What to do if a scorpion stung your cat

There are many scorpions in the world, many of which can be found in North America. Scorpions have needle-like stingers that inject their venom. They are able to regulate the amount of venom injected when stinging.

Cats are known for their tendency to chase insects and other small animals. They might play with them or even try to eat them. What if your cat encounters a scorpion?

Are scorpions deadly to cats?

All scorpions are considered venomous, but most are not lethal. One species known to be particularly deadly is the bark scorpion. Although uncommon, these scorpions can be found in Arizona and surrounding desert areas.

Some people think that cats are immune to scorpion bites, but this is actually a myth. However, cats appear to be bitten by scorpions much less frequently than dogs and humans. This may be due to the cat’s quick reflexes and agility. Maybe they were able to detect the threat and run away before they were actually bitten. One theory is that cats hide after being stung, and their humans never find out what happened. Additionally, most scorpions are more likely to evade a perceived threat than to attack. Cats are likely to scare away scorpions before they have a chance of being stung.

Regardless of what you see or hear, don’t assume that scorpions are harmless to cats. While it’s unlikely a cat will die from a scorpion sting, it’s still possible. Also, non-fatal scorpion stings can still cause a lot of pain and injury to cats.

Some scorpions will attack with pincers rather than sting. While this won’t poison the cat, it can still cause pain and injury.

Your cat might manage to catch and eat a scorpion. Eating a scorpion shouldn’t cause any harm, but be sure to watch your cat for signs of a scorpion bite.

Signs of a cat scorpion bite

A cat that has been stung by a scorpion may show some obvious signs, but be aware that the cat may hide in fear and you may not notice any signs of being stung. If you notice your cat hiding unusually, try to find him and check his condition.

Scorpion stings are often very painful – similar to bee stings or worse. Their venom is a known neurotoxin and thus affects the cat’s central nervous system. A cat that has been stung by a scorpion may show the following signs:

• pain in the stinging area
• voice
• lick or paw at the sting site
• swelling
• limp
• drool
• shaking his head
• agitation
• drunk
• tremor
• Mydriasis
• abnormal heart rate and blood pressure
• abnormal eye movement

What to do if your cat is stung by a scorpion

If you think your cat has been stung by a scorpion, it’s important to act quickly. Don’t assume your cat will be fine. However, there is also no reason to believe that your cat will die from a sting. Try to stay calm and take care of your cat.

1. Check your cat for signs of tingling (or any other signs of illness) right away. If you can’t find anything, just keep an eye on your cat for the next few hours. Most signs will begin to appear within 10 to 15 minutes.
2. If the scorpion is dead and can be found, try saving it in case your veterinarian needs to identify its species.
3. If you think the culprit is a bark scorpion, it’s best to take your cat to the nearest open veterinarian’s office right away, even if it means going to the animal emergency room.
4. Contact your veterinarian for advice even if you are not sure if your cat has been stung.
5. Your veterinarian may recommend that you bring the cat in immediately. Alternatively, you may be advised to take the antihistamine diphenhydramine.
6. Do not attempt to treat your cat without consulting your veterinarian; this can make matters worse.

If you live in an area that is known to have scorpions, then you are bound to see one from time to time. Fortunately, your cat is more likely to scare away a scorpion stung by a scorpion. However, it is important to keep an eye on your cat at all times in case something happens. If you think your cat has encountered a scorpion, do not delay seeking medical advice.