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Signs that your cat has been stung
Cats are very good at hiding pain, so you might not immediately notice that something is wrong. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Localized swelling (this may be harder to spot in long-haired cats)
- Nibbling at or suddenly paying attention to a specific spot
- Yowling or being more vocal than usual
- Pawing at the sting site, especially around the nose, mouth, or throat
If your cat isn’t showing any signs of an allergic reaction, it’s usually safe to treat the sting at home. See below for how to do this.
Signs of an allergic reaction to a sting
If your cat shows any of the following symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for emergency treatment:
- Excessive swelling around the sting site, especially if it spreads to other areas
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Weakness or collapse
- Pale gums
- Diarrhea
How to treat a bee or wasp sting on your cat
If the stinger is still lodged in your cat’s skin, follow the steps below to safely remove it. You’ll need a sturdy plastic card (like a credit card) and a pair of tweezers.
- Gently press down on the skin next to the stinger using a credit card or a similar object. Be careful not to touch or squeeze the venom sac attached to the upper end of the stinger, as this could release more venom into your cat.
- Once the skin is pressed down, use a pair of tweezers to carefully grasp the stinger without touching the venom sac. Gently pull upward to remove it.
To reduce swelling and soothe the area, apply an ice pack or a cold, damp towel to the affected spot. Watch closely for any signs of an allergic reaction. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet immediately.
