Insect stings in cats
During spring and summer, many insects become active, and it's common for our furry friends to enjoy chasing them. Cats getting stung by wasps, bees, or bumblebees is a frequent occurrence and something you should be extra vigilant about during the warmer months.
Bee or wasp stings
Just like with humans, a bee or wasp sting will hurt your cat, but it rarely makes them seriously ill. A sting can cause discomfort to your cat in the form of pain, itching, or swelling. While some cats can be allergic, this is uncommon.
Allergies
It’s difficult to know if a cat is allergic to stings before they’ve been stung for the first time, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your cat if they have been stung. If your cat becomes lethargic, has difficulty breathing, struggles to walk, vomits, becomes severely swollen all over, or loses consciousness, go straight to the vet.
What can I do?
In most cases, your cat will show discomfort and some pain when stung. They might lick the affected area a lot and avoid leaning or putting weight on that side.
You can help ease the pain with a cool, wet compress and gently clean the stung area. If the stinger is still embedded, carefully remove it. Keep your cat under observation for any signs of an allergic reaction.
