Do you chase after both of them hoping to reason with your four-legged friend? Do you scream your lungs out enough to get her to stop for a moment? Or do you let her do her thing and hope that something as unassuming as a moth won’t send her to the emergency animal center?

And right when you think things couldn’t get any worse, she looks back at you and smirks. You swear you can almost hear her meowing at you “Don’t worry, mom! Mrs. McFlufer can take care of this beast!” You’re pretty sure you’ve never been so confused by the actions of your “can’t move my butt off the couch” cat.

“And… There she goes.”, you hear a slight crunching sound and the moth’s nowhere to be found. “That’s what I get for not reacting in time! Mrs. McFluffer, don’t you think for a second I’ve forgotten what happened when you scoffed down that cockroach! You’re grounded!”

Now, what’s left seems to be to hop online and check what pet parents of the internet have to say about letting your four-legged friend eat a moth. “Oh boy, this should be good.” Worry not, we’re here to help you understand the innermost workings of your curious creature’s mind.

You can have your “Phew!” moment now – our friends over at the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) claim that cats can eat moths. “Wait, what? Seriously?!” Yes, and here’s everything we’ve gathered for you.

What are moths?

We can’t talk about the whole “can cats eat moths” thing without touching upon the history of these winged creatures. “What are moths? Are moths and butterflies the same? Where do moths come from AND are they dangerous to me and my four-legged friend?” Let’s start from the beginning!

Moths belong to the Lepidoptera family (along with their more popular counterparts, butterflies). The very word Lepidoptera hides the explanation of months’ mystical beauty. Lepidoptera means “scaly-winged”, which perfectly showcases the fact that a moth’s wings are formed from thousands of little scales.

Moths and butterflies are often confused for each other. And, trust me, you’re not the only one who wasn’t sure whether your curious creature wanted to munch on one or the other. Moths and butterflies share the same biology (who’s surprised!?) and are far more similar than one might think.

But, the odds that your four-legged friend’s been trying to munch on a moth are far greater than the odds of her trying to catch butterflies. Not because she has a preference, but because moths are far more numerous than butterflies – with 160,000 species of moths compared to 17,500 species of butterflies.

And, we can’t forget about the fact that moths are underrated when compared to butterflies! Everyone’s stunned by the beauty of a simple butterfly (which seems fair). But, they’ve probably never hopped online and Googled Luna moths or Silk moths. And, what about the Lonomia, the most dangerous moth out there?!

So, there’s a good reason why moths are so good at stirring up your cat’s curiosity. Your cat can’t resist the thrill of the hunt, especially when she’s facing a winged, scaled creature that keeps flying away. But, that doesn’t answer the question of whether cats can eat moths without SOME repercussions.

Can cats eat moths?

Cats can eat moths! But… There’s always a but somewhere in there when we’re talking about your cat’s eating habits. She’s no different from other cats – and yet, she keeps driving you crazy with her constant attempt to snatch pretty much anything that comes within reach of her paws.

Cats are natural hunters (which would explain the need to jump at every opportunity to nibble on a moth, a butterfly, or a spider). And, they’re also carnivores. On the off chance that you’ve been living under a rock since the dawn of time, that means that they feed off of meat, animal protein, and animal nutrients.

They need lots of protein and fat in their diets to survive and thrive. They don’t need fruits, veggies, and whole foods the same way humans do because they’re not omnivorous. And, they don’t even possess the enzymes necessary to break down and process most foods humans eat on a regular.

Now, that means that they often have trouble digesting foods they’re not used to munching on (or they’re not supposed to munch on). Your four-legged friend might not be able to share a glass of milk with you or enjoy a charcuterie night because she can’t process lactose.

Or, she might not be able to scoff down an entire slice of pizza with you because she can’t deal with that many calories and carbohydrates. Her ancestors spent their lives hunting prey and feeding EXCLUSIVELY off of the prey’s meat, bones, and the insides of the prey’s stomach.

Wild cats do the same thing – but, your not-so-wild cat doesn’t necessarily hunt rabbits and birds. That’s not to say that she doesn’t try (oh, she does!). But, she’s never gotten far with her attempts… until she started hunting moths, spiders, and other crawling creatures.

