Can Cats Eat Bugs?

If you’ve ever caught your cat intensely eying a bug and then pouncing on it and eating it before you can even blink, you may have wondered: Can cats safely eat bugs? The answer is generally yes, but there are a few things to know before letting your cat’s bug-hunting instinct run wild. 

Read on to learn the bugs most commonly consumed by cats, whether they’re safe, and what you should do if your kitty decides to snack on your home’s unwanted guests of the creepy-crawly variety. 

It’s Normal for Cats to Eat Bugs 

It’s actually “purrfectly” natural for cats to chase and catch bugs that make their way inside. Cats are natural predators, and their hunting instinct is strong, whether chasing a mouse or swatting at a fly. This behavior comes from their evolutionary background as carnivores designed to hunt smaller creatures as their prey. So, when a bug is in your home, your cat sees it as fair game.

Bugs are also enticing victims because cats are drawn to movement (anyone who has ever used a laser light to play with their cat would agree). Cats are likely to pounce when playful or bored, so it’s not unusual to see yours batting at a moth, chasing a beetle, or going after a stink bug. While you likely find it gross, it’s just part of your cat’s natural hunting instincts. 

So, What Bugs Can Your Cat Eat? 

Most bugs won’t harm your cat, but some are definitely better left alone.

Common Bugs Cats Can Eat 

 

Flies are one of the most common insects cats go after, and they’re usually harmless if eaten. Similarly, moths and ants make easy targets, and as long as they’re not carrying pesticide residue, they’re safe for your cat to ingest (in moderation). 

Cats are also likely to eat June bugs (or Melolonthinae, a subfamily of the scarab beetle) and other beetles due to their large size and slow movement. Eating these now and then won’t hurt your cat. 

Bugs Your Cat Shouldn’t Eat

Can cats eat stink bugs? It’s best if you’re cautious about this particular bug, which has a foul-smelling defense mechanism (hence its name) that can irritate your cat’s mouth and stomach. Although the stink bug isn’t considered toxic, the possible side effects of ingestion, including drooling or gastrointestinal upset, make this one something your cat shouldn’t eat. Similarly, cockroaches aren’t toxic but can carry bacteria, diseases, or even parasites like tapeworms. 

Brown recluse or black widow spider venom carries risks for your cat. An untreated brown recluse spider bite can cause tissue death and severe pain for your cat, while black widow bites cause muscle tremors, weakness, pain, and even death.

What to Do When Your Cat Eats a Bug 

“What should I do if my cat eats a bug?” If you catch your cat munching on a bug, most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. 

 

Assess the Bug 

First, try to identify the bug your cat ate. Was it a fly or a stink bug? If it was one of the bugs we’ve mentioned as harmless, it’s likely not an issue. If the bug was potentially harmful or toxic, you should keep an eye on your cat for any unusual symptoms or noticeable changes in behavior. 

Watch for Symptoms 

After eating a bug, your cat may experience mild stomach upset, characterized by drooling, vomiting, or decreased appetite. If you notice any signs of distress, it’s a good idea to contact your cat’s veterinarian. Symptoms to watch for include those previously mentioned, along with lethargy or difficulty breathing. 

Prevent Future Bug Consumption 

If you’re concerned about your cat eating bugs, keeping your home treated will help. Professional extermination, sealing cracks in your windows, using screens on home openings, and keeping your food sealed will all help keep bugs outside where they belong. 

Clint Miller Exterminating Is Here to Help When Your Cat Eats Bugs 

While in most cases it’s safe for your cat to eat bugs, pests are not something you want in your home in the first place. Our experts will ensure that bugs stay out of your home—we even offer a 40-day guarantee if you see bugs in your home following treatment.

Remember, while cats can be excellent bug hunters, it’s still important to maintain regular pest control around the house to keep everyone safe—the two-legged and four-legged alike. Contact Clint Miller Exterminating for a free quote today!