Think of it like insurance: you hope you won’t need it, but when you do, you’ll be glad it’s ready.

What Every Pet First Aid Kit Should Include

Everyday Basics

These are the items you’ll reach for most often:

• • Tweezers or tick remover for cactus needles, splinters, and ticks
  • Gloves (latex or rubber) to keep you clean and safe from blood or infection
  • A card with emergency information like your vet’s number, poison control, your pet’s medical records, and a list of medications they need
  • A cold pack to reduce swelling or help with overheating
  • A flashlight for those early morning or late evening hikes (injuries don’t always happen during the day!)
  • Treats—because even in an emergency, comfort matters

Wound Care Supplies

Accidents happen, but these tools can help you treat minor injuries until you’re able to get to the vet:

• Scissors with blunt tips to safely cut bandages or trim the fur around a wound
• Saline solution for rinsing wounds or eyes
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) for cleaning wounds (do not use to  induce vomiting without veterinary guidance) 
• Needle-less syringes or eye droppers to flush out dirt and debris
• Gauze pads and non-stick bandages to cover cuts or scrapes
• Self-adhering tape that won’t stick to fur
• Plain antibiotic ointment (like original Neosporin) but avoid ointments with pain relievers, as some ingredients can be toxic to pets

Hydration 

Arizona heat makes dehydration a year-round risk. Always keep a bottle of water and a collapsible dish in your kit for easy drinking on the go. 

Restraint and Safety

Even the most gentle pet may panic when they’re hurt. To help keep everyone safe, make sure you include:

• A soft muzzle in case your pet reacts out of fear or pain
• An extra leash and collar in case theirs breaks or gets lost
• A towel or blanket to wrap small pets, keep them warm, or use as a makeshift stretcher

Arizona-Specific Tips

Because of our desert climate, you might also want to add:

• Booties to protect paws from hot pavement
• Styptic powder or cornstarch to quickly stop bleeding from cracked nails
• A thermometer and lubricant to monitor for heat stroke (rectal temperatures are the most accurate)

Be Prepared, Not Panicked

A pet first aid kit is never a substitute for veterinary care, but it can make all the difference while you’re on the way to the clinic. Keep one at home and one in your car or hiking bag so you’re never caught off guard.

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we’re here to help when the unexpected happens. If you’d like advice on stocking a pet first aid kit, or if your pet has a medical condition that may need special supplies, give us a call. Together, we can make sure you’re prepared for whatever Arizona throws your way. 

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 10/1/2025

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If your pet hides under the bed or paces restlessly during a storm, there are a few things you can do to help them feel more secure. From “thundershirts” and supplements to vet-prescribed medications, here’s how to keep your pet safe and calm. 

Why Pets React to Loud Noises

Fireworks and thunderstorms often trigger a pet’s natural fight-or-flight response. The sounds are sudden, unpredictable, and far louder than anything they hear on a normal day. Some animals even experience noise phobias, where the fear becomes intense enough to cause panic or destructive behavior. 

Signs of noise anxiety in pets can include:

• Trembling or shaking
• Hiding or trying to escape
• Excessive panting or drooling
• Whining, barking, or yowling
• Accidents in the house
• Destructive behavior like chewing or clawing

Storms and fireworks are one of the top reasons pets go missing in the summer. Make sure your pet is microchipped and wears a collar with up-to-date contact info. If your pet does run off, ID tags and microchips make it much more likely that they’ll be returned to you safely. 

How to Keep Your Pet Calm During Fireworks or Thunderstorms

If your pet gets anxious during fireworks or storms, here are a few things that can help them stay calm and safe.

1. Make a Safe Hiding Place

Before the noise begins, set up a quiet, comfortable area where your pet can retreat. This might be a cozy spot in the closet, bathroom, or laundry room. Add familiar items like a favorite blanket, crate, or toy to make it feel safe and familiar.

Close the windows and blinds to muffle outside sounds and block flashing lights. You can also try playing soft music or turning on a white noise machine to help mask the thunder. 

2. Try Calming Products

There are several pet-safe products designed to ease anxiety during loud events:

• Thundershirts are snug-fitting wraps that help dogs and cats feel secure—kind of like a weighted blanket for pets.
• Calming sprays or diffusers can help, but be cautious with essential oil blends. Not all ingredients are safe for pets, so it’s best to talk to your vet and read labels carefully.
• Supplements like chews or treats made with ingredients like L-theanine can help reduce stress, but talk to your vet first.

It’s a good idea to test any new product in advance, so your pet gets used to it before a storm or fireworks celebration starts. 

3. Stay Calm and Stay Home (If You Can)

Your pet picks up on your emotions, so staying calm yourself can help them relax, too. If you know a storm or fireworks show is coming up, plan to stay home if possible. Your presence alone can be reassuring.

If you have to leave, make sure your pet is secured inside with easy access to their safe space. Never leave pets outdoors during fireworks or storms—they could panic and run off, or hurt themselves trying to escape.

4. Talk to Your Vet About Medication

For pets with severe anxiety, calming supplements might not be enough. In those cases, your veterinarian can prescribe anti-anxiety medication or sedatives to help your pet stay calm during high-stress events. If your pet has reacted badly in the past, it’s worth having a conversation ahead of the next storm season or holiday.

How We Can Help

If your pet struggles with noise anxiety or you’re worried about how they’ll handle Arizona’s storm season, we’re here to help. From microchipping and anxiety management to customized care plans, the team at Anasazi Animal Clinic can help you prepare.

Contact us today to schedule a visit or talk with one of our veterinarians. We’re always happy to help your pets feel safe, calm, and cared for—no matter what the forecast brings.

Photo by Reba Spike on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 6/25/2025

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Preparation is key, and while fire departments and news outlets primarily focus on preparing local residents for evacuation, it’s just as important to have a plan in place for your pets. The last thing you want during an emergency is to be scrambling around or looking for a frightened pet that’s hiding. Having a plan helps keep every family member—including the furry ones—safe.

Here’s how to keep your pets safe if you ever face a wildfire evacuation. 

What to Do Before Fire Season

Pack an Emergency Kit

Just like you’d pack an emergency kit for your family, your pets need their own supplies, too. Start with:

• Food and water (3-5 days’ worth)
• Bowls, leash, and collar with ID tags
• Medications and any ongoing treatment instructions
• Copies of vaccination records
• A sturdy carrier or crate
• Poop bags, litter box, or puppy pads
• A blanket or favorite toy for comfort

Store the kit in an easy-to-grab location near the door. You don’t want to waste time gathering essentials if a fire is approaching.

Know Where You Can Go

Not all shelters or hotels accept pets. Part of being prepared means identifying pet-friendly options in advance. Bookmark a few nearby locations that welcome animals. You can also check with friends or relatives who might be able to take your pets temporarily. 

Stay Alert and Informed

Download a local emergency alert app, follow your county’s emergency management office, and sign up for evacuation notices. The more notice you have, the more time you’ll have to safely evacuate with your pets. 

What to Do If an Evacuation Happens

Take Your Pets with You

If officials call for an evacuation, secure your pets immediately. Even if you think you’ll be back soon, don’t risk it. Wildfires move quickly, and can change direction without warning.

If you’re not home when an evacuation happens:

• Ask a trusted neighbor or nearby friend to step in
• Place a pet rescue alert sticker on your windows to notify emergency responders that pets are inside 

In Case You Get Separated

Emergencies can be chaotic, and despite your best efforts, there’s always a chance you and your pet could get separated. Taking a few precautions ahead of time can greatly increase the chances of a safe reunion. 

Here’s what to do:

• Make sure your pet is microchipped and that your contact information is up to date
• Keep a current photo of your pet on your phone
• Attach an ID tag to your pet’s collar that includes your contact information
• Consider using an AirTag or GPS tracker on your pet’s collar for real-time location updates

After the Evacuation

Be Patient and Monitor Your Pets

Returning home doesn’t always mean everything is back to normal. Your pet may be stressed, anxious, or disoriented—especially if they were exposed to smoke or alarmed by the noise of sirens and helicopters.

Watch out for warning signs like:

• Labored breathing or coughing
• Lack of appetite
• Unusual hiding or clinginess
• Vomiting or diarrhea

These can be signs of stress, smoke inhalation, or exposure to fire-related irritants. If you have any concerns at all, please bring your pet in for a checkup. 

We’re Here for You If You Need Veterinary Care

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we care deeply about your pet’s safety, especially during emergencies. If you need help preparing a pet emergency plan, have questions about microchipping, or need a checkup after an emergency, just let us know.

Stay safe, stay ready, and give your pets a little extra love during wildfire season. 

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 5/27/2025

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This colorless, odorless, tasteless gas is impossible to detect without a proper alarm. And since our pets can’t tell us when something is wrong, we need to learn how to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in pets. If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, this is your sign to get one!

Why Is Carbon Monoxide So Dangerous to Pets?

Carbon monoxide is produced any time fuel burns. Think gas stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, or car engines. When appliances malfunction or ventilation is poor, CO can build up indoors and become extremely dangerous. And it can happen fast.

Pets are more sensitive to the effects of CO exposure than people are. They’re smaller, they breathe faster, and they spend more time at home. They’re also closer to the floor, where CO tends to accumulate.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Pets

While carbon monoxide poisoning in dogs and cats looks similar, there are a few differences in how it shows up:

• Cats may hide when they’re not feeling well, so the early symptoms might be harder to notice.
• Dogs tend to be more outwardly expressive, so signs like panting, wobbling, or collapsing may appear more quickly.

Knowing the signs can help you act quickly in an emergency. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets include:

• Sudden weakness or lethargy
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Bright red gums
• Vomiting
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Unresponsiveness

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms and you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, get everyone—humans and animals—out of the house immediately and call emergency services. Then, contact your veterinarian for further instructions.

Why Every Pet Owner Needs a Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide detector is a simple, affordable tool that could save your pet’s life. Since pets can’t escape the house or tell you something’s wrong, an early warning is their only protection—especially if it happens while you’re asleep or away.

Ideally, you should place carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home, especially near the bedrooms and your pet’s main living area. Some smart detectors will even alert your phone when they go off, so you don’t have to worry about your pet while you’re away.

Better Safe Than Sorry

We know you’d do anything to keep your pets safe. Adding a carbon monoxide detector is one small change that can make a huge difference. It’s a simple, inexpensive step that could save your pet’s life—and yours.

If you ever have concerns about your pet’s health or want more advice on creating a safer home environment, our team at Anasazi Animal Clinic is always here to help. Contact us today to schedule a checkup or consultation with one of our veterinarians. 

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 04/18/2025

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Why Are Lilies So Dangerous to Cats?

Lilies contain a chemical that causes kidney failure in cats. All types of lilies are poisonous: lilies of the valley, day lilies, tiger lilies, stargazer lilies, Easter lilies, and any other variety you might come across. 

Not only that, every single part of the plant is dangerous. The stems, leaves, petals, roots, and even the pollen are all toxic. So is the water in a vase of cut lilies. If your cat laps the water, bites a leaf, or brushes up against some lilies and then licks the pollen off of their fur while grooming, they could get poisoned.

Symptoms of Lily Toxicity in Cats

If your cat has had any potential contact with lilies, keep a close eye out for symptoms of poisoning. Symptoms may include:

• Exhaustion
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Increased urination
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms will start within 12 hours of ingestion, and kidney damage will begin at about the same time. If your cat shows any signs of lily toxicity, go to an emergency vet immediately. Without prompt treatment, the kidney damage will be irreversible and fatal. 

Which Other Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Cats?

Besides lilies, you need to keep your cat away from other dangerous plants and flowers like:

• Daffodils
• Tulips
• Hyacinths
• Crocuses
• Chrysanthemums
• Daisies
• Sago Palms
• Azaleas

Pet Poison Prevention

It’s important to be aware that pets respond differently than humans to many types of substances. Remember to use pet-friendly cleaning supplies, and to keep things like chocolate, toothpaste, medications out of your pet’s reach. 

When it comes to cats and flowers, proceed with caution. Always double-check to make sure that the flowers you choose for your home and garden are safe for cats. Some varieties of houseplants can be poisonous as well, so make sure any potted plants you purchase are safe for cats.

Expert Veterinary Care for Cats in Gilbert

Anasazi Animal Clinic is a full-service veterinary hospital in Gilbert, Arizona. We are open six days a week and we’re equipped to handle any urgent care your pet needs. If you think your cat may have eaten part of a lily or another dangerous plant, please call us right away. WIth prompt treatment, they can make a full recovery. 

Photo by Ashlee Marie on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 3/28/25.

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How to Help a Lost Dog Get Home Again

First, remember to approach the dog carefully. Lost dogs may be frightened, which could make them aggressive or defensive, and you don’t want to risk getting bitten. If they don’t let you get close, you can notify Maricopa County Animal Care and Control of a stray dog. 

If the dog is friendly, and allows you to pet them, do your best to secure them. Letting a dog roam is dangerous, and it could even be deadly if they run out into a busy street. If you don’t encounter anyone in the area looking for a lost dog, bring them to a safe place, like your home or a shelter. Check for a collar and ID tags—the tags will either have their veterinarian’s or owner’s phone number on them.

If the dog has no tags, check for lost pet notices on Next Door, and in neighborhood groups on Facebook or local threads on Reddit. If you don’t see a post that matches the dog’s description, take a picture of the dog and make a “Found!” post. Sometimes this is enough to locate the dog’s owner. But if social media isn’t bringing any results, you can always take the dog to a vet or a shelter to find out if they have a microchip ID.

Who Can Scan for a Microchip?

Animal shelters like the Humane Society can scan for a microchip, and so can any veterinary clinic. Scanning a microchip is just like scanning a barcode at the self-checkout. The scan reveals a code that the clinic or shelter can use to look up the owner’s contact information in a secure database online.

Usually, scanning a lost dog’s microchip is the quickest way to get in touch with their owner. However, if they moved or changed their phone number and forgot to update their pet’s ID information, it could take some time to reach them. If you are not able to care for the dog indefinitely, you can surrender them to a shelter. Animal shelters will usually hold lost pets for a set length of time before putting them up for adoption.  

Unfortunately, sometimes a lost dog may actually have been abandoned. We know it’s unthinkable that someone would ever be so callous, but it does happen from time to time. If you want to make sure that the dog gets a better chance at finding a new home, surrender them to a no-kill shelter for adoption.

Should I Get My Pet Microchipped?

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we always recommend microchipping your pet. It’s usually the easiest and fastest way to reunite a lost pet with their family. You never know when a pet might get scared and bolt out the door, or go wandering off and get lost. Whether you have an energetic dog or an indoor-only cat, getting a microchip ID is an important safety measure. 

Microchipping is a safe and painless procedure that has no side effects. And don’t worry, a microchip ID is not a tracking device or anything even remotely sinister. As we explained above, it simply reveals a code that a qualified provider can enter into a secure database online. The only time your contact information would ever be accessed is when someone who found your pet is trying to reach you.

Get Your Pet a Microchip ID at Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert

If you ever find a lost dog without a collar ID, and you’re wondering what to do, you can bring them to Anasazi Animal Clinic for a microchip scan. We’d be happy to help you get in touch with their owner so they can have a happy reunion.

Our vets also want to help you keep your pets safe and healthy. If you want to get your pet microchipped, or they’re due for a checkup and booster vaccinations, please give us a call to make an appointment. 

Photo by Simon Moog on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/17/25.

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Many ordinary cleaning products—like ammonia, bleach, and isopropyl alcohol—can be harmful to pets. And even some very familiar household brands contain toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, phthalates, phenols, and perchloroethylene. Homemade cleaning products are not always safe for pets, either. 

Here’s how to choose safe, pet-friendly cleaning products for your home.

What Types of Cleaning Products Are Dangerous for Pets?

Many types of cleaning products—in fact, probably most of them—can be irritating and even toxic to pets. Ordinary things like bleach and carpet cleaner that people use without thinking twice can actually be very harmful. So whether you’re cleaning your house or cleaning up after your pet, it’s important to be careful about the products you use.

For example, you should never use bleach to clean your dog’s dishes or your cat’s litter box. Bleach residue can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset. 

Many common floor and window cleaning solutions contain ammonia, which can irritate your pet’s eyes, skin, and throat. They don’t have to swallow it—the fumes alone are enough to cause respiratory distress.

And always read the ingredients before you use any upholstery cleaner or rug cleaner—these products often contain substances like perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene that can cause cancer as well as liver damage. 

How to Find Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products:

• Look for “free and clear” products that don’t have any scents or dyes.
• Check the packaging for labels like “Safer Choice” or “Pet Safe.”
• Read the ingredients list just to make sure there’s nothing dangerous.

How to Make Pet-Safe Homemade Cleaners

If you’re having trouble finding pet-safe cleaning products or you’re looking for a more natural option, you can always try making your own. Baking soda and distilled white vinegar are two of the best natural, pet-friendly cleaning agents, and they’re easy to find.

A simple baking soda paste makes a great carpet cleaner, and it deodorizes, too! It’s also a much safer option for scrubbing your stove, as oven cleaners often have toxic ingredients. You can use a vinegar solution to sanitize floors, surfaces, and pet dishes. You can also use it to clean windows and mirrors for a streak-free shine that won’t irritate curious noses. 

If you’re making a vinegar cleaner and you want to mask the smell of the vinegar, use lemon juice instead of lemon essential oil. Many types of essential oils are toxic to pets, and inhaling or ingesting them can make your pet sick.

Castile soap is another versatile option. This olive-oil based cleanser is all-natural, non-toxic, biodegradable, and—most importantly—it’s also safe for pets. You can use diluted Castile soap as a floor and surface cleaner, as a laundry detergent, and even as hand soap. 

Friendly Veterinarians in Gilbert, Arizona

When it comes to finding pet-friendly cleaning products, you have to be very careful. If you have any concerns about which products are safe, ask us at your next appointment. The friendly vets at Anasazi Animal Clinic are always happy to answer your pet care questions. Contact us to schedule an exam today.

Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/11/25.

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The Danger of Essential Oils for Pets

Swallowing essential oils can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as symptoms of depression. Stepping in essential oils or inhaling them can also harm your pet. Exposure can make them lose their coordination, lower their body temperature, make them feel depressed, or cause respiratory issues. 

Because of their meticulous grooming habits, cats are especially sensitive to essential oils. Many types of essential oils are toxic to dogs, as well. And diffusers should never be used in a home with birds. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most common home uses for essential oils.

1: Home Remedies, Skin Care, and Cosmetics

If you make your own home remedies or salves, be sure to keep your essential oils stored securely in a place where your pets can’t reach them. Wash your hands well after applying lotion, perfume, or other products with essential oils, to make sure you don’t get any residue on your pet’s fur. 

You have to be very conscientious about not touching your pet when you’re making home remedies or cosmetics with essential oils. Always prepare them in a pet-free zone, so you’re not tempted to touch your cat or dog if they come seeking attention.

Don’t ever use essential oils as ingredients in home remedies for your pet, and NEVER rub them directly into your pet’s skin. If you want to try making insect repellent, toothpaste, lotion, treats or any other pet products at home, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian first. They can advise you on the safest ingredients.

2: Homemade Cleaning Solutions

Making your own all-natural cleaning solutions for refilling your bottles is both trendy and thrifty. It’s great for the environment, too, since it eliminates a lot of waste. However, you need to be careful about the ingredients you use if you have pets.