Can cats eat moths without experiencing any consequences?

Actually, moths don’t come without a little bit of protein and a little bit of moisture which puts them in the “great for Mrs. McFluffer” category. Catching moths (and munching on them!) can be an amusing activity. It will help your cat develop her hunting instincts, and give her a little something to digest.

But, but, but… Anything that’s not supposed to be a part of your cat’s diet can find a way to become detrimental to her health. Munching on moths doesn’t come without the risks of experiencing an allergic reaction, developing digestive problems, or even choking.

1. Allergic reactions

That’s right! Cats can experience sensitivity to MANY things, and moths certainly aren’t the exception to that rule. These winged beats can even be poisonous to acts – certain moths carry toxins on their wings to defend themselves from predators.

These toxins can cause either an allergic reaction or symptoms of poisoning, depending on the amount she’s consumed and the type of moth she’s eaten. Regardless of everything, make sure to ALWAYS keep an eye on your four-legged friend when she’s playing with the backyard creatures.

Some of the most common symptoms that can give you a heads up that something’s off are weakness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, runny nose, watery eyes, drooling, skin irritations and rashes, and even gastroenteritis. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common signs your cat’s been eating something she shouldn’t.

Contact your vet the moment that you notice any of these symptoms – schedule an appointment or (given that she’s doing pretty bad after eating a moth) take her to the emergency animal center. Either one of them should be up-to-date on what she’s been nibbling on before ending up on the table.

2. Digestive problems

Cats can eat moths, but that’s not to say that these little stinkers won’t give your cat a stomachache. Cats are pretty sensitive when we’re talking about these things – eating anything that’s out of the ordinary can send them running to their litterboxes and ruining your carpets on the way.

Scoffing down a single moth shouldn’t be that big of a deal – especially when we’re talking about your regular, household staple type of moth. But, overeating moths can cause her to have an array of digestive problems such as nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and even constipation.

Worry not; cats typically feel much better the moment that they get these things out of their system. Keep a close eye on her, provide her with plenty of fluids, and have your vet’s number on speed dial. On the off chance that something goes wrong, you can always schedule an appointment or pay them a visit.

Remember – any digestive problems that last longer than 24 hours tend to be a cause for concern. Make sure you’re keeping track of everything that goes on after the accident. You’ll have your facts straight IF you end up having to share them with your vet.

3. Choking hazard

“Whaaaat? Cats can choke on a moth?! On a mere butterfly?! Aren’t they descendants of lions and tigers!?” We don’t have to shame our precious purrincesses. But, we have to admit that they can get a little clumsy and cloddish. And moths can be pretty tricky to munch on because they wiggle and try to escape (ouch!).

On the other hand, bigger moths can get lodged somewhere down the digestive tract (mouth, throat, or esophagus). Make sure your cat doesn’t look like she’s struggling to breathe, coughing, or even pawing at her mouth – these are symptoms that she’s choking.

Contact your vet the moment that you notice your cat choking and ask for advice on how to help her. More times than not, your vet will advise you to investigate the inside of your cat’s mouth with your finger and try to remove the moth that way. She might even instruct you to do a cat Heimlich, so prepare yourself!

How to stop your cat from eating moths?

Cats can eat moths. But, you might not be that big on letting your precious pet munch on whatever creatures are crawling over your backyard. Worry not; there are ways to discourage your pet from chasing after moths, butterflies, spiders, and other pesky pests.

Before we go anywhere further with this – you should keep in mind that there’s nothing wrong with letting your cat chase after bugs. Such activities actually help your cat live healthier and happier. They develop her hunting skills, push her to be more active, and teach her valuable lessons.

That being said, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to achieve those things without hurting the poor little moth that’s been chillin’ on your porch for two days. First things first, make sure your cat’s getting enough cat food and cat treats to satisfy her needs. This way, she doesn’t have to look for food someplace else.

Then, try to keep her busy and engaged with different toys. The more you play with her, the less she wants to go outside and play with her other “friends.” Try toys that mimic birds, mice, or even moths (IF you can find them) and she won’t be able to stop chasing you around the garden.

