Snake bites in cats
Most cats discover snakes out of pure curiosity. It is just their nature. But on warm spring and summer days, that curiosity can lead to an encounter with an adder, the UK's only venomous snake. The good news is that cats tend to cope with bites better than dogs. Even so, a snake bite is always a veterinary emergency. Fast action matters.
How adders bite
Adders (Vipera berus) bite in self-defence when surprised, but they do not always inject venom. Their venom is precious and is primarily used for hunting prey. Some bites are dry bites with no venom at all, though this is impossible to tell from the outside. That is why you should never wait to see if symptoms develop. Always go straight to the vet.
The venom has a greater effect on small prey than on cats, but cats are not immune. In most cases a bitten cat will experience a few days of swelling and pain at the bite site, then recover fully. However, in more serious cases, bleeding in the mucous membranes and skin, vascular damage throughout the body, and changes to the kidneys, liver, and lungs are possible. In the most severe cases, a cat's condition can deteriorate rapidly, leading to circulatory collapse. There is limited scientific data specific to cats, so vets use information from dogs and humans as a guide.
How to spot a snake bite in your cat
You will rarely see the bite happen. More likely, your cat will come home limping or with a swelling on a leg. If you inspect the skin carefully, you may sometimes spot one or two small puncture marks. Watch out for:
Swelling on the nose, muzzle, or a leg
Lameness or reluctance to use a limb
Weakness, lethargy, or unusual tiredness
Pain and tenderness at the bite site
In severe cases: bleeding from the gums or skin, very high heart rate, loss of consciousness
In humans, symptoms typically appear within 3 hours. If no symptoms appear within 8 hours, venom was likely not injected. Vets assume this applies to cats too, but do not use it as a reason to wait at home.
What to do
Keep your cat as still as possible so the venom is not pumped around the body faster.
Do not touch the bite site. Do not try to suck out the venom, cool it, or treat it yourself in any way.
See a vet immediately. If you are unsure, call your vet or a digital vet for advice on the way.
Call the vet you are heading to and ask about cortisone and antibiotics, which have helped in some snake bite cases. Never give your cat medication without speaking to a vet first.
When to see a vet
Straight away, any time you suspect a bite. At the clinic, your cat will typically receive intravenous fluids, pain relief, and cardiac monitoring. Blood tests will check red and white blood cells, liver and kidney values, and blood proteins. In some situations, antivenom may be given. After discharge, follow-up blood tests are usually recommended over the following weeks. Your vet will also advise avoiding strenuous activity for the first month after a bite.
Are cats affected differently from dogs by snake bites?
Yes. Cats generally tolerate adder bites better than dogs and in most cases recover well within a few days. That said, it is still a medical emergency and should always be assessed by a vet.
My cat has a swelling but I did not see a snake. Could it still be a bite?
Yes, it is possible. Cats roam independently and bites are rarely witnessed. Sudden unexplained swelling on a leg or face, combined with lameness or lethargy, is a warning sign. Head to the vet to be safe.
What will the vet do for a snake bite?
Typically: intravenous fluids, pain relief, and heart monitoring. Blood tests assess clotting, kidney and liver function. Antivenom may be used in some cases. Follow-up blood tests are recommended in the weeks after.
A snake bite is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to move fast. Most cats who receive prompt care recover well. The sooner you act, the better the outcome.
