January 19, 2021
Cat bites
Is a cats bite always a death sentence
Question:
Answer:
Hi Louise,
When a cat bites or scratches a bird, it should always be treated as a serious injury, regardless of how minor the wound seems to be. Cats have bacteria in their mouths and claws that is deadly for birds. The wound should be thoroughly flushed with sterile water or saline, and the bird rushed to an Avian Vet or an emergency clinic. The Vet will usually start the bird on antibiotics right away. The Vet may swab the wound and send a sample to the lab. This is not a situation where you wait and see how the bird is the next day before you decide to take him to a Vet. Treatment needs to begin as soon as possible. If given the correct treatment and antibiotics in time, the bird should recover fully.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
