In this brief discussion, we’ll answer the question, “Do cats eat birds or just kill them?” We will also discuss if it is safe for cats to eat birds, the possible risks of eating birds and how can you stop your cat from killing and eating birds.
Do cats eat birds or just kill them?
Yes, cats do eat birds after killing them. Cats are obligate carnivores and enjoy hunting for meat in order to survive. Cats enjoy hunting birds as well as eating them. However, some cats only kill the bird but refrain from eating it.
What your cat does after killing the bird depends on many factors. If the bird is small, your cat may eat it afterwards. On the other hand, if the bird is large, your cat may only hunt it and play with it since larger prey is difficult to catch.
Is it safe for my cat to eat birds?
Yes, it is safe for cats to eat birds but this habit may have dangerous consequences in the longer run. Killing and eating a bird once in a while is fine but frequent consumption of raw bird meat can put your cat’s health at risk.
Therefore, you should take appropriate measures to prevent this from becoming a habit. You can help by providing an adequate and nutritious diet to your cat so it doesn’t feel the need to eat the bird after killing it.
What are the possible health risks if my cat eats a bird after killing it?
Eating raw meat has its consequences. Some of the possible health risks of eating dead birds are given below:
It can cause Indigestion in cats
Cats can suffer from indigestion if they are not frequent bird hunters. Birds not only contain raw meat but also bones and feathers. Such substances can cause serious health issues in cats if they consume them.
Raw meat, bones and feathers may be difficult to digest and can clog your cat’s intestines leading to various other health issues including, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation. If your house cat shows any symptoms of an upset stomach after eating a dead bird, contact a vet as soon as possible.
Cats can suffer from food poisoning
Your cat can develop food poisoning if it eats an already dead, injured or diseased bird. When your cat hunts a bird, there is no way to find out if the bird is healthy or free from diseases.
The bird in question may also contain harmful bacteria that can cause many health issues including food poisoning. The symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhoea and weakness. If you notice any of the mentioned symptoms, take your cat to the vet.
Cats can get parasites
Cats can get parasites from the bird they ate. The bird may contain parasites that can be transferred to your cat when it eats it. This can transmit various diseases in cats and put their health at serious risk.
Birds can also be infected and pass on the infection to cats when they eat it. Salmonellosis is one of the serious concerns that arise when cats eat birds. The symptoms of salmonellosis include vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, fever and lethargy.
How can I stop my cat from killing and eating birds?
You can stop your cat from killing and eating birds by following the given steps:
- Make sure that your cat is well-fed and getting a nutritious diet so that it doesn’t feel the need to fulfil its nutrition requirement by killing and eating birds.
- Get a toy bird and make your cat play with it to satisfy its hunting instinct. This way your cat won’t feel the need to chase an actual bird.
- Keep your cat indoors and engage it in playful activities. This will keep your cat satisfied and prevent it from killing and eating birds.
- If you take your cat outside for a walk, put it on a leash so it is easier for you to control your cat if a bird catches its attention.
Conclusion:
We answered the question, “Do cats eat birds or just kill them?” We also talked about if it is safe for cats to eat birds, the possible risks of eating birds and how can you stop your cat from killing and eating birds.
References:
https://askmycats.com/do-cats-eat-birds/
https://www.untamedcatfood.com/blogs/nutrition/do-cats-eat-birds
