when they’re sick. This means that they can exist at much higher concentrations than any natural predator ever would, putting even more pressure on bird populations.
I found a wild bird that was attacked by a cat. What should I do?
Cats carry a lot of bacteria (especially pasteurella) in their mouths, and even a tiny puncture, often not visible, from a cat scratch or bite can cause a serious infection that can kill a bird. Cats often squeeze birds, also causing internal injuries and torn air sacs (similar to lungs).
Even wild birds that look “fine” after having contact with a cat should be brought to Le Nichoir for immediate administration of antibiotics, as well as treatment of wounds and fractures. It is their best chance at survival.
I found a wild bird attacked by a dog. What should I do?
If a wild bird is attacked by a dog, the immediate steps are to secure the wild bird in a safe place and contact Le Nichoir 450-458-2809 for assistance.
Remove the wild bird away from the dog, and place it in a cardboard box with a lid or cover, keeping it cool and calm. In most cases, a wild bird that is attacked by a dog will require a medical examination to ensure the bird does not have any external or internal injuries.
There is a fledgling wild bird on the ground and I am worried it will get eaten by cats. What should I do?
You’re right to be concerned. Fledgling birds are vulnerable, especially in areas with cats, but seeing a fledgling on the ground isn’t always a reason to intervene. The parents are almost certainly nearby, feeding and watching it , even if you can’t see them. Fledglings spend a few days to weeks on the ground learning to fly. The parents will protect their young to the best of their ability.
If there are cats nearby try to keep them indoors or ask neighbors to do so temporarily. If you see a cat approaching a wild bird make sure to scare it. You can pick up the fledgling and place it on a branch or shrub within a few feet of where you found it. Placing the fledgling too far can risk the bird being abandoned by its parents. Remember that cats are not natural predators and it is not normal for them to be in the wild. Fledglings have not evolved to protect themselves from this invasive predator.