Last but not least, try staging hunting experiences for her. Make her think that she’s hunting – let her try to find cat treats you’ve hidden somewhere outside or even try to fight you to get a bite of chicken. Trust me; she’s going to remember such experiences for the rest of her little life.

Can cats eat other crawling creatures?

They sure can! But, you have to be very, very cautious not to let your cat eat something she shouldn’t. Cats can take care of themselves, and more times than not they’re capable of recognizing and avoiding dangerous situations.

But, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t consult with your vet. Make sure the two of you are on the same page. With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the most common creatures your cat can wish to spar with.

1. Butterflies

Cats can eat butterflies! That probably doesn’t come as a surprise to most pet parents who know that butterflies come from the same family as moths. Butterflies are pretty harmless to your four-legged friend. And, she shouldn’t experience any repercussions after munching on one.

But, that’s not to say that she can eat butterflies every single day. Overeating butterflies can cause a bunch of digestive problems such as nausea, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cats with sensitive stomachs can even experience symptoms resembling those of an allergy or poisoning.

If you have any reason to believe your cat’s not feeling her best because she’s eaten a butterfly, consult with your vet. Don’t shy away from seeking professional help – you’re better off being safe than sorry.

2. Caterpillars

Now, this one might surprise you because cats can’t actually eat caterpillars. Our friends over at the ASPCA don’t recommend letting your cat eat a caterpillar. According to them, these little stinkers can be poisonous to your cat because of those little hairs they have all over their body.

These little hairs can be urticating and stinging – the first type can cause skin irritations, rashes, hives, and dermatitis while the second type can cause discomfort, erythema, edema, and even poisoning. Trust me; you don’t want either of them anywhere near your cat’s mouth.

Moths and butterflies might be safe for your cat, but their caterpillars are OUT. OF. THE. QUESTION. Make sure to contact your vet the moment that you notice your feline friend playing with a caterpillar. She might not eat one, but she’s putting herself at risk of being stung by those little hairs.

3. Spiders

Cats can eat spiders! Believe it or not, cats can eat pretty much every spider out there (even the venomous ones!) without any repercussions. Their digestive systems are equipped with enzymes necessary to break down and process venom the moment that they eat the spider.

And, most spiders don’t even like to attack cats. They prefer to hide and run away whenever they face her threatening smirk. Cats can provoke them (pushing them with their paws, chasing after them) which can cause an attack. But, cats aren’t likely to suffer side effects from a spider’s bite (NO, your cat’s not gonna turn into a Spider cat!)

4. Flies

Cats can eat flies! Worry not; your cat can play with flies as much as she wants to. Flies can even provide your cat with a bit of protein. And we can’t forget about the fact that flies can give your precious purrincess the active lifestyle that she needs.

But, flies can carry bacteria and parasites. Make sure you keep a close eye on your cat whenever she’s playing with flies. Consult with your vet, and keep track of anything out of the ordinary after she finishes with her playdate.

So, can cats eat moths?

Cats can eat moths! These winged creatures won’t cause harm to your feline. Given that she doesn’t scoff down a dozen of them at once. The venomous types of moths might be a cause to visit your vet. But, they’re not likely to be detrimental or fatal.

Read more: Why Is My Cat Eating Ants? What’s Up With That?

Don‘t get me wrong, nobody‘s here to judge your parenting style or to question your pet‘s eating habits. Cat food and dog food do kind of look the same, have the same (gross, but probably purrfectly delectable) aroma, and taste the same (not that we‘ve ever tasted either of the two).

There’s nothing wrong with wondering whether there’s a difference between the two. Whether there’s a weird (but elaborate) marketing scheme trying to convince you that you’re a bad pet parent unless you choose the super expensive, heavily promoted, commercially available pet food.

Whether you ACTUALLY NEED cat treats that are carefully crafted to fit the nutritional needs of your purr. And whether you NEED dog treats that are designed to suit the nutritional requirements of your woof.

What’s the difference between a cat’s diet and a dog’s diet? Why do we need different kibbles, dog chews, and dog biscuits? What’s the reason why you haven’t thought of feeding your cat dog treats before? And you have to be honest with yourself, she’d be pretty pleased with dog jerky.

According to our friends over at the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), cats can eat an OCCASIONAL dog treat. We put the emphasis on the occasional because there are a couple of things to consider beforehand.

