Snakes get a bad rap: they are generally unlikely to bite unless surprised or defensive. However, this slippery species is seen as one of the most fearsome in the animal kingdom, even felines agree, which is why cats hiss to imitate snakes! But what if you do find yourself with a snake bite on a cat? learn what to look for and how to treat your pet in the unlikely event this happens.
cat snake bite symptoms: non-venomous
Nonvenomous snakebites on cats are much more common than venomous ones, but nonvenomous snakebites can still be dangerous. cats are more prone to being bitten by a snake on the legs. Bites from non-venomous snakes are usually (because there are always exceptions) horseshoe or u-shaped and may be accompanied by pain and bleeding, but not swelling.
cat snake bite symptoms: venomous
On the other hand, venomous snakebites usually show up as two puncture marks. this type of bite will likely be accompanied by painand swelling. Other symptoms to watch for in your pet include:
- bleeding
- pale or white gums
- rapid heartbeat
- rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- vomiting and/or diarrhea
- weakness
- droopy eyelids
- dilated pupils
- lack of coordination
- paralysis
- seizures
- approach your cat carefully. If your cat is nervous or anxious, hold her if necessary.
- if possible, clip the hair from the area of your cat’s bite.
- Rinse area well with sterile saline solution or mild soap and water.
- Transport your cat to the vet immediately.
- identifying characteristics: the largest venomous snake in the Americas (up to 8 feet long and 35 pounds); black diamond patterns offset by yellow borders.
- Primary habitat: pine forests, mountains, dry marshes, and coastal areas of Florida and the lower southeastern United States
- identifying characteristics: 4-5 feet long, 10-15 pounds; Brown “base” with cream outlines.
- Primary habitat: sandy, sun-drenched deserts, salt marshes, and rocky montane areas; range extends from southeast to mexico, california, and halfway to canada.
- identifying characteristics: brightly colored with primary black and red stripes, and smaller circular yellow stripes.
- Primary habitat: Southern part of North America.
- identifying characteristics: 2-4 feet; Reddish-brown coppery bodies with chestnut-brown crossbands.
- Primary habitat: along the east coast to northern New York and inland to western Nebraska.
- identifying characteristics: 2-6 feet; large, triangular heads, dark stripes on each nostril, and pale snouts.
- Primary habitat: semi-aquatic regions, marshes, swamps, and warmer streams and lakes.
- identifying characteristics: 3-6 feet, up to 10 pounds; dark brown or black transverse bands on a yellowish or greyish brown background; may have a rust-colored vertebral stripe.
- Primary habitat: Northeast USA. wow
- identifying characteristics: 2-4 feet; typically gray, tan, brown, olive green, or light yellow, with a diamond pattern.
- Primary habitat: areas of southern Arizona, California, Utah, New Mexico, and parts of Texas; prefers open areas of sparse vegetation and sandy, desert conditions.
- identifying characteristics: 1-3 feet; grey, black, or tan with large light-edged chocolate brown spots on back and smaller spots on sides.
- Primary habitat: Most common in Ontario, Michigan, and throughout the Upper Missouri Valley with reported populations in Colorado and extending into Mexico; prefers swamps and grasslands.
- cdc.gov
- reptile magazine
- catster
how to treat a snake bite on a cat
If you notice a bite mark or any of the above symptoms in your cat (but didn’t observe the attack itself), we recommend that you take your cat to an animal hospital immediately. treatment should begin as soon as possible after the bite.
If you’ve seen your cat bitten by a snake, try to make a note of what type of snake it is (for example, a rattlesnake) or any of its identifying marks. if possible, take a photo of the snake. do not approach the snake unless you are sure it is dead. If you can bag the dead snake (wear gloves), take it and your cat to the animal hospital.
The vet will want to know any information you have about the snake, where the attack took place, and where and how long since your cat was bitten. A venom test kit, blood tests, and cultures can be performed to identify the snake and determine treatment. The vet may need to administer antivenom, intravenous fluids, feeding tubes, and oxygen, depending on the severity of the situation. Unfortunately, if treatment for a venomous snakebite in a cat is not prompt, the bite is often fatal.
venomous snakes in the usa wow
we have compiled an incomplete list of common venomous snakes in the usa. uu. if you have seen these snakes in the wild or know they exist where you live, you may be better prepared for the unlikely event of a cat snake bite.
eastern diamondback rattlesnake
western diamondback rattlesnake
coral snake (eastern and western)
copperhead snake
cottonmouth snake or water moccasin
timber rattlesnake
mojave rattlesnake
massasauga or black rattlesnake
how to prevent a snake bite on a cat
what’s the best way to prevent a feline snake bite? keep your cat inside! other ways to reduce risk are to keep your lawn mowed and clear your yard of places where snakes most commonly reside, such as logs or woodpiles.
Learning to recognize and react quickly is the best way to prepare for a snakebite on a cat.
make pet care easier and smarter with a self-cleaning litter box.
sources:
cover photo © umberto salvagnin / cc-by-sa-2.0
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