Fixing scales?

[blue_bird]

Unfortunately, my cat took a swipe at the monarch that got loose from my grip as I was getting ready to feed it. I had not seen the cat hiding behind the door. (Rainy morning out, so wanted to wait until the afternoon for release.)

Some scales were removed. Now, when it flaps its wings, there is no loft. Any possible repairs or is euthanasia the only option?

I'm new to this.

Thank you,

Marcia

[Mona Miller]

Scales were removed, but no damage to wings. The butterfly didn't get any mouth bacteria from the cat did it.

[blue_bird]

No bacteria. I can see the lines of scales removed from the wings as it was batted. There are a good number removed as you might imagine, since it gets no loft. It can land gently if let loose from a few feet above the ground, but that's about it. Drinking well when offered solution, too. I didn't know if there was something I could use to fill in some of the empty spaces. I'm guessing not.

More thoughts?

Thank you.
Marcia

[Mona Miller]

There are holes in the wings it sounds like.

[branduin]

Can you post a photo of the wing so we can see the extent of the damage? I wonder if you could patch it with something? Do you have any Monarchs that have passed on that you could use a piece of their wing?