And here’s what you need to know.

What’s the difference between cat treats and dog treats?

Here’s the thing, we can’t really answer this question unless you let us take a quick glance at your pet’s pantry. The biggest difference between cat treats and dog treats (cat food and dog food) depends on the type and the brand.

Most cat treats and dog treats have INCREDIBLY similar ingredients with slightly different portions. Both of them typically contain meat (chicken, turkey, beef, or fish), fruits (blueberries, bananas), veggies (carrots, peas), and grains (wheat, corn, oats, rice).

But, when they’re choosing their own food, cats typically go for something that contains a bunch of meat because they’re obligate carnivores. Dogs, on the other hand, typically go for something that has a little bit of everything because they’re omnivores.

So, their carefully crafted pet treats typically contain more of what they naturally gravitate towards. Cat treats contain a bunch of meat and dog treats contain a bunch of peanut butter, obviously. But, does that mean that cats can’t eat dog treats?

Dog treats do come with a bunch of things your feline friend wouldn’t scoff down on a regular. But, more often than not, these things aren’t bad for her health. Blueberries, for example, can boost your cat’s immune system and promote the health of her skin and hair (Hadid, who?!).

Dog treats shouldn‘t become a regular part of your cat‘s diet (they‘re similar, not the same). But, there‘s no reason why your cat shouldn‘t have an occasional dog treat that‘s been approved by her vet (more on that later in the article).

Can cats eat dog treats, then?

One more time for the pet parents in the back, cats can eat AN OCCASIONAL dog treat. Dog foods and dog treats certainly aren’t the worst thing your four-legged friend can munch on when she needs a pick-me-up.

But, there are a couple of things you should consider before you head over to the nearest Trader Joe’s to get a bag of Happy Dog for your definitely-not-a-happy-dog cat. Don‘t shy away from throwing a glance at the ingredients list and looking for any of the ingredients we’re about to discuss.

Dog treats don’t support your cat’s nutritional needs. Your cat shouldn’t rely on them for her daily dose of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consuming dog foods and dog treats on a regular can cause malnourishment and a bunch of other health problems.

1. Onion, garlic, and other Alliums

Onions, garlic, shallots, chives, leeks, and other members of the Allium family aren’t something you want anywhere near your feline friend. According to our friends over at the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), members of the Allium family contain compounds that can lead to toxicity.

What‘s the compound in question? This compound is known as an N-propyl disulfide. It is responsible for causing oxidative damage to your cat’s red blood cells and encouraging dangerous diseases such as anemia.

Don’t even get me started on the gastrointestinal upset and the obvious symptoms of onion or garlic toxicity!

Consuming even the tiniest amounts of onion, garlic, or any other member of the Allium family can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, tremors, seizures, and even death.

Contact your vet THE VERY MOMENT you notice your cat has eaten something that contains these ingredients and keep your vet up-to-date. Onion, garlic, and other members of the Allium family are extremely toxic to cats AND dogs.

“That’s crazy! How come there are traces of these ingredients in dog food and dog treats?!” Here’s the thing, most healthy dogs can consume A LITTLE BIT of onion powder or garlic powder without experiencing repercussions.

That’s not to say that healthy cats can eat these ingredients without experiencing repercussions because they can’t. Cats are smaller than most dogs and they need smaller amounts of n-propyl disulfide to knock them down.

So, make sure your dog treats don’t contain onion, garlic, and other members of the Allium family before you offer them to your feline friend.

2. Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol

First things first, what even are these two ingredients? When we’re talking about whether cats can eat dog treats, we have to consider the additives and preservatives that can be found within these treats.

Sure, certain additives and preservatives are safe for both cats and dogs (round of applause for brands that use them). But, certain additives and preservatives that can be found in dog treats can cause harm to your cat’s health when consumed over a longer period of time.

Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol are additives you can find on the back of human foods (seasonings, soups, salad dressings) and dog foods (wet and dry foods). These additives are EXTREMELY TOXIC to cats and can lead to toxicity and other detrimental diseases.

