Are Millipedes Poisonous to Cats?

Are millipedes poisonous to cats?

Are you worried about the potential harm they could cause to your furry friend?

I hear you, nobody wants their beloved kitty to suffer. 😺

Just imagine, a harmless millipede innocently crawling by, only for your curious cat to pounce and disaster strikes.

It's a terrifying thought, isn't it?

But don't worry, let's dive into the world of millipedes and find out if they're really a danger to cats.

Ready?

Let's begin.

Are Millipedes Poisonous to Cats?

Do millipedes pose a poison risk to your precious feline friend?

Well, let's dive into the realm of millipedes and cats and find out.

Here's the deal:

Some millipedes have a little trick up their tiny, many-legged sleeves.

These critters can produce a toxic liquid. And if a curious kitty decides to take a bite, it may lead to some unpleasant consequences.

Symptoms like itching, skin rash, and difficulty breathing could rear their ugly heads.

Yeah, not exactly what you want for your fluffy buddy, right?

Millipedes themselves are these creepy crawlers with segmented bodies and an exoskeleton.

They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors, and boy, do they have legs - ranging from 40 to a whopping 400 pairs.

But don't fret just yet.

While most millipedes won't cause any harm to your furball, it's those defense mechanisms that can throw a wrench in the cogs.

You see, some millipedes produce these secretions that can really tick off a cat's peepers and skin if ingested in large amounts.

Ouch.

Not only that, but there's this compound called phenol hanging out in those millipede juices.

And guess what?

It can potentially wreak havoc on your kitty's liver.

Yikes!

So, here's the bottom line - it's best to keep millipedes away from your curious fur baby's reach. Avoiding potential poisoning is worth it.

Trust me on this one, folks.

So, as I mentioned earlier, millipedes can sometimes pose a poison risk to your cat.

That's why it's crucial to keep them away from your fur baby.

But hey, did you know that there are other potential dangers lurking in your home too? One thing you should definitely check out is my article on the safety of fittonia plants for cats.

I highly recommend reading it to ensure your beloved feline stays happy and healthy.

Trust me, you don't want to miss out on that valuable information.

Learn more with Is Fittonia Toxic to Cats.

What Happens if a Cat Eats a Millipede?

Eating a millipede can upset your cat's stomach and cause various gastrointestinal issues.

Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, eye and skin irritation, and difficulty breathing are all possible effects of consuming these many-legged creatures.

The millipede's defensive fluid contains chemical compounds that can jeopardize your feline companion's health.

While there is no proof that ingesting millipedes can be deadly for cats, it's prudent to remain vigilant for any symptoms and discourage them from feasting on bugs like millipedes, grasshoppers, flies, and centipedes. Additionally, keep an eye out for toxic dark-colored caterpillars, as they too pose a danger if eaten.

If your furry friend displays persistent vomiting, it's time to consult a vet.

In order to prioritize your cat's well-being, you must take measures to prevent bug hunting and discourage this behavior entirely.

In conclusion, if you're worried about the effects of millipede consumption on your cat, I understand your concern.

That's why I highly recommend you to check out my article on whether stink bugs are poisonous to cats and if it is safe for them to eat.

Are Stink Bugs Poisonous to Cats

Can Millipedes Bite Cats?

Cats don't really get bit by millipedes because they don't have the mouthparts for biting.

Instead, they rely on secretions for protection.

You should know that unlike centipedes, millipedes are harmless to cats. However, if you handle them roughly, they might release an annoying liquid.

However, you should differentiate between millipedes and centipedes because centipedes can be meat-eaters and their bites are venomous.

While mosquitoes can harm cats with their bites, millipedes themselves aren't poisonous or dangerous for cats.

Cats may find millipedes intriguing due to their movement and size. But every cat's reaction to millipede secretions or centipede venom can vary due to their sensitive nervous system.

If a cat gets bitten by a bigger venomous centipede, it'll cause pain, swelling, and bleeding. In such cases, you have to seek immediate veterinary attention. ✨

But that's not all.

There is another arthropod that can pose a threat to cats if encountered.

Do you know what it is?

Let's dive into the world of these venomous creatures and find out how they can potentially harm your furry friend:

What Happens When Cats Eat Centipedes?

If you have a cat at home and you're wondering if millipedes are poisonous to cats, I've got the answers for you.

Let's dive in and find out what happens when cats eat centipedes.

First things first, you ought to know that millipedes and centipedes are different.

While centipedes can bite and be aggressive, not all of them are poisonous for cats.

Good news is, moths, butterflies, flies, and fleas are harmless to your furry friend.

But if a centipede bites your cat, it can cause pain, swelling, and other systemic effects.

Your poor kitty needs immediate vet attention, so don't wait around.

But here's some relief for you.

The extremely toxic Giant Red-headed and Texas Red-headed centipedes, the ones to watch out for, usually live far away from your home.

The chances of encountering one near you are slim.

Now, let's talk about millipedes.

These creatures have a different lifestyle and diet.

They like to stay underground during the day and come out at night to scavenge for decaying matter, dead insects, and small animals.

So it's unlikely that your cat will encounter a poisonous millipede any time soon.

However, it's still wise to keep an eye on your curious cat if they find a millipede.

Some cats may have allergies or sensitivities that could cause localized reactions, fever, weakness, or other symptoms.

Most millipedes aren't dangerous to cats, but if you notice anything unusual, consult your vet.

Keep your curious companion safe and enjoy your adventures together!

And here's what you need to know if a millipede sprays its defensive fluid onto your cat or you!

What to Do if a Millipede Sprays Liquid on You

Immediate action after millipede spray

So, friend, if you find yourself in a sticky situation and a millipede has sprayed its liquid on you, here's what you can do to deal with the aftermath.

First things first, wash off the area right away.

Use mild soap and water to clean the affected part of your body and prevent any potential irritation or allergic reactions.

Trust me, you definitely don't want to deal with any unnecessary discomfort.

Potential effects on cats

Now, let's talk about our furry friends – cats.

You know that when millipedes release their defense fluid, it contains some harmful compounds like hydrochloric acid and organic acids, right?

Well, these compounds can have various effects on your cat if they happen to ingest it or if there is direct contact with their eyes and skin.

Yikes!

If your cat comes into contact with millipede fluid, they may experience stomach problems, burns in their eyes, skin irritation, and even changes in their fur color.

And guess what?

Larger millipedes can shoot their fluid as far as 32 inches!

That means, my friend, if your cat has had an unfortunate encounter with one of these critters, it's time for a thorough feline cleanup.

Symptoms and precautions

Here's what you need to watch out for if your cat faces a millipede.

If your cat gets exposed, you might notice symptoms such as an upset stomach, vomiting, discomfort, excessive meowing, and loss of appetite.

Not an enjoyable experience for anyone involved, huh?

While millipedes are generally harmless to humans, they can still cause allergies and irritate the skin due to the irritating fluid they produce.

But don't worry, my friend, they shouldn't cause any major harm – just a temporary inconvenience.

That's all you need to know about millipedes and their defensive sprays. Stay cautious and keep a close eye on your curious cats. After all, we always want what's best for our furry family members, don't we?

The Risks of Millipedes and Cats

Key Takeaways:

And that wraps up today's article.

If you wish to read more of my useful articles, I recommend you check out some of these: Is Rubber Plant Toxic to Cats, Are Alstroemeria Poisonous to Cats, Are Iris Poisonous to Cats, Are Impatiens Poisonous to Cats, and Is Polka Dot Plant Toxic to Cats

Talk soon,

-Sarah Davis