I managed to rescue a fledgling from my cat and,having followed the web advice to "leave fledgling birds alone", placed it back underneath its nest. Unfortunately despite my attempts at vigilance the cat did get it. I've just found another one hopping around under the nest and have locked the cat away for a bit but that's not a longterm solution. What can I do? I think the cat probably damaged the first birds foot in its initial encounter but it doesn't seem as if there is anywhere small injured birds can be taken??.
Treelover
["avemaria"]
[Tree lover
I have rescued a fledgling my self recently due to next door cutting down their trees So I found a tree very close to where the bird was found as next doors cat had attacked him] I places him in a plastic box and fixed this to a tree. Mum and dad found him and are caring for him. this may help in your situation.
Hi aviemaria and welcome to the RSPB Forum. Enjoy your stay with us
I am sorry to hear all about the fledgling having a run in with your cat.
As it is your cat, try to continue to keep it indoors until the fledglings are well out of the way before cat has the run of the garden area once more. I would advise you do that until the birds have moved on.
It will be hard to teach a cat to leave birds alone as that is in their instincts to hunt prey. You will just have to be vigilant, and watch the cat until it gets the message that birds are a no no.
No short cuts here sadly - it is taking on board the birds interests first in this case,
Regards
Kathy and Dave
avemaria said: I managed to rescue a fledgling from my cat and,having followed the web advice to "leave fledgling birds alone", placed it back underneath its nest. Unfortunately despite my attempts at vigilance the cat did get it. I've just found another one hopping around under the nest and have locked the cat away for a bit but that's not a longterm solution. What can I do? I think the cat probably damaged the first birds foot in its initial encounter but it doesn't seem as if there is anywhere small injured birds can be taken??.