New cat bringing in birds - what do you do if they are injured? (Really sorry to have to ask)

[Silvercatowner]

I'm really really sorry - please don't read on if you are upset by this, but I've just killed a very injured bird - I have a feeling this won't be the last time. If anyone has any 'tips' for killing a bird as painlessly and 'gently' as possible please let me know.

(Please do be gentle..... I'm actually really upset, the cats have been with us for 6 weeks and outside for 4 - this is the first bird I've seen that they have caught. I know this is what cats do but even so....)

The best way is probably blunt force trauma to the skull. So whack with a brick or similar. It sounds brutal but is quick and humane. Cervical dislocation is humane only if done by a trained person.

Well done OP on being brave and putting the animal's potential to suffer above your own squeamishness.

In the longer term a bell on your cat's (quick release) collar should help.

Thank you for replying - I can do that. I do need to investigate collars - so far we've had no success in keeping them on.

You can buy humane despatchers ( look like a large pair of pliers) which are used to despatch injured game birds on shoots.

Yes collars can be tricky.

Unfortunately some cats have a strong hunting instinct. Blunting his claws with a nail clipper may also help (just trim the tips)

Boycat (Moonkitten, but only because he was one when we got him!) catches dopey pigeons. Often I find badly injured ones hopping about the garden. I really wish he'd finish them off and not leave them for me. It's horrible. He is double-belled but you'd never guess...

Thanks.

My vets are very good and put the occasional wounded bird to sleep with gas. They now wear 3 bells on their quick release collars and touch wood haven't had any casualties for a while.