…I found a baby bird attacked by a cat / my cat brought home a baby bird

If the bird has had known or strongly suspected contact with a cat (e.g. was found right next to a cat, or found inside the house after a pet cat has returned from outside), the baby needs help. Cats have a high level of bacteria in their teeth and claws that is often fatal to birds—even when no injury is apparent, the bird will often succumb to infection from minor puncture wounds within 72 hours. Birds have extremely thin skin and almost never escape from an encounter with a cat unscathed. Any bird that has had contact with a cat requires medical attention.

Sadly, this type of injury—one of the most serious problems for baby wildlife—is wholly unnecessary and in most cases preventable. Since outdoor cats are not a natural predator in North America, wild birds have evolved few defenses against them. In addition, the outdoors presents a host of dangers to cats as well. Outdoor cats, with love and attention, can be converted to happy indoor cats, keeping both our beloved pets and wildlife safe. For more information on cats indoors, see the American Bird Conservancy Website