Do Cats Work for Natural Scorpion Control?
Cats play with bugs all the time, but they can still be stung.
Scorpions pose a particularly large threat to homes and businesses in Arizona. These arachnids have a dangerous sting that can induce vomiting, swelling, numbness, and sometimes death. It’s understandable to want to find a natural solution to rid yourself of these pests. While cats seem like a good choice, given their ability to control mice and rats, there are some potential risks to keep in mind before relying on your cat for residential scorpion control.
Do Cats Eat Scorpions?
Cats are known to play with a multitude of rodents, bugs, and other pests. Scorpions are not immune to this treatment and can fall prey to a cat attack. Just like any other pest, cats will swat, chase, and potentially even eat a scorpion. It is more likely, however, that your cat will simply scare the scorpion away before it has time to reach it. Even though scorpions will most likely run away,they can still be very dangerous to cats if they manage to sting them.
Can Scorpions Kill Cats?
While it is common to think that a cat’s fur will protect them from a sting, this is not always the case. Cats are not immune to a scorpion sting and can still have severe reactions when stung. Bark scorpions specifically pose the largest threat to humans and cats alike. They are the most venomous species of scorpion, and their sting is known to pose a serious health risk.
It is important to remain vigilant when you see your cat swatting at a bug, rodent, or arachnid such as a scorpion. Continue reading to learn more about what signs to look for and what to do if your cat has been stung by a scorpion.
Signs Your Cat Has Been Stung by a Scorpion
Most of the time, cats will show obvious signs that they have been stung by a scorpion. However, it is good to be aware that cats will sometimes run away and hide out of fear. Be on the lookout for a cat that is hiding more than usual, as well as the following signs that they have been stung by a scorpion:
- Pain, licking, or rubbing at the site of the sting
- Vocalizing
- Limping
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Drooling
- Head-shaking
- Tremors
- Abnormal eye movement
What To Do if Your Cat Has Been Stung by a Scorpion
The first thing to do if you believe your cat has suffered a scorpion sting is to call your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to talk you through what to look for and the next steps to take. Generally, the next step is to give them a thorough inspection to see if you can identify where the site of the sting is. If you can’t find anything, monitor your cat’s behavior over the next few hours for signs of a serious problem.
If the scorpion is dead and you can safely retrieve it, do so in case the problem persists; your vet may need to see it. From there, just keep your cat comfortable and continue monitoring. If a more serious symptom such as trouble breathing, tremors, or abnormal eye movement occurs, get them to your local vet or emergency center immediately.
Receive Quality Scorpion Control From Responsible Pest Control Today
While cats are extremely helpful in keeping many rodents and bugs away from your home, they may not be the most helpful when it comes to scorpions. The best way to handle a scorpion problem is to call the experts at Responsible Pest Control. Our trained technicians will deliver responsible and effective treatments to help keep your home and family safe. Contact us for questions regarding our services or go ahead and schedule your Arizona scorpion control today!