Some of the most common symptoms of toxicity are weakness, depression, “out of the ordinary“ movements, “drunk“ behavior, excessive thirst and urination, cardiovascular complications, and seizures. Contact your vet as soon as you notice these symptoms or take your cat to the emergency animal center.

And, next time you’re wondering “can cats eat dog treats?” or ”can cats eat dog food?”, take a look at the ingredients list and consult with your vet. We can‘t stress this enough, never shy away from asking your vet for advice when you’re considering making changes to your cat’s diet.

3. Peanut butter

Peanut butter, really? Sure, peanut butter sounds pretty mild when compared with the “never feed this to your cat or she’s going to die” ingredients we mentioned in the previous couple of paragraphs. But, peanut butter has a way of creeping into your digestive system and giving you a surprise stomachache.

Here‘s the thing, peanut butter isn’t even toxic to cats. Actually, cats can eat peanut butter as an OCCASIONAL TREAT without repercussions.

Dogs are OBSESSED with peanut butter (you‘ve seen the TikToks, haven‘t you?). We thought we shouldn’t forget about the complicated relationship this butter shares with cats. To your cat’s disappointment, peanut butter contains a couple of things that aren’t great for your cat’s health.

First things first, peanut butter’s packed with calories and fats that can cause a bunch of digestive problems such as stomachache, weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. Nobody’s saying your chunky cat wouldn’t be cute, but her health should be your number one priority.

On the other hand, peanut butter contains Xylitol. We’ve already touched upon the dangers of additives and preservatives. You’re pretty much aware that cats shouldn’t have any of them. Xylitol can cause digestive distress, vomiting, diarrhea, and progress to kidney and liver failure.

Last but not least, peanut butter can cause allergic reactions. Swelling, skin irritations and bumps, itching, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, and loss of coordination are some of the symptoms of allergic reaction to keep an eye out for.

Can you replace cat treats with dog treats altogether?

Cats can eat AN OCCASIONAL dog treat (and no, we’re not getting tired of repeating that every couple of paragraphs). Dog treats are great because they contain a bunch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cat treats don’t because cats want to munch on meat most of the time.

But, there’s always a but somewhere in there whenever we’re talking about your cat’s dietary needs. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they require meat, animal protein, and animal nutrients in their diets to survive and thrive.

They don’t require fruits, veggies, and grains the same way humans (and their best friends, dogs) do. They don’t even possess the enzymes necessary for their digestive systems to break down and process most foods humans (and dogs) eat on a regular. And they’re lactose intolerant!

Don’t even get me started on the fact that most cats can’t taste sweet things! That’s right, your cat has no business munching on blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries (other than the ridiculous amount of antioxidants, of course) when she can’t even taste them.

Blueberries won’t cause harm to your cat’s health, but who’s to say dog treats don’t contain other ingredients that will?! That’s why you have to make sure you don’t obliterate your cat’s digestive system (and her taste buds) with onions, garlic, bananas, and/or peanut butter.

And that‘s why you have to make sure your cat’s getting her essential nutrients from cat food and cat treats. Dog treats don’t contain certain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids she needs for a healthy and happy life (we’re talking about taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A).

To your (and your cat‘s?) disappointment, you can‘t replace cat treats with dog treats every single day.

Can cats eat peanut butter dog treats?

We understand that you’re tempted to head over to the nearest trader Joe’s and buy every single one of the peanut butter and banana dog treats. But you might want to hold your horses (or hold your cats?). These treats sound DELICIOUS but they might not be the best for your cat.

So, can cats eat dog treats that contain peanut butter? Are these cat snacks safe for your feline?

Cats can’t eat peanut butter dog treats, at least not on a regular. One bite or two shouldn’t send her to the emergency animal center, but anything more than that could. Peanut butter contains too much fat and too many calories which can result in an overweight cat.

Can cats eat dog chews?

Dogs LOVE chewing on things. Nobody’s surprised that humans have developed dog treats specifically designed for the purpose of chewing. But, can cats eat dog chews? Can cats chew on things without getting hurt?

Cats can’t eat dog chews, or at least they shouldn’t. Your cat’s teeth aren’t as strong as those of a dog. Her teeth could get worn off or even broken off while she’s chewing on a dog chew.

