If you’ve ever had a fly or a moth trapped in your house, you know how much cats love to chase bugs. Perhaps you’ve even witnessed your cat eat a bug they killed. (It’s gross, we know.) Usually it’s a safe, natural instinct to indulge in, but what if the bug your cat is playing with is poisonous?
In Arizona we have a lot of creepy-crawlers that are poisonous to cats, from scorpions and fire ants to spiders and giant centipedes.
Which Centipedes Are Poisonous to Cats?
Fortunately, common house centipedes are not poisonous to cats. Even if your cat eats one, they will be okay. House centipedes are small—less than 2″ in length, and their poison is not strong enough to harm your cat.
However, in Arizona we also have Giant Desert Centipedes (in other parts of the country, they’re known as Texas Redheaded Centipedes). These centipedes are huge—four to eight inches in length—and they are poisonous to cats.
Luckily, finding one inside your house is a rare occurrence. Keeping your cat indoors should protect them from poisonous centipedes. However, during the summer centipedes do seek out damp places, like drains, to escape the heat.
The venom of the Giant Desert Centipede is toxic to cats, and can even be deadly. If your cat shows any signs of weakness, fever, or illness (like vomiting), give your vet a call. Or, if you notice an insect bite or sting that is irritating your cat, it’s a good idea to have a vet examine it.
Which Other Bugs Are Poisonous to Cats?
Because cats are so small (compared to dogs or humans) they are more vulnerable to venomous bites and stings. The following creatures are all poisonous to cats, and may even be deadly:
- Fire Ants
- Giant Desert Centipedes
- Black Widow Spiders
- Brown Recluse Spiders
- Scorpions
- Wasps and Bees
Keeping your cat indoors will protect them from most venomous creatures. As long as you cover the drains in your bathroom and kitchen, giant centipedes should not be able to get into your house. Spiders do have a way of sneaking in, however. Be on the alert for black widows and their messy webs, especially in the fall, because sometimes they like to move indoors for the winter.
How Can I Tell If My Cat Got Stung?
Just in case your cat ever tangles with a spider or a centipede during the night, it’s important to be able to recognize signs of poisoning or a severe allergic reaction. We also advise keeping the number of the nearest 24-hour emergency vet in your contacts.
Symptoms of poisoning in cats include:
- Drooling
- Heavy Breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue/Unsteady Gait
- Seizures
Symptoms of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) in cats include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Respiratory distress
- Unusual excitement or restlessness
- Drooling
- Cold limbs
- Facial swelling
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Incoordination
- Seizures
If you’re worried about your cat because they are acting strangely, please don’t hesitate to consult your vet. Swift action could save your cat’s life.
Get the Best Veterinary Care for Cats in Gilbert, Arizona
Whether your cat needs urgent care or a routine checkup, nobody else will give them the same loving attention as Anasazi Animal Clinic. We’re dedicated to meeting the highest standards of veterinary care, and we treat every single pet who walks through our doors like they’re one of our own. Contact us to make an appointment today.
Photo by Miron Cristina on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 8/4/2024.