Bobcat Survives Being Hit By Car

The following story about a bobcat was submitted by All Things Wild Rehabilitation in Texas.

The woman who hit the bobcat with her car said that she was heartbroken and asked for updates on his care. She had called animal control, which brought the unconscious bobcat to All Things Wild.

The adult, male bobcat was so out of it that our staff could carry him around like a little kitten while he lay motionless in their arms. Usually, bobcats are extremely feisty and quite dangerous.

Fortunately, X-ray images showed no broken bones. He was breathing rapidly and unconscious, conditions that pointed to head and lung trauma. We treated him with fluids, steroids for the trauma, and pain medication. At that point, his prognosis was uncertain, which it always is with head trauma.

While checking on him at the end of the day, he emitted a tiny growl. This gave us hope that he might recover.

The next morning, his eyes were open and his growl was stronger. At that point, we gave him his first meal, a bowl of EmerAid IC Carnivore, which he lapped up eagerly. We find that wild animals love the smell and taste of EmerAid, and it provides great nutrition.

Later in the day, when the staff attempted to clean out his cage, the bobcat put up a fuss. This demonstrated that he was continuing to improve.

We want the bobcat to complete two weeks of quarantine to make sure he is distemper and rabies free. At that point, he will be vaccinated and returned to the area where he and the car had an unfortunate meeting.

When given the good news, the woman who hit him replied, “Thank you! My heart is so happy.”