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My outdoor cat eats birds/rats & vomits. Is he getting sick?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 20 lbs

My cat goes outside and kills animals such as birds and rats, I'm worried if he gets any diseases or sicknesses from them since he throws up more every other day since my mom has seen him eat rats.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2017

Yes, you are correct that Finnegan can get sick from rats and birds. Cats can get tapeworms and leptospirosis from eating rats, and can get salmonella from eating birds. It's not normal for a cat to vomit so frequently, so I would have him seen by a vet for a health check about that. Since he's allowed outside, it would be impossible to keep him from eating rats and birds unless you find a way to keep him confined to the yard. You can build a cat sanctuary where he can play and lounge outside, but it will keep him from hunting. Your other choice is to keep him indoors all the time. I hope this helps!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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