Scorpions have over 1000 species spread out across the world.
However, most of these Scorpion species do not have venomous stings and do not pose too much danger to your feline friend.
Still, a scorpion sting hurts like crazy, and while cats are experts at hiding pain, they have to endure a painful number of days before the pain withdraws.
Do you live in an area with a lot of scorpions and own a cat?
Such areas include the southwestern United States, which hold over 30 scorpion species. You might want to keep an eye out especially if you own kittens because cats prefer to play with scorpions.
Nonetheless, a scorpion’s first defense mechanism is running.
Regarding their immunity to scorpions;
No cat is immune to a scorpion sting.
Seeing that scorpions have different poison concentration levels (from least poisonous to highly poisonous), the worst an ordinary scorpion can do to a cat is cause it a lot of pain.
There are a few reasons as to why cats are less likely to die from a scorpion sting but being immune to their stings is not one of them.
Here are some of the other reasons.
1. Agility
It is obvious that cats are probably the most agile pets you can own.
I mean, our furry cuties always land on all fours and have incredible reflexes. While scorpions might also be fast, a cat will always evade a scorpion’s sting.
Not to mention, a scorpion will always run away when in danger, unless when confronted.
2. Pre-venom
Scorpions usually issue a warning before unleashing a dangerous venom.
The first sting is usually pre-venom and is not harmful.
Instead, it causes antagonizing pain for your cat. A scorpion always preserves its poison for a kill and will rarely use it for defense.
Still, the pre-venom is enough to cause your cat significant pain, which might not go away for about 24 hours.
3. Cautiousness
Unlike humans, cats are less likely to step on a scorpion by accident. As mentioned earlier, a scorpion will retreat fast at first sight of danger.
People are less likely to notice scorpions seeing how small they are in size, but cats are always aware of even the smallest insects.
Chances of a scorpion attack on your cat are minimal unless the cats provoke them, which they always do.
4. Fur
The fur on cats might not be as thick as other animals, but it’s enough to protect them from a scorpion sting.
Also, a scorpion sting is not that long meaning if your cat is as agile, it can evade the sting before it penetrates the skin.
The thick fur acts as a protective shield against this and any other form of a sting.
5. Thick Skin
Other than thick fur, cats also have a thick skin, which comes in handy when preventing scorpion stings. Even if the scorpion manages to penetrate the cat's fur, penetrating its skin is another story altogether.
Cats are not immune to scorpion venom; rather, they are just better at avoiding their sting.
Still, scorpions manage to sting cats and aside from the pain they can cause your cat a few discomforting problems.
Has your cat collapsed or had breathing difficulties?
Then, it’s time for a visit to the vet as these are some of the symptoms of a scorpion sting on your cat.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms related to scorpion stings include massive swelling in the stung area, teary eyes, drooling, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and inappropriate urination. Most scorpions do not pack enough punch to harm your feline friend seriously.
However, the bark scorpion, which can kill with a single sting, is one to fear.
In case your cat gets stung by a scorpion you can apply a cold pack on the stung area and restrict its movement to keep it calm.
You can also give your cat a antihistamine or use baking soda paste to ease the pain. Fitting it with a collar also works to prevent it from licking the stung area.
Above all, always visit a vet for a full diagnosis.
Has your cat been stung by a scorpion?
While a visit to the vet is recommended after this happens, if the scorpion is considered mildly venomous then you can treat it at home.
However, if you are not familiar with the scorpion species around your area and their poison concentration, it would be best to take your pet to the vet within 24 hours.
This information is essential for any cat owner because it quashes the myth about cats and scorpion immunity. Not to mention, it also provides tips on how to deal with a scorpion sting.
Consider familiarizing yourself with scorpion species in your area to take better care of your feline friend.
Our 3 cats catch, kill and consume scorpions all the time. I sometimes find bits and pieces of them on the floor. They’ve never been stung as far as I know; never seen or felt any swelling, or the cats acting like they were in pain. We live in northern AZ.
Wow AZ? Home of the Arizona Bark Scorpion which is the most venomous in North America. I’ve seen our cats playing with a scorpion once in the house. They actually saved me since it was inside one of my shoes.
[…] from kitten-hood, they will occasionally attack small animals such as lizards, geckos, chameleons, scorpions, rats, […]