Keeping Your Cats Safe From Snakes

Snakes move. That’s pretty much all it takes to attract a cat. Unlike, say, a squirrel, they don’t stop moving if they fear a predator. No. They keep slithering along their snaky way. The enticement of a snake can be too much for Fluffy to resist, so how safe is this?

What Harm Can a Snake Do to Your Cat?

Your cuddly kitty is a predator, a skilled hunter, and a killer. That’s a cat’s true purpose in life. If your pet comes in contact with a snake, its predatory instincts will kick in. Cats will circle their prey to keep it from escaping while they strike its hide with its sharp kitty claws. Snakes have instincts, too. They strike and bite their enemies if they are cornered.

If your cat should kill and eat a snake, get your pet in for an exam right away. If the snake was poisonous, the meat will affect your cat as if it had been bitten by a venomous viper.

• Venomous snakes inject toxins when they bite.
• Poisonous snakes are like toxic plants; they carry the poison in their bodies.

If your cat is bitten by a venomous snake, they could become seriously ill and even die. Felines have a higher tolerance for snake venom than some other mammals but don’t take a wait-and-see approach to a snake bite!

If you witnessed your cat being bitten by a snake, but don’t know if the snake is venomous, rush your pet to the vet! Emergency treatment could save your cat’s life. Call ahead at (916) 939-1705 to let us know you’re on your way.

What Are the Symptoms of a Venomous Snake Bite?

Venom attacks the nervous system, so you can expect to see:

• Muscle twitches and shaking
• Paralysis in limbs
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Overall weakness

Indoor vs Outdoor Cats and Snake Bite Safety

Indoor cats are less likely to encounter snakes, right? We hope so!

• Pet doors can provide indoor access to snakes and other unwanted critters.
• The foundation of your house may offer other possible access points.
• Open windows or torn window screens can provide access as well as open doors.

Outdoor cats can assuredly connect with a snake or two if those slithery creatures are around. Cats are curious and will investigate anything that moves. Snakes prefer to keep their distance from possible predators but may not be able to escape a cat’s attention.

Can I Keep Snakes Out of My Yard?

It’s hard to know what Fluffy gets up to when on the prowl outside, but you can manage what goes on in your yard. Snakes like cover, and they want shade. Look for possible snake hiding spots or hunting grounds in your yard:

• Rock piles
• Tall grass
• Water features
• Untrimmed shrubs near the ground
•  Coiled hoses
• Open spaces under house or garage

Contact us at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital with any questions you may have about pet safety. We welcome you to schedule regular wellness checks with us. We’re here to help your pets have happy and healthy lives!