What To Do After Your Cat Has Been Bitten By A Snake
Cat owners in more rural areas often need to worry about their pets' interactions with the local wildlife, particularly if there are venomous snakes nearby. If you see your cat get bit by a snake or if it returns home with a bite injury or a dead one, you may need to take immediate action to save it from a potentially fatal dose of venom. These four steps will walk you through the first few minutes and hours after your cat has been bitten by a snake.
Getting Your Cat Away From the Snake
In cases where you happen to witness the bite, your first action should be to get yourself safely clear of the snake and your cat indoors. Your cat might run to the house after the nasty shock, but you may need to go retrieve it from a hiding spot instead. Always use caution when moving through an area known to contain snakes, and never jeopardize your own well-being as you attempt to help your pet. The last thing you want is to leave your bitten pet behind while you are rushed to the hospital yourself.
Identifying the Snake
Whenever possible, try to positively identify the snake that bit your cat. It helps to be familiar with the snake species in your region beforehand, but you may be able to quickly identify the snake if you get a good look at it. Sometimes, cats have a run-in with non-venomous snakes like garter snakes, corn snakes or kingsnakes and emerge none the worse for the wear. If you didn't see the snake or can't identify it, your best plan will be to take your cat to an animal hospital immediately, in case a reaction to venom sets in quickly.
Monitoring Your Cat for Symptoms
If you choose to keep your cat home, or if you didn't notice the bite, you will need to recognize the signs of a venomous snake bite quickly to respond in time. Your cat may be sensitive to touch around the bite and begin swelling; typically, they are bitten on the face or paw. It may vomit, drool, appear lethargic, or even experience paralysis as well. As soon as you notice these symptoms, it's time to pack up your cat and get in the car.
Heading to the Nearest Cat Hospital
With a little luck, you will arrive at the cat hospital in time to save your pet from any permanent damage, though snake venom can do severe damage to your cat's system. Many veterinarians have a stock of antivenin on hand for local snake species, though some cases only require steroid injections or an anti-histamine. After a few days of discomfort to teach a valuable lesson, your cat's swelling should subside and your pet should return to normal, though hopefully a little wiser for its adventure.
For more information, contact Cat Care Clinic or a similar location.