It is well known in the animal kingdom that there are prey and predator animals. This includes cats that are domesticated. Domesticated cats to this day still, will act on instinct and kill prey animals that are smaller than themselves. This includes birds, mice, rats, and yes, even spiders. You might often find your cat eating spiders, or at least, chasing them down. Some people wonder if this behavior is normal for a cat to do, or if it is dangerous for cats to eat spiders, especially if there are dangerous spiders around. Here we will answer all of those questions and more.
Do All Cats Eat Spiders?
Spiders are predatory animals in their own way, they kill and eat insects that are smaller than them – trapping them in a web they had spun for the purpose. Sometimes, you might see your cat chasing after a spider on the floor, and also, sometimes you may even witness your cat eat it.
Some cats may use spiders as a way to play. This is easy entertainment for them as they think, if anything – it is just a toy to play with and nothing else. Of course, your cat might accidentally kill the spider in the process, not realizing that it is a creature that is alive and breathing like they are.
Some cats, however, might purposefully kill and eat the spider as a source of food, and it is very much an easy source of food for them, too. Most of the time, if your cat eats a spider, it is usually because it is bored of playing with it and nothing else.
Sometimes people think that cats kill spiders because they feel threatened. This couldn’t be the case, because cats are known to scare off animals that are bigger than them. A cat would not be fearful of a spider, they likely eat spiders because they are bored and nothing else.
Is It Ok for My Cat to Eat Spiders?
Some people might wonder if there are health risks to cats eating spiders. Generally speaking, your cat shouldn’t have issues with eating spiders. They are small and won’t do much to your cat, even if they are venomous, eating one that is, won’t harm your cat.
Spiders are actually a good source of taurine for your cat. Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats often find in the wild, probably from spiders, too. The interesting bit is that cats can actually smell spiders, unlike humans. They likely hunt spiders in the wild because of this to find a source of food and taurine. Spiders have a high level of taurine because it is an amino acid that is an essential part of making their venom. Even spiders that are considered non-toxic to both humans and pets alike, have venom which contains taurine.
However, it is unlikely your cat will eat spiders as its main source of food and taurine, and a meal of spiders probably won’t make your cat less hungry, but it is fine as a supplemental source of food and taurine if your cat does eat one.
Can A Venomous Spider Harm A Cat?
It is known that cats eat spiders, and as discussed previously eating a venomous spider, like a black widow shouldn’t hurt your cat at all. Though it is different if your cat gets bit by one, and it is very possible for your cat to get bit by a spider if it is seen playing with one.
Non-toxic spiders shouldn’t be a harm to your cat, since their venom is mostly for smaller insects, it shouldn’t be an issue for your cat if they get bit by one of these.
Venomous Spiders
Brown Recluse
Brown recluse bites can be toxic to cats if left untreated. These bites begin to grow and start changing color as they grow, the bite can turn from white to blue and then to grey. The skin will start to die. Luckily, if you notice this, taking the cat to the vet for treatment should be easy.
Widow Spiders
Black Widows can also be toxic to cats. The venom of this spider is known to cause paralysis of the limbs. If you notice your cat laying around and rigid, it is a possibility it was bit by this spider. Their bite can also cause respiratory issues, which can kill your cat. If you notice these signs, get your cat to a vet urgently for treatment.
See Also: How Far Can Domestic Cats Hear?
And: Do Domestic Cats Hunt Snakes?
Is It Ok for My Cat to Eat Spiders Webs?
Sometimes, you may notice your cat eating a spider’s web. You may worry and wonder if it is a cause for concern.
It only really is a cause for concern if your cat is lacking protein, or has Feline Pica. If your cat is lacking protein, it may start eating spider webs as a source of protein. However, it isn’t bad for your cat to eat the web itself, and instead, the focus should be on giving your cat more protein outside of the spider web.
Feline Pica is the feline version of Pica, where cats will eat inedible things, or objects that wouldn’t usually be considered food. Humans can get this too. Causes of Feline Pica can vary, such as simply being bored and lacking stimulation, medical issues, diet deficiencies, and genetics, all play role in this. Symptoms can include vomiting, struggling with pooping, weakness, loose poop or even diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
If you think your cat has Pica, then it is probably best to have your vet check it, and see what could be causing it, or come up with a treatment. If you want your cat to stop eating spider webs, you can remove them.
Conclusion
We discussed cats eating spiders, and if it is okay for cats to eat spiders. We also talked about the types of venomous spiders that can kill your cat, if they are bitten by one (eating it won’t harm your cat!). Then we talked about cats eating spider webs and the health impacts of that, too. We hope we cleared up any confusion, and if you have concerns it is always best to ask your vet for professional advice.
Featured image: A Brown Recluse Spider
