Toxic Insects & Reptiles to Cats

Pet owners with outdoor cats expose their pets to a number of dangers. Veterinarians across the country receive hundreds of calls each year involving cats that have been bitten by snakes, infested by ticks or otherwise exposed to harmful situations. Learning more about threats to your pet's health will keep your cat safe from accidents.

  1. Reptiles

    • The most harmful reptile an outdoor cat will face is a poisonous snake. According to the ASPCA, most snake bites occur between the months of March and October, since snakes are most active then. Even if the snake that bites your cat isn't venomous, all snake-bitten cats should be taken the vet immediately for treatment. Signs your cat may have been bitten include bleeding, swelling and general weakness.

    Ticks

    • Ticks don't just bite humans. Cats get nibbled as well. If bitten, there's a chance your cat could be infected with a disease similar to Lyme disease. Cytauxzoonosis is the most common form and can prove fatal to house cats. Signs of infection include lack of appetite, fever and anemia. Threat from ticks is highest in late spring and summer. If your cat roams freely outside, be sure to check them regularly for tick bites, especially since infections can be transmitted from cats to their human owners.

    Wasps and Bees

    • While not fatal, toxins from both wasp and bee stings cause pain to cats. When stung, the wasp or bee leaves behind a small amount of poison. When your cat licks and rubs against the sting to relieve the pain, the poison can be transferred to their mouth. Call your vet immediately if your cat's mouth starts swelling.