WCNC admitted a fledgling California Scrub Jay from Tillamook after it was caught by an outdoor cat. On exam, staff found the bird had sustained a fracture of the tibiotarsus (lower leg). Fortunately, the fracture was pretty well aligned. Using short pieces of a coffee stirrer, staff was able to splint the leg to immobilize the fracture while it healed. The bird was given antibiotics for the cat bite, pain medication, and calcium supplementation to support bone healing. In the meantime, the fledgling began consistently eating on its own (instead of just opening its mouth, waiting to be fed by its parents) and practiced flying around its cage. After several weeks, the fracture had healed, and the jay was moved to an outdoor enclosure for flight conditioning. It was then released back to Tillamook to live its wild life!

Outdoor cats are one of the biggest causes of wildlife rehab admissions, and are the #2 cause of human-related wild bird mortality, just behind habitat loss. Every year, we admit dozens of birds and mammals that have been attacked by cats. Sometimes these injuries can be treated, but we have to get them into care as quickly as possible for the best chance of survival. Cat bites can cause bacterial infections that can kill a bird within 24 hours. If you find an animal that has been attacked by a cat, please call WCNC as soon as possible – time is of the essence!