Cats usually do quite well from a wasp sting, but there are a few things to keep an eye on when it happens.
Often a wasp sting does not cause any serious reactions in a cat. The cat usually experiences pain at the bite site itself and redness may persist for a while. Of course, the cat, just like us humans, can complain loudly about the problems, but in most cases no veterinarian needs to be consulted.
The majority of cat owners see the symptoms in their pets go away without treatment.
However, cats that are hypersensitive to wasp stings can have more severe reactions. This becomes clear if the cat’s general mood deteriorates or if swelling occurs. This usually happens within an hour or so of the sting.
Even if the cat is not allergic, the situation can become serious if the wasp is stuck in its mouth. This is because the cat may have difficulty breathing.
If your cat shows severe symptoms, seek emergency care. You should also do this if the cat has received several bites, or is very young or old.
The treatment at the vet is either cortisone, antihistamines or painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Below are tips on how you can help your cat yourself.
Checklist if your cat gets stung by a wasp or bee
1. Remove the sting
If the culprit in the drama is a bee, there may be a sting left.
Try to get rid of it as quickly as you can, without squeezing too much. The poison is in the barrel.
2. Relieve the pain and swelling with cold
Put something cold in a towel and hold on to the area where the sting is.
3. Keep track of the general condition
Set your plans for the next few hours.
Instead, keep an eye on your cat. An allergic reaction often shows up within an hour. If the cat gets worse in the form of vomiting, difficulty breathing or shows severe swelling, you should see a veterinarian. Also keep in mind that a cat that has been stung earlier may react worse a second time.