Cat attacks are one of the most common causes of bat casualties.
Bats do have other natural predators (such as birds of prey) but cats, particularly, will learn the location of the bat roost and catch bats as they emerge.
If a bat has been caught by a cat it will almost certainly be injured. Even if you cannot see any obvious injuries there is a great risk of internal infection from the cat's saliva.
Any bats caught by cats will need the experienced help of a bat carer.
Please follow this link for instructions on how to contain the bat
Basic bat care
Any bat that is found on the ground, or in an exposed area, especially during the day, is likely to need help.
Any bat that is found on the ground, or in an exposed area, especially during the day, is likely to need help.
How can I help?
If the bat is on the ground, on an outside wall, or in an exposed area where it may be vulnerable, it should be contained in a box (see the instructions below).
You should avoid handling the bat, but if it is necessary WEAR GLOVES due to the small risk of a type of rabies.
Containing a bat
You will need:
A shoe box, with holes punched in the lid (or container of equivalent size)
A cloth or teatowel
A plastic bottle cap (milk bottle tops are perfect)
How to contain the bat:
1. Contain the bat:
a) Like a spider, by placing a box on top of it and sliding a piece of card underneath.
b) Alternatively, cover the bat with a cloth/teatowel and carefully scoop it up and place it in the box. (You should not handle the bat with bare hands.)
2. Put a tea towel or soft cloth in the box for the bat to hide in.
3. Put in a small, shallow container e.g. a plastic milk bottle top with a few drops of water (not enough for the bat to drown in). Make sure the water is topped up regularly.
4. Keep the bat indoors somewhere quiet and dark
5. Most importantly, call the Bat Helpline on 0345 1300 228 for further advice.
Only a bat that has been confirmed as fit and healthy by a bat rehabilitator should be released, and never during the day.
Please don't assume the bat is healthy and leave it outside to fly away.
During the summer months, it is also possible to sometimes find a baby bat that has either been orphaned or lost its way from a roost. If you find a baby bat this should be treated as urgent in terms of seeking advice as a baby is extremely vulnerable and will need special care. If you're not sure if you've found baby bat, please check our baby bat guide.
If the bat is on the ground, on an outside wall, or in an exposed area where it may be vulnerable, it should be contained in a box (see the instructions below).
You should avoid handling the bat, but if it is necessary WEAR GLOVES due to the small risk of a type of rabies.
Containing a bat
You will need:
A shoe box, with holes punched in the lid (or container of equivalent size)
A cloth or teatowel
A plastic bottle cap (milk bottle tops are perfect)
How to contain the bat:
1. Contain the bat:
a) Like a spider, by placing a box on top of it and sliding a piece of card underneath.
b) Alternatively, cover the bat with a cloth/teatowel and carefully scoop it up and place it in the box. (You should not handle the bat with bare hands.)
2. Put a tea towel or soft cloth in the box for the bat to hide in.
3. Put in a small, shallow container e.g. a plastic milk bottle top with a few drops of water (not enough for the bat to drown in). Make sure the water is topped up regularly.
4. Keep the bat indoors somewhere quiet and dark
5. Most importantly, call the Bat Helpline on 0345 1300 228 for further advice.
Only a bat that has been confirmed as fit and healthy by a bat rehabilitator should be released, and never during the day.
Please don't assume the bat is healthy and leave it outside to fly away.
During the summer months, it is also possible to sometimes find a baby bat that has either been orphaned or lost its way from a roost. If you find a baby bat this should be treated as urgent in terms of seeking advice as a baby is extremely vulnerable and will need special care. If you're not sure if you've found baby bat, please check our baby bat guide.
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