Curiosity seems to have killed the cat, as the old adage goes, but there is actually some truth to the statement. Kitties like to sniff stuff they find interesting. Having an interest in insects, cats will often sniff at them, and if they happen to stick their nose where it is not supposed to, this could result in a quick reprimand that could be fatal.
Since insects don’t like being disturbed by nosy cats, they sting the closest body part, which makes the eyes, ears, and feet a prime target for insects. Bees, wasps, and hornets sting cats, and ants and spiders bite them. Bee stings, wasp stings, and hornet bites are all bothersome for cats.
In the case of a cat suffering from a bee or wasp sting, it will most likely experience swelling in its paw or face, as these are the most common sites where cats are stung. If your cat experiences some localized pain and irritation from the sting, it will be similar to it being stung by a bee, but the pain will usually subside after a short period of time.
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It can be frightening to not know what to do if your cat is stung by a bee, or whether they will have a severe reaction to it. Does a cat have the same kind of allergy to bee stings as humans can have? It is possible for a cat to have allergies to bee stings.
Here are some other helpful articles about the same subject!
What are the symptoms of Bee Stung in cats?
As with humans, some cats are hypersensitive to the venom of bees and wasps. During the next 24 hours, you should monitor your cat carefully. You should call your vet if necessary. Allergy reactions generally begin within 20 minutes of a sting, but in some cases, they can take up to several hours to manifest.
You will need to reach out to your veterinarian, the emergency clinic, or the animal hospital if your cat exhibits any of these signs – the severity of the reaction can be fatal.
A wasp or bee sting can cause the following severe reactions:
- Swelling, pain, and/or redness that is severe
- A limp or lameness
- Vocalizations of distress
- The compulsion to lick the wound site
These symptoms may indicate that your cat is experiencing anaphylactic shock:
- A rash or hives
- Stumbling or disorientation
- Breathing problems
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Drooling excessively
- Gums that are pale
- Body temperature is low and the limbs are cold
- A heart rate that is abnormally slow or fast
- Seizures
Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and/or epinephrine will probably be administered if your cat has an extreme reaction, including anaphylactic shock. Generally, fluids and oxygen will be administered and blood and urine tests will be performed to assess whether organs are damaged. After the first insect bite, your veterinarian may prescribe an Epi-Pen to prevent future insect bites.
When your cat is stung by a bee, what should you do?
See if your cat’s stinger is still attached if it was stung by a bee. Because the stinger releases venom even after it has been removed, you need to get rid of it. Push the stinger out by scraping across the skin with the edge of a credit card or a fingernail. Tweezers are not necessary. Your pet may be exposed to more toxins if you squeeze the stinger.
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When you give your cat medicine, it can be challenging to hide pills in treats since most cats are adept at detecting them. You can pick up a pill pocket at your local pet supply store, which is a soft treat that hides pills. It’ll probably work in about half the cases. Diphenhydramine can also be taken as a liquid.
Try to release the liquid medication at the back of your cat’s mouth when giving it to them. As soon as your cat tastes it, it’ll drool and froth to get it out of its mouth. A trip to the vet may be necessary if your cat won’t take medication or if the swelling doesn’t disappear on its own. Injections of steroid medication may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
If Your Cat Gets Stung by a Bee, Take It to the Vet
Almost all bee stings in cats can be treated at home. The animal should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible if it has been stung multiple times. A cat’s reaction is more likely to be severe if there is more venom. If your cat has been stung in the throat, it is important that you see your veterinarian right away. This can affect breathing and swallowing.
You should take your cat to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling of the neck and head is severe and could negatively impact breathing. Even if the bite occurred in another part of the body, swelling might occur in this area.
- All parts of the body can be affected by hives. Hives are bumps beneath the skin which cause the hair to rise, or red bumps on areas of the body which do not have hair, such as the belly. Having hives makes your cat very itchy, so he may roll in the grass or on the floor in an attempt to scratch itchy parts of his body that are hard to reach.
- It may be difficult to breathe or you may wheeze. It is very uncommon for cats to breathe through their mouths, so if your cat starts to pant, you should consult your veterinarian.
- Drooling excessively is a symptom of the disease. Your cat drools a lot if she has to swell in her throat.
- Aggression, itching, and difficulty breathing cause some cats to become anxious
- Experiencing nausea or diarrhea. Don’t disregard mild vomiting and soft stool as a sign of trouble.
- Feeling dizzy or disoriented. Your cat is having a more severe reaction if it is not alert or stumbles.
- Snatchings, immediately contact your veterinarian.
Medications can help reduce allergic reactions and prevent shock, thus saving the life of your cat. Corticosteroids or epinephrine can also be administered by your veterinarian along with antihistamines. In addition to intravenous (IV) fluids, your veterinarian may administer oxygen to assist with breathing.
You may need a urine and blood test to rule out organ damage. Your cat will likely spend 1 or 2 days in the hospital, depending on how quickly it responds to therapy.
After the danger passes and your cat returns home, your veterinarian may prescribe an Epi-Pen® to be used if they are stung by an insect again in the future.
It is better to prepare yourself for the consequences rather than smothering your cat’s curiosity. If she reacts to an insect bite, then you have to act quickly.
