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cats are hunters by dna. If it’s small and loves to crawl or fly, your cat will most likely want to hunt it. but have you ever wondered if cats can eat centipedes?
I live in a building that is very old. It was built in the early 1900’s, so from time to time I run into some bugs that scare me. almost any kind of bug gives me the creeps, unless it’s a housefly, mosquito, or midge.
I think there’s something creepy about centipedes. I mean really, how many legs do you need anyway? oh, just writing this article makes me very paranoid about anything I see moving out of the corner of my eye.
If you’ve seen your cat eat a creepy centipede, then you’re probably wondering if it’s okay for your cats to eat these creepy little bugs. the answer to this depends mainly on the type of centipede and whether your cat is allergic to it.
what kind of centipede?
did you know there are literally thousands of types of centipedes? almost all centipedes are insectivorous and venomous, meaning they will kill other critters and insects with their venom.
the common house centipede has 15 creepy legs attached to it and they’re yellowish in color. they are typically found in the most humid areas of your home, such as the basement or bathroom.
Centipedes also like to feed on other creepy crawlies like spiders and cockroaches, which in my opinion are the grossest bugs nature has ever created. to these spider-eating centipedes, bon appetit.
health risks from eating centipedes
If your cat manages to catch and eat a centipede, she may vomit up part or all of the centipede. this is not something to be overly concerned about, as some feline stomachs are sensitive to foreign matter such as insect parts.
If your cat continues to vomit after eating a centipede, however, you should take your cat to your vet as soon as possible to be sure.
Some cats have allergies to certain insects, and centipedes are no exception to this fact.
My cats have eaten some of these critters and they are still alive and kicking. most of the time my cats will just play, prod and poke these 15 legged culprits as well as any other insects that cross their path.
what happens if a centipede bites my cat?
In general, centipede venom simply isn’t strong enough to cause serious harm to your beloved feline.
The action of the bite itself will likely cause your cat some initial pain. I think it’s pretty safe to say that the bigger the centipede, the more painful the bite will be.
If your cat is bitten by a centipede, they may experience swelling in the centipede area. a small amount of swelling is usually okay and normal after being bitten.
However, if the swelling doesn’t go down and your cat has a fever, you should definitely take him to the vet as soon as possible.
get rid of centipedes without harming your cat
If you want to get rid of these creepy centipedes without harming your beloved feline, try using food-grade diatomaceous earth.
Diatomaceous earth is an all-natural, environmentally friendly pesticide. It is safe for both pets and humans as well. and is a great alternative to the other harmful pesticides on the market that can harm your cat.
sprinkle it around the house along the walls, in corners and near doors for maximum effectiveness.
final thoughts
so can cats eat centipedes? as long as the centipedes are of the common household variety, then your cat should be fine if she decides to have a centipede for dinner.
I personally can’t stand watching my cats eat any kind of bug, let alone a 15-legged centipede. it’s just gross and gives me goosebumps.
When I see my cats playing with one of these critters, I usually go and kill it myself.
