Can Spiders Kill Cats?
WouterWhen a cat eats a spider, it does not necessarily mean that the spider is venomous. In fact, most spiders are harmless to cats. But there are also some species that can be dangerous.
Spiders that are venomous are especially dangerous to cats. Venom is activated in the bloodstream and targets the nervous system. Symptoms of a bite include pain, swelling, nausea and vomiting. The venom also causes local cell death.
If you think your cat has been bitten by a spider, the first thing you should do is to keep the wound clean and dry. You may need to take your cat to the veterinarian if the wound is not healing quickly.
If you believe that your cat has been bitten by a venomous spider, contact your veterinarian immediately. They may recommend blood tests or other treatments. Your cat will be monitored for abnormal behavior or other symptoms of a bite.
Unlike humans, cats have thicker skin. This makes it difficult for spiders to penetrate through it. It is also harder for venom to spread from the bite to the inside of the cat’s body. Fortunately, most house spiders are safe for cats. However, other types of spiders are often found in homes.
There are several kinds of spiders that can kill your cat, including brown recluse and black widow. A brown recluse spider is a light brown spider that ranges in size from 6 to 20 millimeters. The brown recluse is found in the southeastern U.S. and the lower Midwest.
