Can Cats Eat Centipedes? Nutritional Health & Safety Guide

Cats are either busy exploring, playing, snuggling, or sleeping. When they explore, they may come across certain insects and arachnids (or pests??)  like scorpions, spiders, and bees that could be dangerous to them. So, what if a cat comes across a centipede? Will a hunt ensue, or will the centipede be left alone? What if your cat kills and eats or is bitten by a centipede?

These are great questions that deserve thorough answers. The first thing you should know about centipedes is that the ones that your cat will likely encounter are not generally dangerous. However, like with many other things, there are a few considerations and exceptions. Here is everything that you should know about cats interacting with centipedes.

Cats Can Eat Centipedes

Most centipedes that are found inside and around the house are not dangerous for cats to eat. Even if one bites your cat, chances are that the bite will only cause localized pain and inflammation. Your cat can keep on attacking and killing a centipede after being bitten. Once the centipede dies, your cat might decide to dine on it.

In most cases, this will cause no problems. Some cats regurgitate part of the centipede that they eat simply because their stomachs are not used to digesting whole animals. Centipedes are usually no match for cats and will succumb quickly. Therefore, the chance of being bitten and envenomated multiple times is slim. It is important to note that some cats do not eat centipedes and will leave the body where it was killed when hunting one down.

Certain Centipedes Can Pose a Danger

While most centipedes pose no serious danger to cats, some varieties carry potent venom and could cause serious illness or even death to your feline. One such type of centipede is the Giant Red-Headed centipede, which is bright in color and resides in places like Missouri and Texas. They are capable of pinching and biting to defend themselves. They are extremely venomous and can even cause harm to humans.

Luckily, they live in woodlands and under rocks, well away from households, so they are not commonly seen inside the home.

What to Do If Your Cat Is Bitten by a Centipede

If you notice that your cat has been bitten by a centipede, do not panic. Most likely, your cat will get over the bite quickly and get back to their normal self after signs of pain or discomfort. Keep an eye on the bite site to make sure that it does not become inflamed or red, which could indicate an infection. If it looks like an infection is developing, you should contact your veterinarian to schedule a checkup appointment.

However, the bite site should start healing quickly without any human intervention. Make sure your cat has access to unlimited water and regular meals. Your kitty may choose to skip a meal while they recover from their centipede bite if the venom is strong enough. If more than one meal is missed, veterinarian guidance should be sought.

Keeping Your Cat Away from Centipedes

There is no way to completely keep your cat away from centipedes, but there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk that your pet will come across such an animal, whether in your house or in your yard. First, keep your cat inside where they cannot get to outdoor insects and animals. If your cat cannot go outside to hunt, they will be much less likely to come across a centipede.

It is a good idea to have your home professionally treated for insects and pests throughout the year to keep centipedes from getting inside. The fewer centipedes that enter your house, the fewer that your cat can get their paws on. You should also inspect your cupboards and closets for signs of centipedes so you can address an infiltration problem before it becomes too severe.

Now that you know what you can safely feed your cat, it’s just as important to find a bowl that supports their health and well-being. With whisker-friendly bowls and a wide tray to catch any spills, our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite option.

Final Comments

Centipedes should pose no major problems for your cat. However, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your cat if they happen to get bitten by a centipede. If you live among centipedes that are known for biting and hurting humans, take special care to make sure they do not get into your house.

• Related Read: Can Cats Eat Scorpions? What You Need to Know!

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Featured Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay