Last night one if my rescue cats got ahold of Tangos leg(I rescue everything from aquatics to fur babies to feathered friends)... Rico is one of the newest rescues and he is naturally obssessed with my budgies and pigeons. Tango is alive but has an injury to her leg. It almost kind of looks like a tear. The bleeding stopped. I have unfortunately been ill for quite sometime and my pay has dropped drastically. I'm looking for any help and advice on what to do for Tango that does not include an avian vet. Not only do I not have the funds to take her in but there is only one avian vet I know of in my area and she's hard to get to see. Please any help is appreciated.

Both cat saliva and claws, even with a small injury that bleeds, can be deadly. Veterinary intervention promptly is the best treatment. Cat saliva in a small animal is serious. Good luck.

Of course the best course of action is to take your budgie to the avian vet asap. The chance of infection is high with cat saliva or claws. Did you at least wash the area with water right after it happened to flush it out? Sterile saline would have been the best for an immediate wash. At this point you can try it, but again.. nothing beats a vet visit since there is a real chance of infection after injury from a cat. If you’re able to borrow money, that would be great.

It’s a good idea, even necessary, for everyone to set up an emergency fund for your animals. All the more so because you do rescue, and you never know the health history of the animals.

I’m sure you’ve learned after this (albeit the hard way) to make extra sure from now on that your predatory and prey animals are securely separated.

If you haven’t already, please read the Stickies and Articles throughout the forum. There’s a ton of information on all aspects of budgie care, and how to keep them at their best.

Welcome to the forum . Please keep us updated on your budgie!

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As has bee been stated, cat bites can be deadly. There is a bacteria known as Pasteurella multocida that can be transmitted by the cat saliva and cause the bird to become septic if not treated. Call the avian vet and explain the issue and maybe you could at least get an antibiotic for the bird.

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Hi Shanna,

As mentioned, cat saliva is toxic to budgies as it contains dangerous bacteria and there is a real danger of infection that could take Tango's life.

If she had sustained the injury in a another manner, and nothing was broken or torn, we could advise you on how to help her feel better, but in this case you really must find a way to take her into the vet to give her the best possible chance to survive

I can imagine it's hard to take in so many animals, still care for yourself, and have enough money to do so, but you're going to have to find a way to take her in if you can. Talk to the vet, as mentioned above, they may have a payment plan or some other discount.

Best of luck with Tango.

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Unfortunately there are no vets in my area that do charity work. They want up front payment to even do an examination. I've never had a problem caring for my animals until my health started to go downhill and I always keep them seperated. This new cat snuck in. We had no idea he was inside the house. Her wound was cleaned after and she has been tending to it as well. She's acting almost like her normal self for now.

I hope that your budgie will recover.

It would be in your best interest to find a way to borrow the funds to have your budgie treated by a veterinarian who has experience in dealing with small birds.
I would suggest you contact local Animal Shelters. They often have a veterinarian on staff and may be able to offer assistance.
When a budgie has been attacked by a cat, the normal protocol is for antibiotics to be administered under the veterinarian's guidance.

If the wound becomes infected, there will be little that can be done to save the budgie.

What did you use to clean the wound?
Did you apply neosporin to the wound after cleaning it?

Avian First Aid

Cats and Dogs are Predators -- Birds are Prey

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Well I think Tango amd I got very very lucky... She's seems to be ok. She is even using her leg. I blame myself for her injury. I had screen up on their cage and just removed it and then this happens. Now I'm making sure everyone in the house watches the doors when coming or going

Yea for Tango! I'm glad she seems to be on the mend. It's not too late to put a little antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or a triple antibiotic on it just for good measure. Glad she's healing!

A great outcome of an accidental dangerous encounter. Cats and birds just don't mix and anyone with both in the same home always need to be aware. Happy for Tango....and you!