Dove attacked by outdoor cat

By Joanna Fitzgerald | Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital

A common ground dove was among the 101 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week.

The common ground dove was injured after being attacked by an outdoor cat. When admitted, the ground dove showed signs of stress including increased respiration and heart rate. The dove had a puncture wound near its right eye and a scab under its right wing.

Cats have numerous bacteria in their saliva that can cause severe infections that can prove fatal; cat attack patients must always receive a course of antibiotics. Along with a broad-spectrum antibiotic, the common ground dove required pain medication and an antibiotic eye drop. A diagnostic test showed the dove had internal parasites that required treatment as well.

“Please do not allow cats to roam outdoors.”

The dove responded well to its treatment plan yet needed supplemental feedings for several days before beginning to eat on its own. The dove continues to recover in the bird room at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.

Injuries to wildlife caused by cat attacks are preventable. Please do not allow cats to roam outdoors. Even well-fed cats have the instinct to hunt. Keeping your cat indoors ensures your beloved pet stays safe and keeps wildlife safe as well.

Recent Releases

A black racer, a black and white warbler, three mourning doves, four eastern cottontails, three Florida softshell turtles, four northern mockingbirds, nine chimney swifts, a marsh rabbit, a great blue heron, a blue jay, an eastern screech owl and a double-crested cormorant were released this past week.

Opportunities to Help

Please visit the Conservancy website at www.conservancy.org to view all of the amazing volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Your volunteer time, as well as memberships and donations, are vital in helping us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.