i was awoken this morning by my cat who placed this cardinal in my bed. the bird was very much alive and screaming (as best it could with its head inside the cat's mouth). it was certainly a strange way to start the day.
i assume my cat was attempting to kill the bird, but just couldn't seem to figure out the mechanics of it. he had the bird in his mouth, but he seemed content to just carry it around. i didn't know who to feel more sorry for, the bird who was mostly definitely terrified or the cat who had no idea what to do with its prey. in the end i settled it by separating the two of them. i placed the cardinal on the window ledge where it remained, traumatized long enough for me to take the photo. i gave the cat a liver treat as a consolation prize and tried to figure out how he managed to capture a bird in the first place. After all, i live on the 10th floor of my building. its not like he can use the elevator.