Cats love to chase and hunt bugs, including June bugs! Our feline friends are fascinated by how the bugs run and fly! Your cat will be almost to the bug, and then all of a sudden, it takes off! What fun is that? But what happens if a cat eats the June bug?
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Has your cat eaten a June bug? Are you worried the June bug will make your cat sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your fur baby eats something he shouldn’t.
In this article, we’ll take a look at June bugs and whether or not they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is a June Bug?
June bugs, also called May bugs, are a type of scarab beetle that’s named for the time of year when they come out. An adult June bug is usually about ½- to one-inch long and is a brownish-red color. The bugs have a very hard outer shell.
But what happens if a cat eats a June bug?
June Bugs & Cats
The good news is that June bugs are not toxic to cats. However, they can make a cat sick. Eating too many of these bugs can cause digestive tract issues. One serious problem that June bugs can cause is an intestinal blockage if a cat eats too many of the insects.
What’s more, while the June bugs themselves are not toxic, they may have come in contact with the insecticide, which can be found on the bug’s outer shell. This can make the June bugs poisonous to cats.

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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of June Bug Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these digestive tract symptoms of your cat has eaten June bugs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Here, the concern is that the cat could develop continuous diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. So, a cat with severe diarrhea and vomiting should see the vet.
If a cat has eaten too many June bugs, you may notice these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Lack of appetite
- Abdominal pain/swelling
These are signs that your cat may have developed an intestinal blockage. This is a serious condition, so be sure to call the vet right away. Left untreated, an intestinal blockage can lead to death.
If your cat has eaten June bugs coated with insecticide, you may notice these symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Excessive drooling
- Depression
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
- Constricted pupils
- Increased heart rate
- Lack of coordination
- Breathing difficulties
Your cat would have to eat a number of June bugs saturated with insecticide; however, it is still a possibility. So, if you notice these symptoms in your cat, then be sure to call the vet right away. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment will depend on your cat’s symptoms. However, no matter what, prompt treatment means your cat has a better chance of making a full recovery. So, don’t wait to see how symptoms develop over time. Be sure to get your cat to the vet as soon as possible if you notice the symptoms listed above.
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.

Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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