Cats are some of the most curious creatures in the world. They cannot help themselves when they see, hear, or smell something interesting; they have to check it out. This also means they put themselves in danger quite often. A little bee buzzing around begs to be swatted and maybe even eaten. This, of course, will likely come with at least one sting. Let’s look at what happens when a cat is stung by a bee and what you should do to help them.
What Happens When a Cat is Stung By a Bee?
A bee sting can be a minor irritation or can cause a life-threatening situation. The type of “bee” is also very important when assessing the damage from a sting. Small honeybees are not a major threat to most living beings because they tend to keep to themselves unless something sweet-smelling is around.
A honeybee can only sting once, and then it’s to the graveyard for them, so to speak. Some of the other stinging insects, like honeybees, can do some serious damage even to those not allergic. If your cat is stung repeatedly by yellow jackets, the situation is serious, and you need to get your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
When your cat is stung by a honeybee, the stinger sometimes remains stuck in the cat’s skin and will need to be found and removed so it doesn’t turn into an infection or cause further irritation. If your cat was stung by wasps or yellow jackets, there will likely not be a stinger to find since they can sting repeatedly. However, this situation is far more dangerous than a honeybee’s sting because yellow jackets tend to attack in swarms, and with enough venom in their system, your cat could die. This also goes for people and other types of animals. Yellow jackets don’t play around.
Pay attention to where your cat is trying to groom itself after being stung. If the swelling from the sting isn’t apparent yet, this can be a good way to find out where your cat was stung. If you can already see swelling, try to see if you can tell how many times your cat was stung, then call the vet and get there as soon as possible. Do not delay treatment because it is very possible for your cat to perish without immediate care.
One way to help your cat post-sting is to apply ice packs to its stings and give it Benadryl to help control the swelling. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a safe antihistamine and can be given at a dose of one milligram per pound of cat. Unless your vet says otherwise, it can be given to your cat thrice daily.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) should help ease swelling and pain for four to six hours. Your vet may also give your cat a steroid shot to stop the swelling and help with pain, a painkiller similar to ibuprofen for cats called Meloxicam, and possibly fluids to help your cat recover. Your vet knows best. Do not try to care for your cat’s stings solely at home.
Keeping Your Cat Safe From Bees
The best way to ensure your cat’s safety from stinging insects, specifically bees, is by keeping them indoors. Bees are everywhere in the spring and summer as flowers begin to bloom. If your cat goes outside, many dangers await them. Knowing what happens to your cat when you see them with swelling can also be challenging. It could be from an injury or snake bite.
You can plant chrysanthemums, lemongrass, or primrose since they do not attract bees. Using citronella candles may also help somewhat. On the topic of plants, there are many different plants that can seriously harm your cat. Be sure to check that a houseplant is safe for your cat. If your cat goes outside, do not plant anything harmful. Vet trips are expensive and in this economy, many cannot afford it.
Without Bees There is No Plant or Animal Life On Earth
Bees and other pollinators are extremely important to the well-being of the Earth. Without bees, all of the vegetation and animals on Earth would die. Humans would become disease-ridden and sick, eventually becoming extinct. Protecting the pollinators from your cat is also important.
By limiting your cat’s outdoor time to a catio, you reduce the possibility of your cat being stung by a bee. Keeping your cat indoors is the best way to keep them out of danger. Having a screened-in porch is also a great solution and will keep your pet safe.
Do not keep food or drinks outside because their sweet smell may attract pollinators. If you have a bee hive on your house, porch, or near where you frequent, beekeepers can move it professionally. This will save you from unnecessary stings, save the bees’ lives, and keep your cat safer than it would be with a hive outside the front door.
Bees do not want to harm anyone. They are territorial, and it is instinctual for them to guard their queen with their lives. Swarms can happen when one bee or hornet gives off specific pheromones after being swatted or stepped on by a person. The pheromones are an SOS signal to the hive, which then assembles and comes in a swarm to help fend off the intruders and retaliate. Leave the bees alone, and they will typically leave you alone. Curious cats and bees just don’t mix. Bring your cat some cat grass or other safe plants to bring the outdoors to them in a safe and controlled environment.
