Can a cat get sick from eating wild birds?

Question

A neighbor's cat is in the yard all the time --- stalking wild birds (mostly migrating sparrows) and squirrels -- every couple of days -- I find a lot of feathers in the yard -- was just wondering -- can a cat get sick from eating wild birds? thanks

Answer 1

The big problem with cats eating wild game is worms .

Answer 2

There have been one or two cases of avian flu transfering to a cat who ate a bird with the disease. But mostly the common thing is that eating birds will transfer worms from the bird to the cat.

Answer 3

Yes, cats can get sick from eating wild birds because the birds might be carrying some kind of disease which could be transmitted to cats. It must be remembered, too, that all cats have a stalking instinct.

Answer 4

Well this isnt a great answer but some wild birds are known to have salmonilla which will make a cat sick.

Answer 5

Yes... They can get really sick. Do you know who's cat it belong to? If it's friendly and you can pet it. The best way to handle this, is to buy a real cheap collar with bell on it. It may belong to someone who can care for the cat but can't afford other then food and litter. It'll will do some good from you. Other may not know but you know and that's important. The bell will scare the bird away when it try to sneak up to it. Bell on cat's collar has be around for years. To keep them from attacking wild creatures and not only that, it keep cat from getting sick or bringing it home making your children sick (your families)

Answer 6

Yes There is nothing natural about allowing an invasive non native predator slaughter native wild life. Keep your cat inside where it belongs

Answer 7

The bell on the collar is a great idea. I will buy my cat a collar so he wont be succesful in catching the birds. I do understand it is natural but I dont want him to get ill. Besides he has really yummy crunchy food to eat, I guess it is not as fun.

Answer 8

well it is nature. but yes there are some dieases birds can carry. most likely cats can get worms from birds. my cat has been catching mice and birds all of her 10 year life so far! shes still living strong and healthy. you need not to worry too much. :)

Answer 9

Yes. A GI blockage from undigested bones and cartilage is one possibility. They can also get worms or microorganisms from the animals they kill. Birds and mice are vectors for a number of diseases.
Mine caught tapeworm from fleas on mice she caught and had to be dosed with an anti-helminth.

Answer 10

possibly so. Depends if the birds have diseases. That's why cats should be kept indoors.