Flies are a real nuisance! They fly around your face, land on food or on kitchen surfaces, and more. What a pest! To cats, on the other hand, a fly may sometimes be a nuisance; however, some cats enjoy hunting flies.
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Cats are predators and still have the instincts of their wild ancestors, which includes hunting prey. Prey doesn’t have to be large; it can be as small as a fly. Cats love to go after anything that’s moving. It may be their prey instinct kicking in, or they want to play. Chasing a fly is a challenge, after all. They’re not easy to catch!
As your fur baby chases the fly, the cat will chase it until the fly has disappeared, or until your kitty catches the fly and eats it. Have you noticed your cat eating flies? This is pretty common in cats.
Can Cats Eat Flies?
Yes, cats can eat flies, as these are just an insect and aren’t inherently harmful to our kitties. However, flies may carry infections that can be transmitted to the cat. Another issue is if the fly has been near toxic insecticides, which could be harmful to your cat.
If your cat eats the occasional fly, you probably don’t need to worry. He should be OK. However, if your cat tends to eat a lot of flies, then that could make him sick. Your cat may develop digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain and even fatigue. This doesn’t mean the flies were toxic. It just means your kitty had too many to eat.
Another issue is if the flies have been exposed to pesticides and contaminated. One contaminated fly probably won’t cause a problem; however, if your cat has eaten a large number of contaminated flies, he could become very sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive salivation, and more.
If you notice these symptoms, then it’s best to call your vet right away. This could mean your cat has been poisoned by the flies. He will need immediate medical treatment.
One more issue with flies is that may contain infections that can make your cat sick. These include worms, which are common in flies. Flies can carry various types of flies, including tapeworms and others. However, flies can also be infected with infections such as helicobacter, listeria, and other dangerous illnesses. What’s more, flies can also transmit viral infections to cats.
So, if your cat eats a fly now and then, chances are he will be OK. However, if your fur baby eats a large number of flies, then it’s probably a good idea to get him checked by the vet. And if you notice any of the symptoms (mentioned above) after your cat eats a lot of flies, then be sure to call the vet right away.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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