Kittens learn to hunt at a very young age. But, of course, they’re usually only playing. And if they are hunting on purpose, then they may not be very successful. Kittens can be clumsy little hunters at times!
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However, occasionally your little hunter may get “lucky” and somehow manage to catch a bee and eat it! That’s scary!
Has your kitten eaten a bee? Are you worried the bee will make your kitten sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it’s scary when a kitten eats something she shouldn’t.
In this article, we’ll take a look at bees and whether or not they can make your kitten sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Bee?
Most of us know what a bee is, but it’s still helpful to review basic information about these flying insects. Bees are members of the Apidae family, and they come in many different types. Scientists believe there are about 20,000 species of bees on the planet!
Some bees make honey, while others don’t, while some bees sting, and others don’t. And most bees pollinate flowers, including the flowers on many of the foods we eat. Bees are a necessary part of the environment, wherever you happen to live.
But what happens if a kitten eats a stinging bee? Will the bee make the kitten sick?
Bees & Kittens
If your kitten has eaten a bee, here’s what to watch for. First, if the kitten has swallowed the bee, it’s already gone. It’s possible the bee could have stung your kitten’s paws, face or stung the kitten in the throat.
Bee stings to the paws and face will become apparent very quickly. A bee sting to the throat may cause your kitten’s throat to begin to swell, which could lead to breathing difficulties. These are the main things to watch for.
Otherwise, if your kitten doesn’t develop any symptoms of a bee sting, then chances are very good she will be OK. The kitten’s digestive system will digest the bee as if it was any other food.
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Ask a Vet Live NowBee Sting Symptoms in Kittens
You will need to watch to see if your kitten develops symptoms of a bee sting:
- Swelling (face, paws, throat)
- Redness
- Pain
- Rapid breathing/breathing difficulties
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Elevated heart rate
If your kitten develops any of these symptoms, call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment of Bee Sting in Kittens
The vet will conduct a physical exam of your kitten, which may involve lab work or other tests. Next, they will begin to work on the kitten’s bee sting reaction. Your kitten may require antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine, depending on her symptoms.
In addition, the vet may treat your kitten with an IV and fluids and/or use the IV to administer medications. Once your kitten is stable, she will be allowed to come home.
After you get her home again, she may need to stay indoors for a few days to finish her recovery. The good news is that in most cases, kittens who receive prompt treatment for a bee sting will make a complete recovery!
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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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