My Cat Ate Boxelder Bugs What Should I Do?

Reviewed By Tom •  Updated: 07/01/22 •  3 min read
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My Cat Ate Boxelder Bugs What Should I Do?

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Have you ever noticed your cat eating bugs? That a common thing! Cats love to play with and sometimes snack on bugs! Our feline friends may chase bugs in the house or out in the yard. It looks like a sport for them in some cases!

But when a cat gets bored with the game of chasing a bug, such as a Boxelder bug, she may choose to eat the insect! Yuck! But what happens if a cat eats a Boxelder bug? Can Boxelder bugs make a cat sick?

Has your cat eaten Boxelder bugs? Are you worried the Boxelder bugs will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.

It is strongly recommended to contact a Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian.

We’ve put together some information about Boxelder bugs and whether they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!

What are Boxelder Bugs?

Boxelder bugs are an insect commonly found in boxelder trees. That’s where the bugs get their name! The insects are usually found in the western part of the US but are also found in the eastern US and Canada.

The bugs are a black color with reddish or orange stripes on their backs. The bugs look a little bit like a sporty racing car! The adult bugs have a flat, oval body that’s about ½” long. They have six legs and two antennae.

The bugs are usually not a problem unless they enter a home, shed, or garage. When this happens, the bugs are looking for a warm place to stay until the following spring.

Thankfully, boxelder bugs are not poisonous or venomous. However, they may bite if they feel threatened. But what happens if a cat eats a Boxelder bug? Can the Boxelder bug make a cat sick?

Boxelder Bugs & Cats

Boxelder bugs are usually not dangerous to cats. However, they may bite your kitty if the bug feels threatened. However, eating a Boxelder bug could cause a problem. That’s because the bugs are fool of horrible-tasting and smelling poop! You’ll see this after squishing a boxelder bug.

Symptoms of Boxelder Bug Ingestion in Cats

You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten a boxelder bug:

In most cases, these symptoms should pass in a few hours. However, if they last up to 24 hours long, then it’s time to call the vet. You want to avoid your fur baby becoming dehydrated from the continuous vomiting and diarrhea.

Fortunately, the vet has medication to stop diarrhea and vomiting. They may also treat your kitty with IV fluids to rehydrate her.

The good news is that cats who eat boxelders bugs will make a complete recovery!

 

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Tom

Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!

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