Cat Attacks

​Free-roaming cats are a danger to wildlife (see Cats & Wildlife). Cats kill millions of birds and other small animals each year. Many victims succumb to severe wounds, stress from being caught by a cat, or blood poisoning. Victims that survive the initial attack are still in danger; unless treated infections from the toxic bacteria found in a cat's mouth kill many animals who have been caught, sometimes even days later. 

​The sharp teeth or claws of a cat can easily puncture an organ of a small animal without necessarily leaving much of a visible injury. Which is why:

Any small animal that has been attacked by a cat or has been in a cat's mouth should be treated ASAP, EVEN IF THERE ARE NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF INJURY.
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Cats are lovely animals, but remember that America's native wildlife was here long before humans introduced cats. Give native wildlife your respect and consideration if you own a cat.

I found this webpage that has great examples of cat outdoor play areas that keep wildlife safe at the same time: Gibsons Wildlife Rehab Center: Outdoor cat play area.

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Wild Things Sanctuary
P.O. Box 713, Ithaca, NY 14851
(607) 200 4100 
wildthingssanctuary@gmail.com