Your cat might think a bee is fair game for a swat, but curiosity and buzzing insects rarely end well. The result is often a sting that leaves both you and your little tiger looking a bit rattled.
Here’s the buzz on what to do when your cat learns the hard way that bees and wasps just don’t play.
- What happens when a cat gets stung?
- Can bee or wasp stings trigger allergies in cats?
- What if the sting is on the head, mouth, or nose?
- Should I go to the vet?
- How to care for a bee sting at home
- Does Knose Pet Insurance cover bee and wasp stings?
What happens when a cat gets stung?
Most of the time, a sting causes a quick yelp and leaves your cat feeling startled and uncomfortable. Anyone who’s tangled with a bee or wasp knows just how nasty their sting can be. Do note that these are vastly different from flea and tick bites!
A bee’s stinger has little hooks that get stuck in the skin. When it goes in, the bee cannot pull it back out. The stinger breaks off and sometimes looks like a dark splinter still releasing venom into the sting. Wasps are nastier. They keep their smooth stingers intact and can jab repeatedly, causing angry red swelling without leaving a stinger.
Signs of a mild reaction to a sting may include:
- Sudden yowling or pawing at the face or body
- Swelling of the affected area
- Limping or holding up a paw
- Excessive licking or grooming of the area
Can bee or wasp stings trigger allergies in cats?
Not every cat shrugs off a sting. Some can tip into anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction. It’s more likely to happen if they have been stung before or suffer multiple stings at once. More venom in the system may mean a bigger reaction.
Signs that your cat may be experiencing anaphylactic shock include the following:
- Breaking out in hives
- Disorientation or stumbling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Pale gums
- Low body temperature and cold limbs
- A heart rate that’s either too slow or too fast
These are some cues to call the vet right away. Better safe than sorry, allergies can flare faster than your cat spotting the treat bag! A cat in good health from annual vet visits is less vulnerable if emergencies strike, even as sudden as a bee or wasp sting.
What if the sting is on the head, mouth, or nose?
It always helps to spot emergency symptoms early. Reach out to your vet if your cat’s face starts puffing up like a marshmallow. Severe swelling around the eyes, mouth, or throat is dangerous as this can interfere with breathing,
A sting on the paw might just mean fewer zoomies. A sting on the face, mouth, or nose is a whole different story.
Even if symptoms seem mild, cats can develop anaphylaxis within minutes, so it’s always safest to err on the side of caution.
Should I go to the vet?
In some cases, bee and wasp stings will only cause mild, localised pain and swelling for cats. A quick call to your vet is always the safest first step.
Head, mouth, or throat stings require veterinary attention. Signs of an allergic reaction also warrant a visit. Multiple stings or allergic reactions can put your cat at serious risk.
How to care for a bee or wasp sting at home
If it’s just a simple sting and your cat seems otherwise fine, here’s what you can do:
- Get the stinger out and scrape with a flat card or your fingernail. Don’t squeeze as this can release more venom.
- Use soap and water to clean the area that’s been stung.
- Reduce the swelling with an ice pack or damp towel for 10 minutes.
Your cat isn’t in the clear simply because they appear normal immediately after a sting. Continue watching for delayed symptoms that may develop later. Some reactions take time to appear. If any changes occur within the next 24 hours, contact your vet.
💡For mature cats, even small stings may hit harder. Learn about senior cat care.
Does Knose Pet Insurance cover bee and wasp stings?
Yes, Knose Pet Insurance has your cat’s back if they get a little too friendly with a bee or a wasp. A single sting may be considered an injury which is subject to a 1 day Exclusion Period. Stings are considered injuries and are covered after the one-day exclusion period.
Knose also covers insect allergies, poisoning, and swallowed objects, as long as these aren’t Pre-Existing Symptoms and Conditions.
If your cat develops an allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis or needs follow-up care, those costs may also be covered under treatment, depending on your policy terms and conditions.
Staying ahead of the sting
Getting stung is no fun, whether you’re human or feline. Most stings are more buzz than bite, but they sure can ruffle your cat’s whiskers.
Stay calm, keep your cat settled, and head to the vet if swelling gets out of hand. If things look worse than a simple ouch, let the vet take the sting out of the situation.
Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Ranzel
Ranzel is a perpetually caffeinated logophile whose work as a Knose freelancer revolves around pets. She’s an advocate for the furred, feathered, and finned. A cat mum by fate, and a full-time sitter to an ever-growing crew of adorable strays.
