Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > having trouble walking

having trouble walking

22 10:21:06

Question
My outdoor cat tends to play with some of the animals that live in the wild. I ran outside just in time to see my cat going after a little rabbit.
I picked it up and brought it to an open spot in my yard to let it go. When I set it down in the grass it tried to get away but it's back legs wouldn't hold him up.
I brought it inside my house, put grass in a shoe box with lettice and carrots because I didn't want to leave it outside when it seemed hurt.
Right now it's awake and it's fur is a bit cold. We set the box under a light hoping to warm it up a bit.
It's only been a couple of hours but it still can't walk. There doesn't appear to be any cuts on it's back legs.
Im really worried about it. Should I bring it to a vet? Or just let it rest for awhile and see how he's doing later on?
Any help would be great!
Thank you
-Sherri

Answer
Dear Sherri,

It's possible that your cat injured the bunny so badly that it cannot walk.  For a traumatic injury to have the best chance of healing, very prompt veterinary attention is a must, and you can find a rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

If there are any bites or scratches, then the bunny should get fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., Baytril), as cat mouths are rotten with potentially deadly Pasteurella and other bacteria.

I hope the bunny will be okay. But this is why many vets and other experts advocate not having outdoor cats. Not only is indoor life safer for the cat, it is definitely safer for the local native wildlife.

I hope this helps.  Thank you for caring for the little injured bunny.

Dana