Do Spiders Hurt Cats?
WouterWhen it comes to spiders and cats, you have to be careful. Some are toxic to cats and can cause severe problems if bitten. But, the good news is that most spiders are harmless.
But, if you have an outdoor cat, you’ll want to keep it away from poisonous spiders. If you see a bite or have a suspicion that your cat has been bitten by a spider, it’s important to take it to a veterinarian.
Most house spiders are harmless. The only exception is a spider known as a “black widow,” which is extremely toxic to cats. If your cat is bitten by a black widow, it’s best to seek medical attention immediately.
Another venomous spider that is highly dangerous to cats is the Brown Recluse. These spiders are yellow-brown in color and have a violin-shaped marking on the back. When your cat is bitten by a Brown Recluse, you’ll notice symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.
A dark scab will form at the site of the bite, which is a sign of necrosis. The venom within the wound will cause the skin to die. Over the course of a few days, the interior tissue will die as well.
Other spiders that are dangerous to cats are the redback, the hobo spider, and the false widow. These spiders carry mild venom. But, in addition to the venom, the true dangers of spiders are the pesticides that they often use.
