My cat brought me what I thought was a dead mouse, but when I picked her up to get her away, the mouse surprised me by slowly getting up and moving away. There was no blood or noticeable wounds, so I wrapped her in a microfiber towel and put her in a closed container with air holes. It’s been over 24 hours now, and she has made it through the night. After a closer look, I think she’s female. She has no visible injuries other than her tail, which looks damaged and might have broken bones, and her left eye is swollen shut without blood or signs of infection. I noticed she avoids using her front paws when she can and slides her body to move. She doesn’t go far, but she’s quick when she moves. She has been eating and drinking well, and she goes to the bathroom normally. She has been friendly with people and hasn’t bitten anyone, so I think she understands we’re trying to help. Because of her eye and the way she moves, I haven’t let her back outside as I don’t think she could survive or get back to her burrow. Right now, I have her in a large box with bedding, food, water, and some towels for her to use as little shelters. I don’t know if I should take her to a vet or just let her rest in hopes her legs will get better. I have never had a rodent before, let alone a rescued mouse. If anyone has experience with mice, please let me know what I should do next to help her.
You should take her to the nearest wildlife center so they can decide on the best way to help her.
Teo said:
You should take her to the nearest wildlife center so they can decide on the best way to help her.
I agree with this. Mice and other small mammals with closed eyes or injuries, like bunnies, need either euthanasia or antibiotics after cat attacks due to the bacteria. Also, keep an eye on your cat. If the mouse was exposed to rodent poison, it could affect your cat too.
I’m not sure how well mice recover from injuries. Try not to handle her as she is scared and helpless. Give her a container with hiding spots and soft bedding so she can make a nest. Mice need dark, quiet spaces and should not be picked up or disturbed. If she has a brain injury, it may or may not improve as the swelling goes down. If you’re willing to help her and provide care until she either improves or needs to be put down, give her time to rest in a warm, quiet place. Keep her food and water nearby so she can reach them while staying hidden. You’ll know she’s doing better if she reacts strongly when you open the lid. Until then, just keep her safe and warm. She might never be friendly but could become less scared of you.
Make sure she stays warm and comfortable, and give her more time to rest and heal.
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Thank you for taking care of the little one. You might find r/petmice helpful for more advice.