Cats are known for their curiosity, as well as their hunting instincts. If you’ve ever seen your cat leap after a spider or mouse, you know these natural hunters are built for the hunt! But even though spiders are part of their raw diet, can cats eat spiders safely? If you own a cat, you’ve probably noticed them lapping up spiders from time to time—usually dead ones, but sometimes live ones. Even indoor cats seem to have an eye for finding one crawling through your house. But it truly depends on the type of eight-legged creature as to whether or not extreme concern is warranted.
Most spiders are typically harmless and no different than the other insects your cat eats regularly. But does your furry little friend know what he’s doing? Or are the spiders just another chew toy for him? Can cats eat spiders? Why do you cats love eating spiders? You need to know if you’re curious about this question and how it relates to your cat’s health. While some people think it’s okay to feed your cat spiders, that probably isn’t the best idea. Below we’ll tell you why.
If you’ve ever wondered if cats can eat spiders, you probably aren’t alone! No matter how much we love our kitties, most of us would draw the line at giving them insects—especially the arachnids they eat in cartoons and movies. But there are scary-looking spiders you don’t want anywhere near your pet. Plenty of other little guys pose no harm to humans or cats alike.
Why do cats eat spider webs?
Many people think that cats eat spider webs because they are attracted to the prey that is often caught in them. However, there are a few other reasons why cats may be interested in these sticky traps. Some believe that the texture of the web feels good on a cat’s tongue, while others think that spiders themselves are a source of nutrients for cats.
In addition, cats have been observed attacking and eating both living and dead insects. In this case, some experts theorize that it is not so much about taste as it is about capturing food.
Cats Eat Spider Webs for Nutrition
Most cats are obligate carnivores, requiring animal protein to survive. However, this doesn’t mean that cats don’t eat plant material on occasion. Many cats consume small amounts of grass or other plants for nutritional purposes.
According to some vets, spider webs are also a source of nutrition for cats. These delicate structures are made mostly of protein, an essential nutrient for cats. While spider webs are not a substitute for a balanced diet, they can give your cat some valuable nutrients.
Spiders might give your cat side effects like diarrhea.
While there are no definitive studies on the subject, it’s generally not a good idea to let your cat eat spiders. Some spider species can be poisonous to cats, and even those that aren’t might give your cat side effects like diarrhea. If you’re concerned that your cat has eaten a spider, watch for signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Venomous species like widow spiders, tarantula spiders & others can result in spider poisoning that we want to avoid at all costs. Fortunately, a cat’s stomach acids neutralize most spider venom, making them far less harmless than we’re inclined to believe. On the other hand, Venomous spider bites are a whole different story we will discuss later in this article.
Should Cat Owners Worry About Spider Web Consumption
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that spiders are a nutritionally complete food source for cats. In other words, they provide all the nutrients a cat needs to survive. However, there is one thing you should keep an eye out for. If your cat starts vomiting or has diarrhea after eating a spider, take them to the vet immediately because it could mean they have consumed something poisonous or harmful. But if your cat ate a spider web or you caught your cat playing in one, there’s usually little need for worry.
Ingesting spiders or their webs is generally harmless to your cat. Cats love to explore their curious nature, and it’s pretty ok to let them act on their feline instincts when it comes to eating spiders. Plus, if your cat likes to kill spiders, that’s one less scream you’ll hear from the wife or kids later when they see one scampering across the bathroom floor in your house.
Concerns for Feline Pica
While it’s true that cats are carnivores, some enjoy eating things that aren’t traditionally considered food. This behavior, known as pica, can harm your cat if they consume something poisonous or indigestible. If you’re concerned that your cat may be eating spiders, keep an eye on them and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. While your cat’s diet will keep them healthy and whole, that doesn’t mean house spiders are safe from their curious nature.
Spider Webs Have Nutritional Value
While most people think of spiders as creepy, crawly, and dangerous, they may be surprised to learn that some cultures consider their delicacy. Spider webs are a good source of protein and other nutrients. So, can cats eat spiders? They might find themselves on the menu one day if the rest of the world follows suit. But until then, pet owners should exercise caution with their feline friends when dealing with these eight-legged critters.