Trust me, even the most popular dog chews out there (antlers, bones, and rawhide) aren’t safe for your furry friend.

You might want to keep a close eye on your cat when you’re letting her play with dog chews. They can easily become a choking hazard. Either way, she’s better off munching on something safer.

What about dog biscuits?

Here’s the thing, dog biscuits aren’t the worst thing your four-legged friend can scoff down when she’s feeling a bit hungry. And let‘s be honest, dog biscuits are made with protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber which aren’t that harmful.

Cats can eat OCCASIONAL dog biscuits as long as they’re meeting their dietary needs through cat food and cat treats 90% of the time. The other 10% we’ll reserve for treats that don’t necessarily offer much nutritional value. They shouldn’t go overboard, but a bite or two should make them feel better.

Can cats eat dog jerky?

Cats can eat dog jerky, kind of. You see, dog jerky seems to be much better for your cat’s health than other dog chews and dog treats. Your cat shouldn’t break her teeth or hurt her stomach because dog jerky’s softer and easier to digest.

On top of that, (unlike your regular beef jerky), dog jerky doesn‘t typically contain additives, preservatives, and other ingredients that can cause harm to your cat. Dog jerky’s made specifically for dogs, but cats can have an occasional bite or two without any repercussions.

Consult with your vet and check the ingredients list (just in case) before you let your cat go ham (pun definitely intended) on dog jerky.

Can cats eat dog ice cream?

“Come on, dogs get their own ice cream, too?!” That’s right, Ben & Jerry’s introduced desserts made for dogs (a dog ice cream of sorts) that have swept the feline world of their paws. These desserts are made with sunflower seed butter and a couple of other things.

They’re available in Rosie’s Batch (made with pumpkin and cookies) and Pontch’s Mix (made with peanut butter and pretzels). They sound absolutely paw-licking delicious, but can cats even eat them? They can, sort of.

Like with anything else, cats can have AN OCCASIONAL lick or two of doggie dessert ice cream. But, they shouldn’t eat this dessert as a regular part of their diet. Some of these ingredients don’t sit that great on their stomachs.

What about Puppuccinos?

“Seriously, even Starbucks makes drinks for puppies?!” Yes, even Starbucks has something called a Puppuccino, a pup cup, or simply a cup of whipped cream that can serve as a treat for your puppy. Whipped cream doesn’t sound dangerous, but can cats eat Puppuccinos?

To everyone’s disappointment, cats can’t have Puppuccinos. Cats are lactose intolerant which means they can’t digest the lactose that can be found in most dairy products. Whipped cream contains lactose, so it’s safe to say that Puppuccinos shouldn’t find their way into your cat’s stomach.

What’s the conclusion? Can cats eat dog treats?

Don’t worry, Mrs. McFluffer. Cats can have AN OCCASIONAL dog treat as long as they consult with their vet (you can do that for your cat) and avoid dog treats that can cause harm to them. Some treats are better than others so they have to make sure they choose wisely.

Dog treats can be a great way to spice things up a bit and make your cat’s (otherwise boring) mealtime a little better. Go ahead, head over to the nearest Trade Joe’s to get a bag of Happy Dog for your happy cat. Good luck!

Check this out: Do Cats Eat Frogs? Is This On Your Gourmet’s Menu?

And, you‘ve caught your four-legged friend hunting for insects on more than one occasion. You’ve been COMPLETELY grossed out by the fact that she keeps insisting on munching on flies, grasshoppers, WASPS, and everything else she can catch.

Come on, you’ve been feeding her carefully crafted (feel free to read that as ”expensive”) cat food, and she repays you by bringing a FULL BLOWN cockroach onto your bed!? By playing with spiders you’re so deathly afraid of (she could at least kills them and save you the heart attack)?!

By munching on flies right NEXT TO YOU while you’re trying to impress your date with your culinary skills? Believe it or not, we’ve all been there and we’ve all witnessed our cat’s undying love for everything that moves and wiggles around the room.

But, can cats eat insects with no repercussions? Can cats eat flies without contracting some sort of disease? According to our friends over at the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), cats can eat flies.

We can’t vouch for other insects (more on that later in the article), but we can say with certainty that flies are some of the least dangerous insects your cat can scoff down. That’s not to say that there are no dangers to eating flies on a regular, though.

