Cats are a very popular pet, and rightly so, they have amazing personalities and bring energy and intrigue to the houses they inhabit. In the UK we are definitely a nation of cat lovers, the PDSA 2022 Animal wellbeing (PAW) report found that 24% of the UK adult population own a cat, and that there are approximately 11.1 million pet cats in the UK. That’s a lot of cats! 

Being obligate carnivores and natural predators, our feline friends are hardwired to hunt. And with 70% of those 11.1 million pet cats having access to outdoor environments, it is no surprise when owners frequently find a small furry animal or bird in their home. 

Table of contents

My cat has caught a wild animal, will it be ok? 

When a cat catches a wild animal they often use a combination of their claws and teeth to catch it. This sharp equipment is capable of doing a lot of damage. It is not uncommon for wild animals to experience severe bruising, puncture wounds to the body and broken bones from being caught by a cat. In addition to the injuries, cats carry a lot of bacteria in their mouths which can quickly lead to a severe infection resulting in sepsis and death if untreated. 

My cat has dropped the wild animal – can I just release it back in the garden? 

No, sadly not. For the reasons described above it is very important that wild animals are assessed by a veterinary surgeon after being attacked by a cat. They often have injuries and require pain relief, and antibiotic treatment in case of infection. If these animals are released without assessment there is a high likelihood they will suffer and not survive. These animals should be taken to a local wildlife rescue or veterinary surgeon as soon as possible without delay to have the best chance of the animal surviving. 

Details of your local wildlife rescue can be found here.

How do I transport a wild animal? 

Wild animals are incredibly fearful of humans and get stressed very quickly. It is important to try and keep the stress levels of these animals as low as possible. Remember they are likely in a lot of pain having been attacked by a cat. 

A small cardboard box with air holes in the lid lined with a tea towel or similar is usually sufficient to transfer a small wild animal to the local wildlife rescue or veterinary surgery. It is important the box has a lid so the animal cannot escape. And that air holes are provided in the box to allow ventilation. 

Avoid handling the animal as much as possible. Handling of wildlife is very stressful event for them and excess stress can result in sudden death in some wild animals. Other factors causing distress to wild animals include noise, heat and the smell of other animals. Wildlife can overheat quickly, allowing ventilation by opening windows and keeping the animal out of direct sunlight can help maintain a normal ambient temperature. 

It is important to keep the noise level in the surrounding environment low whilst transporting wildlife. This can be achieved by avoiding loud conversations, turning off the radio and not playing music. As prey animals, most wildlife are sensitive to the smell and sound of other animals. Always keep wildlife away from pets to avoid causing unnecessary stress. 

Summary: 

  • Cats can cause serious harm and injury to wildlife 
  • Always take wild animals caught by a cat to a veterinary surgeon or wildlife rescue as soon as possible 
  • It is important to transport injured wildlife safely to avoid unnecessary stress and suffering

Further Reading: