Cat vs. Critter: Pest Safety
We like to think of our cats as our own personal exterminators when the weather gets hot and the bugs come out of hiding, but are they all safe for your furry friend to swat around? While we’d love to believe that our cats have nine lives, we still have to protect them from certain critters during the warm summer months.
There are a few factors to consider when it comes to letting your cat near bugs in your home or outside. While there are some insects that are most definitely toxic to your cats from their venom, some exoskeletons of bugs can cause other issues for your furry friend aside from poisoning them.
Any bug with a hard exoskeleton or shell can cause internal harm to your cat. Not only can it be a choking hazard, but it can also damage their esophagus, stomach lining or intestines. Insects such as beetles or grasshoppers would be considered two examples of bugs with a hard exterior that wouldn’t be advisable to let your cat ingest.
As most cat owners know, our felines prefer to swat around their prey before they ingest them. This behavior is what makes your feline the most susceptible to insects that have a venomous bite or sting — the insect can have a greater impact on your pet through a bite or sting, as their stomach acid can usually ward off any effects from ingesting the insect directly. If you see your cat swatting around any bees or spiders, it’s best to take care of the insect yourself to avoid any contact with your pet.
While it’s good to be cautious when it comes to your cats and their prey, there’s plenty of bugs that are harmless to our furry friends. If your cat ingests or plays with gnats, flies, moths or butterflies, there’s no reason to rush them to the vet. If your cat eats an insect that you have a concern about, consult with your veterinarian about administering any care at home.
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