So, can cats eat flies?

Yes, flies are pretty gross. Yes, your furry friend LOVES to play with them, catch them, and eat them. And yes, cats can eat flies the same way they can eat a bunch of other bugs. And don’t worry, you’re not the only cat owner that has a tough time trying to stomach these things.

Let’s go back to the beginning of time; why don’t we? Cats are carnivores (have been forever) which means they require a bunch of meat, animal protein, and animal-sourced nutrients to survive. They don’t require fruits, veggies, and grains the same way humans do.

They don’t possess the enzymes necessary for their digestive systems to break down and process most foods humans eat. And they have pretty sensitive stomachs (which makes you think they wouldn’t be able to break down and digest bugs, but they are).

Wild cats spend most of their day surrounded by different bugs, insects, and other gross wiggling things. Your not-so-wild cat doesn’t do that, but she certainly does have a soft spot for houseflies, grasshoppers, and botflies. Yes, domestic cats can be pretty gross regardless of their purrincess treatment.

But, there’s always a but when your pet cat gets a wild cat complex and tries to act tough. Sure, flies aren’t the worst thing she can munch on, but they can be pretty dangerous when you remember they can carry feces, bacteria, pesticides (insecticides), pathogens, and parasites.

Your cat’s pretty tough, but we can‘t forget that these pesky passengers can cause serious harm to your cat’s health. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the “cats versus flies“ situation and don’t shy away from consulting with your vet.

Why would your cat want to eat a fly?

“Why does my cat keep eating flies?! She‘s provided with A BUNCH of cat kibble, cat food, and cat treats on a regular, but she keeps running after flies, throwing her paws in the air, and trying to catch them as if she hasn‘t scoffed down an entire bowl of Meow Mix THREE SECONDS AGO!“

Why do cats eat flies?! You’re not the only one who finds their cat’s behavior slightly odd; we can tell you that much. Cats are curious creatures (the whole “curiosity killed the cat” shebang!). You can‘t blame your cat for wanting to explore her possibilities and catch the wiggle on the wall.

Cats are hunters (have been since the dawn of time), and just because you can’t imagine your precious purrincess chasing after her prey doesn’t mean she’s not capable of doing that. She feels a natural draw towards chasing after everything that moves and wiggles.

That moment when her eyes become dark and wide (and super adorable)? That happens to pretty much every cat (yes, even the wild ones) when they’re getting ready to attack. Whenever they catch their prey (in this case, the fly), they act on their instincts and take a bite.

And flies happen to be A LOT of fun for your four-legged friend! When they fly around her head, settle on and leap off the kitchen counter whenever she approaches, they’re teasing her. That’s what she thinks, at least (and she also thinks they’re having fun).

That’s why catching flies can take HOURS for your cat. She’s not slow, she’s just taking her time playing with her food (one thing our moms never let us do, right?), and enjoying the hunt. She can even use the time to teach her kittens how to hunt (we’ve seen that before, haven’t we?).

What happens when your cat eats a fly?

Cats can eat flies, correct? Nothing bad should happen to your furry friend when she scoffs down a couple of flies that have been having WAY TOO MUCH FUN on your kitchen table, right?

Believe it or not, chasing after flies (and other insects) happens to be one of the healthiest activities your cat can do. Your cat (probably) spends most of her day lounging around the house and munching on cat foods and cat treats you place in front of her so she doesn’t have to move.

Spending that much time doing NOTHING can make your cat sick because she needs to move her body to get stronger and healthier. Chunky cats might look adorable because of the fluff, but they can’t live a happy and healthy life when they can’t move their bodies.

Chasing after flies can help your furry friend improve her paw-eye coordination, boost her immune system, maintain the proper function of her nervous system, and stimulate her brain function. She’s saying goodbye to her health problems by munching on grossly delicious food; who wouldn’t want that?!

But, we can‘t have the good without the bad. So, munching on flies doesn’t come without the risks of contracting different diseases, getting infected with bacteria and parasites, and developing maggots and fleas. How can you combat that?

