Buzz
While it is uncommon for cats to be bitten by snakes, such incidents can lead to severe consequences. Due to their small size, cats can receive a relatively high dose of venom from a snake bite. The cat's reaction to the injury depends on several factors, including the amount of venom injected, the location of the bite, and the type of snake. If your cat is bitten by a venomous snake, you can improve their chances of survival by seeking immediate veterinary care.
Steps
Assess the Situation
Examine the wound area. Most snake bites on cats occur around the mouth or legs. If bitten by a venomous snake, one or more fang marks may be visible on the cat's skin, though these are often hidden by fur. Additionally, the bite can be extremely painful, causing the cat to become agitated and resist any touch near the wound.
- Venomous bites often cause swelling, redness, and bleeding due to the venom's effect on blood clotting.
- The closer the bite is to the heart, the faster the venom spreads through the lymphatic and circulatory systems.
- If the cat is bitten by a non-venomous snake, tooth marks may be visible, but there will be no fang marks, and the wound will show little to no swelling, redness, or bleeding.
Observe clinical signs in your cat. After being bitten by a venomous snake, a cat may become lethargic and may vomit. They will weaken rapidly and collapse. Additionally, muscle tremors and dilated pupils may occur. Over time, more severe symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, and shock can develop.
- Signs of shock include rapid and shallow breathing, low body temperature, and an increased heart rate.
- Cats may vocalize more loudly when in pain.
- Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If you suspect a snake bite or notice a wound, take your cat to a veterinarian immediately.
- Clinical signs often appear quickly, within minutes. If no symptoms are observed after 60 minutes, the venom may not have entered the cat's system.
- In some cases, cats may not show clinical signs even after a venomous bite. However, they should still be examined by a vet for treatment and monitoring.
Identify the type of snake that attacked your cat. To administer the correct antivenom, veterinarians need to know the specific snake species. In the United States, common venomous snakes include rattlesnakes, water moccasins, copperheads, and coral snakes.
- If you witnessed the attack, remain calm and note the snake's color, length, and patterns. For safety, avoid approaching the snake for a closer look.
- Do not attempt to kill the snake, as this could put you at risk of being bitten.
- Venomous snakes typically have elliptical pupils (like cats), while non-venomous snakes have round pupils (like humans). However, exceptions exist, such as the round-pupiled coral snake.
- If you cannot identify the snake or determine if it is venomous, assume it is venomous.
- Negative effects on the cardiovascular system can lead to shock in cats.
Take Your Cat to the Veterinarian
Calm your cat. When a cat is bitten by a venomous snake, soothing their anxiety is the first step before seeking veterinary care. The more agitated and active the cat is, the faster the venom spreads, worsening their condition. Calming your cat is the only first aid measure you should attempt.
- Prevent the cat from moving or running around, as this can increase their heart rate and accelerate venom circulation.
- Be cautious, as the cat may bite or scratch due to pain.
Avoid first aid measures other than gentle pressure. This can help control bleeding from the wound. For example, do not attempt to cut the wound or suck out the venom. This is ineffective and can cause more pain to the cat. Additionally, the venom could harm you.
- Do not apply a tourniquet or tight bandage near the wound.
- Do not apply ice to the bite. Ice does not slow venom spread but can damage the skin.
- Do not wash the wound if caused by a venomous snake, as this can speed up venom absorption.
Take your cat to the vet immediately. The best action to save your cat's life is to get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If possible, place your cat in a carrier or a large box where they can lie comfortably, then transport them to the vet. To calm and keep your cat still during the journey, wrap them snugly in a towel or large cloth, ensuring it's not too tight.
Provide detailed information about the snake bite. Veterinarians have snake bite detection kits to identify the type of snake that attacked your cat. However, if the vet lacks specialized equipment, you should offer as much information as possible about the incident, such as a description of the snake, the time elapsed since the bite, and any clinical signs that have appeared since the attack.
Allow the vet to diagnose your cat's condition. While treatment can begin based on clinical signs and the appearance of the bite, veterinarians often conduct additional diagnostic tests to fully assess the severity. For example, they might perform blood tests to check clotting status and take urine samples to detect blood presence, which can be a consequence of the bite.
Agree to the treatment plan recommended by the vet. Since snake venom spreads rapidly and can severely damage your cat's body, immediate treatment is crucial to stabilize their condition. Don't be surprised if the vet starts treatment right away to stabilize your cat before discussing further details. Immediate treatments may include intravenous fluids to restore blood pressure, especially if your cat is in shock.
Ask the vet about your cat's prognosis. The prognosis for a snake bite depends on the amount of venom injected, the snake species, and the time elapsed since the bite. Fortunately, about 80% of pets recover if treated promptly by a vet. With a good prognosis, your cat might recover within 24 to 48 hours, though recovery could take longer depending on tissue damage severity.
Post-discharge care for your cat. Once your cat's health improves and they are ready to return home, you’ll need to provide ongoing care. The veterinarian will prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort caused by the snake bite. Depending on clinical signs and diagnostic results, additional medications may also be required.
Preventing Snake Bites
Understand the effects of snake venom on your cat's body. Snakes primarily use venom to hunt prey, but they often avoid confrontation and may bite only in self-defense when threatened by humans or pets. If your cat is bitten, it’s likely a defensive act rather than an attack.
- Snakes can control whether they inject venom during a bite. A 'dry bite' occurs when no venom is released, often if the snake has recently used its venom to subdue another animal.
- The amount of venom injected can vary. Smaller snakes, when threatened, may release more venom compared to larger snakes that feel less endangered.
- Venom spreads rapidly through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, potentially affecting multiple bodily systems, particularly the nervous and circulatory systems.
Clear areas where snakes might hide. Snakes often conceal themselves in tall grass, dense foliage, woodpiles, under rocks, or logs. If your cat spends time outdoors, clearing these areas can reduce the risk of encounters. Keeping your cat indoors is another effective way to minimize exposure to snakes.
Purchase snake repellent. Applying snake repellent in your yard can deter snakes from approaching your home. Visit a local pet store or shop online to find a suitable product for your needs.
Eliminate the food source for snakes. Rodents are a primary target for snakes, and their presence in your home can attract these reptiles. Setting up rodent traps inside and around your house can help. Alternatively, consider hiring a pest control service to eradicate rodents effectively.
Advice
- Be mentally prepared for the possibility that your cat may not survive. While veterinarians will do their best, some snake bites can be too severe to overcome.
- Avoid cleaning venomous wounds, but you can wash non-venomous snake bites with cold water and antibacterial soap. Regardless, always seek veterinary care immediately.
Warning
- Avoid approaching dead snakes. Even an hour after death, they can still reflexively strike and bite if touched.
- Wounds on the abdomen or chest, being closer to the heart, often have a worse prognosis compared to injuries on the head or limbs.
