Top 5 Insects Harmful to Cats: What to Watch Out For

While many insects are harmless to cats, some can lead to中毒 or injury. Certain insects pose a greater risk than others. Even seemingly harmless bed bugs can cause vomiting or gastrointestinal issues if ingested in large quantities. Some insects, though nonvenomous, may trigger drooling, vomiting, or pain in cats due to their bite or bitter taste.

In many cases, the pesticides used to control insect problems can be more harmful than the insects themselves. If you use chemical pesticides, make sure they are safe for pets.

As a cat owner, it's crucial to spend time educating yourself about the risks associated with different insects. If you notice your cat has eaten part or all of an insect, you'll know how to handle the situation. Of course, if you're ever in doubt, it's best to consult your veterinarian.

Most spiders are generally harmless to cats, especially small ones. However, any venomous spider that could harm humans can also harm your cat. Since cats are much smaller than humans, the venom from a spider bite can cause more severe damage. Common venomous spiders include the black widow (and other widow/sand hourglass spiders), the brown recluse, the whitetailed and wandering spider. Venomous spider bites can lead to serious diseases and even death. Some bites cause local reactions that become severe wounds. Others, like the black widow, can cause paralysis, ataxia, and respiratory problems.

If you suspect your cat has been bitten by a venomous spider, seek veterinary care immediately. If your cat ingests a spider, the venom is unlikely to be a problem since stomach acid will neutralize it. However, if any signs of illness appear, keep a close eye on your cat for one to two days.

Flying, buzzing insects can be very enticing to playful cats. However, their bites can be quite painful. Like humans, cats may have allergic reactions to stings, although this is not common. Cats are more likely to lick the sting site, further irritating the area.

If your cat is stung by a bee, your veterinarian may recommend giving Benadryl, an antihistamine. It's a good idea to have it on hand, but only give it if your vet advises doing so. If your cat has a strong reaction to the sting, it's best to see a vet right away.

Most moths and butterflies are not dangerous to cats. This is fortunate, as cats are naturally drawn to chase these fascinating flyers. Some caterpillars can cause pain, but the bites of common caterpillars are rarely dangerous. However, some exotic caterpillars may be toxic.

The garden tiger moth, if ingested (and its caterpillars), can be toxic. However, the toxicity to cats is not welldocumented.

Using cedar is a better choice if you're trying to keep clothes moths away. mothballs are highly toxic to cats. Consuming just one can be toxic because mothballs are essentially solid concentrated insecticides. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, drowsiness, weakness, difficulty breathing, tremors, and seizures.

Small centipedes are generally harmless to cats. It may be comforting to find your cat free from these eerie creatures. However, centipedes are venomous and can bite to catch prey. Larger centipedes may bite your cat, causing local reactions or more severe issues like fever and weakness. If you suspect your cat has been bitten by a centipede, closely monitor the area. If your cat shows any signs of illness, a visit to the vet may be necessary.

Giants redheaded centipedes and Texas redheaded centipedes can be extremely toxic, even fatal. Fortunately, these are unlikely to be found in your home.

If your cat plays with scorpions, she may get stung. At the very least, the scorpion sting will be painful for your cat. This can lead to local reactions. In more severe cases, the cat may experience vomiting, difficulty breathing, or other abnormal behaviors.

Your cat is most likely to encounter scorpions in and around Arizona. If you live in a region where scorpions are common, be aware of your cat's risks. If you suspect your cat has been stung by a scorpion, it's best to see a vet.

Most ants are harmless to cats. While large black ants may bite, these small bites do not cause harm. On the other hand, fire ants can be very dangerous to cats. Their venomous bites are painful and can even lead to severe allergic reactions, with the worst cases resulting in anaphylaxis. If your cat is bitten by fire ants, it's best to see a vet just in case.

Chemical ant killers can pose serious health risks to cats. The poison can cause severe issues. Always use petsafe products.

Hardbodied insects like cockroaches, beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers are typically nontoxic to cats. However, ingesting their exoskeletons can cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Cockroaches may carry parasites that can affect cats. This is yet another reason to ensure your cat has preventative products to avoid infestations monthly.

Fleas are common in cats, causing itching and even anemia. When grooming, cats often ingest fleas, which can lead to tapeworm infections. Monthly flea control products are crucial for preventing these issues.

Ticks are more likely to be found on outdoor cats, but any cat can have ticks. The danger of ticks is that they are vectors for diseases. Tickborne diseases can cause numerous issues in cats. If you see ticks on your cat, discuss tick prevention options with your vet.

Mosquitoes are mainly a nuisance to us, but they can transmit deadly heartworm disease to cats. While cats are not the ideal host for heartworms, infections are rare. However, when a cat does contract heartworm disease, the worms reside in the lungs. Cats do not have a treatment for heartworm disease. This is why monthly heartworm prevention is recommended.

Flies can be a source of entertainment for cats, but they can also be a problem. Some cats are prone to fly bites, especially those living outdoors. You can use fly repellent sprays to deter flies from biting your cat's ears.

Known as botflies, these insects lay their eggs on animal skin. The larvae live beneath the skin and mature. When this happens to a cat, it appears as a small bump with a tiny, perfect circular hole on top. As they mature, you may see the larvae, which look like a large maggot. If you notice this, do not try to remove the maggot. Visit your vet for proper removal and treatment of any secondary infections your cat may have.