What to do if your cat is stung by a bee or wasp: Veterinarian-approved tips

Summer is here, and cats may accidentally sting bees or wasps when playing outdoors. Although cats can recover on their own in most cases, they may sometimes have a serious allergic reaction. Here are some practical suggestions for dealing with cat stings.

Types of Insect Stings

Both bees and wasps can sting cats. Although they look similar, the way they sting is very different. A wasp's stinger is straight and does not fall off when it stings, meaning that a single wasp can sting multiple times.

A bee's stinger falls off when it stings. Each bee can sting only once, but the stinger remains in your cat's skin and may continue to pump poison for several minutes, so removing the stinger quickly can reduce pain and swelling.

Signs of a Bee Sting

Cats often hide their pain, so bee stings may not be obvious. Bee stings are more common in younger cats and cats that have access to outdoor activities, but cats of all ages may occasionally experience them, both indoors and outdoors.

Cats are usually stung on the face and around the paws. They may limp or scratch at the sting. Look for a small bump at the sting.

Bee Sting First Aid

When you realize your cat has been stung, remove it from the scene immediately and find a safe place to evaluate and treat your cat. While a single sting is unlikely to cause a severe reaction, there may be other bees or wasps nearby. Most severe insect sting reactions come from multiple stings.

If your cat is stung by a bee, it's important to remove the stinger quickly. Use the edge of a driver's license or credit card to scrape the sting out, and don't pinch the stinger out with tweezers - that can crush the venom sac and make the sting worse.

After the stinger is removed, assess your cat's condition. Check your cat's coat to make sure there are no other insect stings. Monitor your cat and watch for more serious allergic reactions. Most insect stings do not require veterinary care. If your cat has been stung multiple times, or if the stings occurred inside the mouth, consider visiting a veterinarian immediately. Regardless of where the stings occurred or how many times, it's worth calling your veterinarian.

If your cat has only mild swelling, cold compresses can help reduce side effects. Frozen vegetables, ice packs, or cold towels applied to the wound can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Diphenhydramine/Benadryl can reduce swelling and minimize allergic reactions in cats, but you should always be careful when giving your cat over-the-counter medications. Read the label carefully to make sure there are no pain relievers mixed in the medication. Many pain relievers are toxic to cats. Dosages also vary from cat to cat. PetMD recommends giving your cat 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight in the case of insect bites. If you have any concerns about giving your cat over-the-counter medications, contact your veterinarian for specific advice or skip the medication.

Even if the sting appears mild at first , monitor your cat for signs of a serious reaction . If signs of a severe allergic reaction occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Severe reactions to stings

Most of the time, bee stings cause only mild swelling and discomfort in cats. In rare cases, stings can cause an extreme reaction called anaphylactic shock.

Early warning signs:

• Diarrhea or unusual bowel movements/urination

• Swelling of the mouth or tongue

• Vomiting

• Itching

• Urticaria

Later signs:

• Behavior changes

• Weakness or lethargy

• Weak pulse or increased heart rate

• Cold limbs

• Slobber

• Difficulty breathing

• Pale teeth

• Collapse

If your cat shows signs of anaphylactic shock, contact your veterinarian immediately and take your cat for treatment. Any signs of anaphylactic shock should be taken seriously. Anaphylactic shock is often fatal if not treated promptly.

Preventing future insect stings

Bee stings are unlikely to be serious for cats, but you can also take steps to reduce the likelihood of future stings. If you allow your cat to go outside, check for beehives around your house. Having a professional remove a nest or hive can make your area safer. If you see your cat playing with a bug, make sure it is not harmful. If your cat attempts to play with a bee or wasp, remove your cat from the situation immediately.

Chemical pesticides and repellents can reduce insect activity in your area but should be used with caution or not at all. Chemical pesticides are often toxic to cats and can cause severe signs. Consider using other methods of insect control, especially in areas your cats can access.

Final Thoughts

Although some insect stings can be serious, most cats recover quickly from a bee sting. Providing basic first aid can help your cat be more comfortable after a sting. Don't panic after a bee sting, but take the sting seriously. Knowing the signs of a severe reaction may save your cat's life.