For example, the mint, lemon, and citrus essential oils commonly used in cleaning products are toxic to cats. Tea tree oil and pine are toxic to both cats and dogs. If you are cleaning your floors or doing laundry with solutions that contain these dangerous substances, you could be making your pets sick.

3: Essential Oil Diffusers

Many people use aromatherapy to reduce stress, cure headaches, or promote restful sleep. However, animals have a much keener sense of smell than we do. Essential oils have extremely concentrated scents, so diffusers can be overwhelming, confusing, and irritating to pets. They can also cause asthma-like symptoms.

Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems, so you should never use a diffuser if you keep birds in your home. Diffusers are not always safe to use around cats and dogs, either. Many types of essential oils are toxic to cats and dogs, and diffusers will spread droplets through the air where they can land on your pet’s fur or even be inhaled into your pet’s lungs.

Which Essential Oils Are Safe for Pets?

There are some essential oils that are safe to use around pets, but even so, you need to be careful. Store your bottles in a pet-proof cupboard or container, and wash your hands immediately after handling them. Always keep a close eye on your pet for possible side effects.

If you do choose to use essential oils in your bath products or as aromatherapy, be sure that you’re in a well-ventilated room. Here is a list of pet-friendly scents you can try:

• Cedarwood
• Chamomile
• Fennel
• Frankincense
• Jasmine

If you’re ever uncertain about which oils are safe, consult your veterinarian. 

Expert Veterinary Care for Pets in Gilbert and Chandler

We know that you want only the best for your pets, which is why we feel it’s important to warn you about using essential oils. Many people simply aren’t aware that essential oils are dangerous, and unknowingly prepare cleaning products or cosmetics with ingredients that are toxic to their pets. If you have been using essential oils in your home, you might have unintentionally been making your pet ill.

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we are always happy to answer pet-related questions on any topic. Contact us today to schedule a checkup with vets who care about your pet’s welfare just as much as you do.

Photo by Kadarius Seegars on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/22/24.

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Tips for Traveling with Pets

• Always make sure that your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag securely attached. If you’re traveling to another state, it’s a good idea to put their rabies vaccination tag on their collar as well.
• Get your pet a microchip ID before you leave. If they get lost and slip their collar, this is the only way to identify their owner.
• Schedule a checkup to get your pet up-to-date on their vaccinations. This is the best way to prevent contagious diseases. 
• If your pet has any serious health concerns, check with your vet to see how travel will affect them. Make sure to refill prescriptions before you go, and pack your pet’s medicine securely in your luggage.

Tips for Air Travel with Pets

• Check your airline’s pet policy well in advance of your flight. Make sure your pet’s carrier meets their requirements, and follow their rules carefully.
• Know where the airport’s pet relief stations are located. Most airports have designated areas both pre- and post-security.
• In case of flight delays, keep any medications your pet needs in your carry-on bag.

Tips for Car Travel with Pets

• Find a crate that fits in your car. Dogs and cats can’t wear seat belts, and if you have to stop suddenly or get into an accident, your pet could get thrown around—or out of—the vehicle. We know it’s tempting to let them sit on your lap, but your pet will be much safer inside a crate or carrier.
• Leash your pet before you let them out of the vehicle, especially at rest stops. The last thing you want is for them to go get lost because they went running after a squirrel.
• Playing calming music can help your pet relax. So can the sound of your voice—singing out loud to your favorite road trip playlist will also put your pet at ease.
• Never leave your pet alone in the car. Winter temperatures can be just as dangerous as summer. In fact, 31 states have laws against leaving your pet unattended in a vehicle. But if you’re traveling solo, this can be tricky. Stick to drive-thru restaurants or bring snacks with you, and keep bathroom breaks as short as possible.

Veterinary Care in Gilbert and Chandler

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we want to help you keep your pets safe and healthy. If you need to schedule an appointment for vaccinations or you want to get your pet microchipped, please give us a call today. And have a safe and happy holiday season!

Photo by Kit (formerly ConvertKit) on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/13/24. 

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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.

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