Sore Paws: Managing Your Cat’s Bee Sting

Many cats can’t resist the temptation to swipe at buzzing insects. Unfortunately, sometimes, this predator instinct results in a sting and a very unhappy feline.

Knowing what to do if your feline friend gets stung is important, so here is our guide on cats and stings.

Here is our guide on what to do if your dog gets stung.

Symptoms of an Insect Sting

Although allergic reactions can occur, most bee or wasp stings won’t be an emergency. If your cat has experienced multiple stings (for example, if they have been near a nest), then this could lead to a severe reaction.

Some cats will be allergic to the toxins produced by bees or wasps. If they aren’t treated, a severe reaction can be fatal.

Our feline friends are annoyingly good at hiding signs of pain, but keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• Pawing at the area they were stung in (mouth, face)
• Swelling (hard to spot in long-haired breeds)
• Suddenly nibbling/ licking an area
• Yowling/Meowing/ Vocalising more

Remember, cats don’t always purr when they are contented, so if your cat is purring a lot after an insect sting or an injury, it is likely to self-soothe. Keep a close eye and take to the vet if you suspect a serious adverse reaction.

Understand more about your feline friend’s body communication style. Read our Guide to the Secret Language of Cats.

These are common symptoms of an insect sting in our pets. However, the following may be the sign of a serious reaction:

• Vomiting
• Weakness/ Collapsing
• Pale Gums
• Diarrhoea
• Rapid or Difficulty Breathing
• Seizures
• Swelling around the sting that spreads outwards (in long-haired cats, this will be harder to spot)

If any of the above symptoms occur, seek veterinary attention immediately.

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What Should I Do If My Cat Gets Stung?

Firstly, check if you can see the stinger in the wound. This will be easier with someone else helping you either hold your cat or search for the stinger.

If you can spot it, it means the insect was a bee, as they will leave their stingers behind. Unfortunately, a bee sting will continue to inject venom once embedded in the skin, so it will need to be removed ASAP.

The best method for this is to use a credit card. Locate the yellowish stinger and try to use your credit card or similar to hook the sac out. Never squeeze the venom sac with your fingers, as this can inject more toxins into the wound.

When Should I Alert My Vet?

It is important to pay close attention to stings around the face or mouth, as this is a risky area. If your cat has multiple stings or shows signs of a serious reaction, please contact your vet immediately and never treat at home with human medication.

If you believe your cat has eaten a wasp or bee, get in contact with your vet. Your cat may need to go in for a check; either way, your feline friend will need to be watched closely for 12 hours.

If your cat needs to be seen by a vet, they will remove the stings and offer some pain medication and anti-inflammatories.

How to reduce the swelling at home?

For non-serious stings, you can reduce the swelling at home with some simple first aid.

Use an icepack, a frozen pack of something or a cloth dipped in cold water to soothe the area and reduce the pain/swelling. Make sure these aren’t too cold, as the sudden temperature change might be a bit of a shock to your moggy

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Being informed is important for keeping your kitty healthy. Learn what is unsafe in our Guide to Dangerous Plants.