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Kittens/Cats and Scorpions!

BlackHeartNY Oct 10, 2006 02:01 PM

Hey there, everybody. I recently joined Cathobbyist.com and since I can't find an answer to this question, I thought I'd ask the "experts" !

So, does anyone out there know if a cat or kitten is stung by a scorpion what the cat's/kitten's reaction may be? There's been rumors to the effect that cats are "immune" to scorpion stings. Reason I ask is because I recently gave my mom a beautiful Birman kitten (he's going on 4 months old now), and every now and again, she finds baby scorpions in her house (yes, we live in Arizona). She asked the vet about it, but all she said was "at one time we thought they were immune to scorpion stings." Although he HASN'T been stung, my mom worries because we ALL know how kitties can be when finding a luscious appetizer! Appreciate any and all replies.

Replies (11)

PHMadameAlto Oct 11, 2006 09:35 PM

I think you have stumped the "experts" here - I don't know the answer to this question. I've promoted the post hoping someone will see it and answer it!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

BlackHeartNY Oct 12, 2006 12:13 PM

Thank you! I appreciate it much!

cyclopsgrl Oct 14, 2006 07:18 AM

I have no personal experience, have lived in cooler climates my whole life, but since you aren't getting much movement on this post, I did some digging. I recommend you do the same.

I searched for "Cats and Scorpions" on Google.

Lots of posts. The basics seem to be that some scorpions are more poisonous that others and can hurt small dogs and cats. Many posts also say cats are good at killing Scorpions as they are faster than the scorpion... I didn't see anything iron clad that convinced me cats are immune; rather, it seems they can be hurt by them.

Recommend you do your own search on the web. Lots of Arizona, Mexico, etc., posts on the subject...
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

BlackHeartNY Oct 14, 2006 01:34 PM

Thanks for the reply. I'll try that. Most of the scorpions that my mom sees are the small, baby scorps. They're light colored, almost translucent. She's never come across a full grown scorp, just the babes.

faerie822 Nov 06, 2006 05:35 PM

i googled "cat first aid" & came up with this for you...

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1415&articleid=2396

Scorpion Sting
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Toxin
Scorpion venom

Source
Scorpion sting

General Information
Most scorpions common to the United States are relatively nontoxic. Their venom does, however, contain digestive enzymes that cause intense local pain. More dangerous scorpions such as Centruroides exilicauda inject a venom that also includes a neurotoxin, which is a poison that affects the nervous system. C. exilicauda is most commonly found in the arid regions of the southwest but has been found in many other states.

Toxic Dose
Varies depending upon species of scorpion and size of animal.

Signs
Local pain, difficulty swallowing, nervousness, behavioral abnormalities, breathing difficulties, drooling, dilated pupils, blindness, vomiting, urinating, and defecating. Death occurs because of hypertension, respiratory collapse, or heart rhythm abnormalities.

Immediate Action
Identify species of scorpion if possible. Seek veterinary attention.

Veterinary Care
General treatment: The scorpion will be identified if possible, and the stinger removed. The wound will be cleaned.

Supportive treatment: Pain medication (other than narcotics) will be administered. The animal will be monitored and treated for any symptoms. Treatment is aimed at correcting signs such as heart rhythm abnormalities, muscle spasms, and hypertension. IV fluids are administered to maintain hydration and urine output, and the patient is monitored for pulmonary edema.

Specific treatment: Antivenins are rarely used in animals, as the stings are not normally fatal.

Prognosis
Variable

BlackHeartNY Nov 06, 2006 07:35 PM

Thank you very much for your reply! That seems to explain a lot of what I was wanting to know, and might do the trick for anyone else living in parts of the world where Scorpions could be a problem for a pet! I appreciate it!

faerie822 Nov 06, 2006 08:13 PM

no problem, glad i could help

PHMadameAlto Nov 10, 2006 07:15 AM

WTG, Faerie! You beat the hosties out on this one. Thanks for your help!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

faerie822 Nov 10, 2006 10:38 AM

heh glad i could help, no problem
:0)

samster Dec 29, 2006 01:54 PM

I know it's months later but I just wanted to tell you my experience with scorpians and cats. I lived in the Phoenix metro for 24 years and always had cats AND scorpions. My cats used to catch them and bring them in (how kind of them) and at the Vet clinic I worked at for a while, the house cat caught them at least once a week and never had a problem. I know they CAN be stung and have reactions to them, but even working in the vet field for 2 years, I don't think I ever saw it with cats (dogs yes). I wouldn't worry too much, but it's always good to be prepared.
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2.3 Wonderful kitties "KIMBA, TOPAZ, KENGEE, GULLIVER AND TANTOR"
0.1 WTF "Pepe"
1.1 Firebelly toads "Bif & Kaboom"
0.0.1 Painted (chubby) frog "Millhouse"
0.1 Normal Cornsnake "Skoda"
1.1 Bettas

BlackHeartNY Dec 30, 2006 12:08 PM

Thanks for the reply, samster! Yes, it may be months later, but I still follow the thread and appreciate any and all replies to it. I'm so glad I found these forums and all you great people!

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