my cat gave my canary a bald spot - will it grow back?

[concerto702]

I have a six month old make canary. we have had him in the house for about two weeks and my cat decided to attack him last night. he is ok, just a little dazed (he never got out of the cage), but he has a huge bald sopt on the top of his head, and only one tail feather left. i know feathers grow back from molting, but will they grow back from this? I guess i am just looking for peace of mind. Thanks!

[mmr]

QUOTE:
"All may not be rosy, however, when an owner decides to mix cats and birds. An important consideration is that the cat MUST never be allowed to scratch or bite at a bird. Cats (and dogs) carry a small, gram-negative organism in their saliva called Pasteurella Multicocida. This bacteria causes osteoarthritis, which leads to septicemia and death, if introduced into a bird by a bite or a scratch.

If a bird is bitten, it has an 8-12 hour window before osteoarthritis occurs. This condition, which also affects older humans, causes swelling and damage to the joints, and the birds become paralyzed. If this is left untreated, septicemia, or blood poisoning, occurs which results in death. The best way to treat a cat bite is with tetracycline derivative such as docicycline or vibramycin."


I got this from this website:
Winged Wisdom Magazine. Of Purrs and Birds Cats and Pet Birds

Cat saliva and scratches are deadly to birds!

[mmr]

I would call the vet.

[catschair]

I would also be concerned that the bird may be hurt or in shock and only a professional would be able to tell. I also am worried that your cat may try again. I have had cats and birds for years, but some cats are natural hunters and it may be quite difficult to convince them that your pet is not the coolest toy (or yummiest meal) they have ever seen; since the bird has had a bad experience, he will be nervous around the cat. I would keep them in separate rooms whenever they are not being closely supervised. Hope your baby is feeling better (and yes, I think the feathers will grow back)!

[B CAMP]

Cats and birds don't mix can't be left alone. Cats by instinct eat birds and have for all time this is not something new. You can have both but never together.
We put birds into cages so they can't fly away so we have to keep cats from eating our birds

[mmr]

Originally Posted by B CAMP

Cats and birds don't mix can't be left alone. Cats by instinct eat birds and have for all time this is not something new. You can have both but never together.

My problem is reverse. My US Ellie chases and stalks my cats around the house. I can't take my eye off her for one minute. Now that she knows that cats are Terrified of her it is a fun game to her. Pretty funny watching a Cockatoo (wings out, crest up, beak wide open) running after a cat and then the human running behind her (U2) trying to save the cat!

[christie99]

I'm sorry, but that just puts the funniest picture in my head!!

[Zeina]

I think the canary needs a vet as soon as possible..Canaries don't handle shock very well they are very fragile! Especially after a cat attack like that!!

[mmr]

Originally Posted by christie99

I'm sorry, but that just puts the funniest picture in my head!!

You should see her do it! Her little crest is up, wings are out and beak open RUNNING. I have been working with her so now when I say no she listens about 3/4 time. She even will walk real slow and peak around the corners trying to catch them for a good. bite. I can never take an eye off her!

[macawlover]

Originally Posted by mmr

You should see her do it! Her little crest is up, wings are out and beak open RUNNING. I have been working with her so now when I say no she listens about 3/4 time. She even will walk real slow and peak around the corners trying to catch them for a good. bite. I can never take an eye off her!

LMAO that is too funny!!! You need a video of that!!

I'm sure the feathers will grow back really soon. The only issue right now is his health. How is he doing?