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My cat injured a bird. How to help an injured bird with no feathers?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat injured a Bird, i found it in my garage up top a shelf just sitting there . I placed water and birdseed right next to him and let him be. Any other advice ? Shall I put him in a box overnight so he feels safer ? Most of his feathers are gone on his body but all his Wing feathers are still there . Help

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on March 29th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about this little bird. Often cat attacks are fatal for birds, as there are some pretty bad bacteria in the mouths and claws of cats. If this little bird is still in your possession, I would recommend contacting a wildlife rehabber in your area to see if they would be able to treat it with antibiotics and then rehabilitate it while its feathers grow back. Without its feathers, it makes it very difficult for birds to keep warm, even in warmer climates. If some of the tail feathers are missing, it can make it difficult for them to fly appropriately as well. To find wildlife rehabilitators in your area, you can search the NWRA website or the California wildlife rehabilitators group as well. Additionally, you may be able to contact a veterinarian who is comfortable seeing birds as they may have contacts for wildlife rehabilitators in the area as well.
I hope this gives you a place to start, and thank you for caring about this wild bird!
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