What Happens If My Cat Eats a Spider?
Cats eat spiders; kittens eat spiders – this is a fact most cat owners need to face. While there’s no need to panic if your cat eats a spider, it’s essential to understand what might happen if they do. In most cases, the spider will pass through your cat’s digestive system without any issues. However, in rare cases, the spider may be poisonous and make your cat very sick. Dangerous allergic reactions can occur as well.
If you’re concerned about your cat’s health, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian. Most domesticated cats don’t eat as many spiders as wild cats, but occasionally they’ll spot house spiders and make a snack. Most spider species are harmless, so you typically don’t have to worry if your cat eats spiders, but we will walk through when to worry and when you don’t need to.
How Dangerous Can Spiders Possibly Be?
We all know that spiders can be dangerous. They can cause serious health problems in humans and even death in some cases. But how dangerous can they be to our feline friends? In truth, it’s not as difficult as you might think when you see your cats eating spiders. In most cases, cats can eat a spider without any issues, except for the black widow or brown recluse.
For this reason, owners of cats should take care when placing them near a potentially infested area, such as the garage or shed. The more significant thing to be concerned with is a spider bite. If a spider has bitten your cat, its local skin cells may be affected. Cat’s skin will react more to a black widow bite than other spider bites. Black widow spiders are among the most dangerous to cats.
Possible Allergic responses
If a cat consumes spiders or is the victim of a spider bite, hypersensitivity reactions may result. The symptoms of ingestion will typically present as gastrointestinal distress. However, if a spider has bitten your cat, you should generally keep an eye out for the following signs which could indicate poisonous spider bites:
- bite wound, which is frequently physically uncomfortable,
- allergic reactions,
- cutaneous inflammatory disease,
- a rosy hue to the skin,
- difficulty breathing,
- irritation of the skin,
- severe irritation
- a warm or hot sensation when touched,
- Bruising,
- anaphylactic shock
- cutaneous necrosis
- secondary bacterial infections
Final Thoughts
It’s important to note that the types of internal parasites that the insect carries may exacerbate the signs of cat-eating spiders. Some spiders may carry harmful parasites like the stomach worm Physaloptera. These worms may occasionally be transmitted to your cat. The problem may worsen if a cat consumes spiders tainted with pesticide and insecticide poisons. And, of course, if you have any concerns or it’s clear your cat was bitten by a spider, be sure to consult with your vet, who will provide veterinary advice, or take your cat to the nearest animal hospital to be inspected.
FAQS (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Q: Could a spider kill a cat?
A: YES! Eating a venomous spider can kill a cat. Typically cats just kill them, and due to thicker skin than humans, they are not as likely to have an adverse effect from one. But occasionally, a more dangerous spider can harm a cat’s body.
Q: What happens if my cat eats a spider?
A: Luckily, your cat’s stomach acids will likely neutralize the venom in these eight-legged creatures. So if they eat a spider, it shouldn’t be an issue. If you want peace of mind, keep an eye on them for the next few days. Asking for veterinary guidance is never wrong, even if you believe you’re being too cautious.
Q: What happens if my cat eats a spider?
A: Cats are known to eat spiders, but the odds of them being hurt by one is pretty low. There’s been plenty of rumors that letting your cat chow down on some nasty ones will kill him or her; I can’t find any documentation for this either.
Q: Can a black widow kill a cat?
A: Yes, but only if they bite your cat. If you find that their pet has eaten one of these deadly spiders, it’s best to take them straight to the vet for emergency treatment as soon as possible. Without intervention, though, there could be fatal consequences.
Q: Is it bad if my cat eats a spider?
A: Most of the time, eating a spider will not harm your cat. The venom of even the most venomous spiders is digested before it can do any harm, so most people shouldn’t worry about them.
Q: Can cats get worms from eating spiders?
A: Both indoor and outdoor cats are susceptible to worm infection. Infestation depends on the type of worm, but cats usually get worms from fleas, eggs, or infected particles in feces.
Q: Do cats keep spiders away?
A: Cats are expert hunters and will take care of any spiders they spot creeping around your home and yard. As a family pet, cats may keep spiders out of your home.
