Can Mosquitoes Hurt Cats?
WouterDuring the rainy season, when there are more mosquitoes around, you might wonder if mosquitoes can hurt cats. This is a very real concern. A cat’s immune system is not well suited to dealing with the mosquitoes’ saliva, which can cause a bad allergic reaction.
If your cat shows signs of a mosquito bite, see a veterinarian immediately. The vet can diagnose the problem, and prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. Your cat should also be kept indoors during peak mosquito activity hours.
Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, your cat might have enlarged lymph nodes or a fever. The vet may have to take a biopsy of the affected area. In severe cases, your cat may even develop ulcers. The vet may prescribe oral corticosteroids to treat the problem.
If your cat is showing signs of a mosquito bite, you should keep it indoors during the day, and only let it out when the weather is mild. You may also need to consider purchasing a pet-friendly mosquito repellant spray.
While some human repellents are toxic to cats, other repellents are safe. Your veterinarian can recommend a repellent that is safe for your cat. You may also choose to grow mosquito-repelling herbs indoors. These herbs include basil, rosemary, and lemon balm.
If you see your cat scratching itself, it may be because he is attempting to scratch off a mozzie bite. This can cause a bacterial infection, and lead to more problems.
