Does Your Cat Eat Cockroaches?
WouterIf you’ve ever wondered if your cat eats cockroaches, you’re not alone. A number of cats have been documented to hunt these bugs for their protein content. Domestic cats may also play with the dead prey, breaking it up. This can result in spreading bacteria and parasites. Domestic cats are also naturally playful and may get excited by anything that moves or shakes. Cats are also instinctive hunters and enjoy hunting insects.
Cockroaches are flying insects that have existed since the time of the dinosaurs. They live in warm, dark places and are easy prey for cats. While most cats will not eat cockroaches, if they catch them, they may try to play with them. While your cat may not kill the roaches, some cats may eat beetles, lizards, frogs, and other bugs.
Cats are not equipped to grind food and find workarounds for digestive issues, so ingesting the indigestible matter can result in blockage in the digestive tract. This can cause health problems and even require surgery. Fortunately, cockroaches are not poisonous to cats, but their bite may cause some irritation.
The question of whether your cat eats roaches is a legitimate concern for cat owners. Though eating a roach is not a serious problem, you should discourage your cat from doing so. However, there is one thing you should remember: roaches can carry bacteria and parasites, so your cat will need to be de-wormed regularly if it’s going to eat them.
