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Cats are natural predators and love nothing other than to hunt small critters such as insects and spiders. They love running after anything that moves, especially if it moves in unexpected ways and/or very fast! But what happens if a cat chases and eats a daddy long legs spider?
Has your cat eaten a daddy long legs? Are you worried the daddy long legs 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.
We’ve gathered information about daddy long legs and whether they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Daddy Long Legs?
Daddy long legs are one of several spider species that belong to the Pholcidae family of spiders. There are over 1,800 species of daddy long legs spiders! Aren’t you happy to hear that? One of the most common types of daddy long legs in the US is a spider that has eight long legs and a white or tannish/brown body. The spiders are very delicate-looking.
These spiders live in almost every place on the planet, aside from Antarctica! They’re usually found in damp, dark spaces such as under rocks, loose bark, in corners of the house, attics, basements, and more.
Daddy long legs usually eat insects and may also eat other spiders. They’re very beneficial to have around the house, even though they do look a bit creepy!
But what happens if a cat eats a daddy long legs?
Daddy Long Legs & Cats
The good news is that daddy long legs spiders are not toxic to cats. These spiders do not produce venom and are harmless to humans, cats, and other larger animals. These spiders are only dangerous to insects and other spiders.
So, if your cat happens to eat a daddy long legs, your cat’s digestive system will treat it as any other protein. There’s not a lot there to digest, and the spider doesn’t contain enough nutrients to be very beneficial. However, it won’t make your cat sick!
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Ask a Vet Live NowCould Daddy Long Legs Ever Hurt a Cat?
That’s a good question. The answer is no. Daddy long legs of the Pholcidae family do not produce poison. And they don’t have fangs that can penetrate through a cat’s skin. So, daddy long legs can’t hurt a cat.
So, there you have it! If you see your cat with a daddy long legs sticking out of her mouth, there’s nothing to worry about! This is one spider that won’t make you or your cat sick!
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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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