Question
Cat caught a field mou
I have 3 cats who are quite fond of catching field mice. I've managed to rescue one of the mice but have a few concerns. The mouse is very small, about 1.5 inches long (from nose to hind, not including the tail)so I'm guessing it's quite young, but has all it's fur, so it's not newborn. The mouse won't open it's eyes. It's not running into anything but I attribute that to smell and whiskers. It also walks rather oddly...much like a wind up toy. I'm not sure if those are all attributes of a young mouse or if this one has been injured from one of my cats. I'd hate to think it's suffering. Also the mouse shakes quite a bit, but not constantly. I'm not sure if that's because it's scared or if that's a sign of injury. It is eating and seems to be drinking the water, too. My intention is to keep him in the box for a bit so he can rest before I release him back into the field. However, if he's blind, that seems even more cruel and I might decide to keep him as a pet. What is your advice, please?
AnswerHi Laura,
It doesn't sound like he got away entirely unscathed; can you spot any injuries on him? It may be that he was sick to begin with, and that made him an easy target, or he could still be young (it's tough to say from the photo). If you still have him, try placing him somewhere with ambient warmth (shoot for 75ish, don't go above 80 or so degrees Fahrenheit). Feed him lots of protein and keep him well hydrated - baby food, scrambled eggs made with kitten milk replacement instead of cow's milk, and dry cat food are all excellent choices, and soaking the bread in water (preferably stale) can make sure he gets enough moisture. An appetite is an excellent sign! I wouldn't release him until he stops shaking and starts walking/running like a normal, healthy mouse, but in the meantime it might be worthwhile to bring him by a vet, wildlife rehabilitation (that works with rodents - larger animal specialists won't be able to help you), or any rescues that work with pocket pets. He could really benefit from someone taking a physical look at him and making sure there isn't a bigger issue making him wobbly and blind.
The eyes being shut could be a result of age, in which case they should open pretty soon (they usually open a matter of days after the fur comes in), or injuries to the eyes, irritation, illness, or even just living in a dirty environment. Does he have any goo or tear like gunk coming out of them? Are they red, irritated, or swollen - or just shut like they have a seam down the middle? Don't try to open them - the only way they'll open up is if the eye tissue is ready for it, so this is another question that's best for a vet, or any specialist that can get an in-person view.
Let me know if you have any new questions, details, or developments, and I'll see if I can help out a little bit more.
Best of luck!
-Tam
Pregnant Mouse
QuestionMouse
QUESTION: About 20 days ago I came
Recently captured wild mice
Question
Mousie
Hi Tamarah,
special food for sick mice
QuestionQUESTION: Hi Natasha!
I have been reading your
mama mouse eating babies
QuestionRikas New Babies 7 ho
QUESTION: Dear Nat
Mouse is Miserable
QuestionNeck
Wound
QUESTION: Hello again,
