Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 9/23/2006

Question
My 3 yr old parkeet got attack by a cat on wednesday and I took him to see a doctor. She put him on antib. for infection but he is still isn't back to his self. He was very active before; now he isn't doing anything.

Can you tell me if he will come around again soon or should i be worried his emotional well being is scared by the attack? What can I do to help him?

Answer
Hi, Martha.  Thanks for posting!

I'm assuming your keet was injured by the cat since the bird vet put him on antibiotics.

This was a very tramatic incident for your keet, not to mention the fact that he might not yet be heeled from any injuries.  He may have been in shock, which takes time to recover from.  Give your keet some more time to heel...Wednesday wasn't that long ago!  It may take a couple weeks or longer for your keet to get back to his normal self.  If the cat is still in the home, he may always fear the cat and not be the same again.  Keep your keet warm and quiet until he heels more and definitely keep the cat away from him!  Ensure your keet is eating and drinking so that he can get better.  

You'll need to figure out how to keep the cat away from your keet.  You might have to keep the bird in a separate room where the cat can't access...the cat got the bird once and s/he'll try again.  They are natural enemies.

I can't tell you if your keet will come around soon because I don't know the extent of his injuries, but if he's still alive from Wednesday, and the vet didn't keep him, I'm assuming it will just take some more time.  If you can provide more details, I might be able to help further.

Chrys