09/09/2026
Remember Our lil bunny friend who needed a ride the other day, well unfortunately it passed away early this morning. WHY??? Because it had been caught by a cat, not once, but twice. Cat saliva is highly toxic to wildlife and sometimes even with antibiotics ASAP, they don't survive. Cats are not meant to be outside, they're not wild animals, they hunt and kill for fun, NOT survival!!! Rehabbers get way too many cat caught wildlife cases and this could be 100% avoided!!!!
pasteurella from cat bite in wildlife Cat bites frequently transmit Pasteurella multocida bacteria into wildlife, causing rapid, severe, and often fatal infections in animals like birds and small mammals. [1] (https://vetmed.illinois.edu/vetmed-wildlife-blog/cuddly-predators-the-dangers-that-cats-inflict-on-wildlife/), [2] (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7376178/), [3] (https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-pasteurella)The Danger to WildlifeCarriers: Up to 90% of healthy cats carry Pasteurella bacteria in their mouths and saliva. It does not make the cat sick, but it is dangerous to other animals. [1] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BpjWhTKqiw&t=281), [2] (https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-pasteurella)Quick Action: Sharp cat teeth push the bacteria deep under the skin of wild animals. [1] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11yvSO9Ywwk)High Mortality: Studies show that many small animals and birds rescued after a cat attack die from Pasteurella infection rather than the physical bite itself. For example, about 60% of rescued birds that survive a cat's initial bite still die from this bacteria. [1] (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7376178/)Common Symptoms in Infected AnimalsSevere swelling and pus (abscesses) around the bite areaTrouble breathing (respiratory distress)Blood poisoning (septicemia)Rapid death, sometimes within 24 hours of infection [1] (https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/resource/pasteurella), [2] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BpjWhTKqiw&t=281), [3] (https://vetmed.illinois.edu/vetmed-wildlife-blog/cuddly-predators-the-dangers-that-cats-inflict-on-wildlife/), [4] (https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-pasteurella)You can learn more about these risks through the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab or read animal care details from Veterinary Medicine at Illinois. [1] (https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/resource/pasteurella), [2] (https://vetmed.illinois.edu/vetmed-wildlife-blog/that-bites/)If you are dealing with a rescued wild animal that a cat bit, tell me:What type of animal is it?When did the bite happen?I can share what first-aid steps or professional help are needed right now.University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignCuddly Predators: The Dangers that Cats Inflict on Wildlife - Veterinary Medicine at IllinoisJul 15, 2025 — Symptoms of Pasteurella multocida include: * Respiratory distress * Hemorrhage * Septicemia * Death Cats can also: * Tear skin * Introduce bacteria to woundsWebMDWhat to Know About Pasteurella - WebMDNov 1, 2022 — Hemorrhagic septicemia. This disease causes internal bleeding and leads to death within 24 hours of the start of symptoms.Cornell Wildlife Health LabPasteurella | Cornell Wildlife Health LabThese diseases include: * **Hemorrhagic septicemia** A common disease in deer, cattle, bison, buffalo, and antelope. Clinical signs of Pasteurella multocida inc...National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov)[Pasteurella multocida infections in birds following cat bites (author's transl)] - PubMedMortality rates in shelters have been reported to be: * 30% * 90% * 99% * 100% Of the birds rescued alive from the mouths of cats, approximately: * 40% died fro...University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignThat Bites! - Veterinary Medicine at IllinoisFeb 17, 2025 — At the Wildlife Medical Clinic, bite wounds are treated with: * Antibiotics * Pain medication * Fluids * Monitoring for signs of infectionYouTube·TheRubinLab2mPasteurellaceae (Part 2) - Veterinary Bacteriology and MycologyYouTube·Maurice Zwart7:10Pasteurella multocida: The Culprit Behind Rapid Cat Bite Cellulitis This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