Give your vet a visit and make sure your cat’s immunization, deworming, and vaccination against fleas are up-to-date. You can’t prevent your cat from enjoying an occasional fly or two, but you can prevent her (or at least try) from contracting parasitic and bacterial infections.

Your feline friend’s well-being should be your number one priority. So, here’s what you need to know about the benefits and risks of turning a blind eye whenever she sets off on another hunting mission.

What are the benefits of eating flies?

Cats LOVE eating flies for a reason, don’t you think? Cats know exactly what they’re doing most of the time and they’re completely aware of what works for them.

They eat what and whenever they want to, they cuddle you and give you kisses when they want to, and say “No” when they aren’t comfortable. They scratch you every time you break the rules and overstep their boundaries (as they should.)

They’re perfectly capable of deciding whether they can devour that fly they spend the last half an hour chasing around the house. And they’re completely right because that fly can provide them with a bunch of protein, vitamins, and minerals that can do wonders for their health.

That’s right, flies are packed with nutrients that make them a TOLERABLE treat for your four-legged friend.

1. Protein

Who’s surprised that bugs contain a bunch of protein? Then, can cats eat flies and enjoy all of the protein without any consequences?

Well, a fly’s larvae are 45% protein (gross, but interesting), and a fly’s eggs are around 43%. Cats THRIVE on animal protein (and yes, bug protein counts) because protein does wonders for their health.

First things first, cats need protein for energy. Cats store protein within their bodies, turn it into energy, and use it to run around the house at 3 AM while their humans are trying to sleep. Humans do the same with carbohydrates, but cats are on a strict Keto diet so they’re stuck with protein.

On the other hand, protein provides bulk to help food move through a cat’s digestive tract. Protein retains the water your cat drinks throughout the day which, in turn, helps prevent digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation.

One or two flies a day can provide your furry friend with a healthy, protein-packed pick-me-up. Don’t get me wrong, flies shouldn’t be a regular part of your cat’s diet. But, they’re pretty handy when there’s nothing else to scoff down (and the beast’s getting hungry).

2. Vitamins

You read that right, you can benefit from quite a few vitamins when you munch on a fly! Vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12 – that’s a lot of Bs, but these vitamins get a straight A+ from your four-legged friend.

And what are the benefits of getting B vitamins from animal sources (or bug sources)? B vitamins are essential for your cat‘s skin and hair (Gigi Hadid, who?), giving a boost to her immune system, maintaining the proper function of her digestive system, and stimulating her metabolism.

3. Minerals

Flies are even better at providing your furry friend with her daily dose of minerals. Flies are packed with minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Minerals are great for maintaining your cat’s health and ensuring the quality of your cat’s life.

First things first, flies contain a small amount of iron that can help your cat whenever she’s feeling a bit deficient. She might have to eat a lot of flies to reap those benefits (the number of flies matters!), but she needs them for the benefit of her red blood cells.

On the other hand, calcium’s great for the strength and health of your cat’s muscles and bones. Cats that have a calcium deficiency might experience symptoms such as weakness, restlessness, twitching, tremors, and convulsions. Who would’ve thought that a couple of flies can help with that?!

And, we can’t forget about magnesium because it’s one of the essential minerals necessary for the proper function of your cat’s body. Magnesium’s great for ensuring the secretion of hormones, maintaining the health of teeth and bones, and supporting the proper enzyme function.

What are the risks of eating flies?

Cats can eat flies, but that doesn’t mean that you should go out of your way to provide your furry friend with these wiggly creatures.

Flies (as nutritious as they seem) don’t come without the risks of contracting numerous diseases, developing dangerous conditions, and experiencing digestive problems. Here are some things to consider (and ask your vet) before you decide to throw your four-legged friend a fly fiesta.

1. Pesticides and insecticides

“Hmm, how can flies be the bearers of pesticides and insecticides? Wouldn’t they be dead, or at least appear less lively and wiggly?” When you’re considering the fact that you just learned cats can eat flies without repercussions, you might be overlooking these pesky passengers.

Think about this, when flies are flying around they’re resting their little feet on flowers and plants that may or may not contain pesticides. When they’re buzzing around and annoying everyone that gets in their way they might get sprayed with insecticides (and live to tell the story).

Then, they carry these pesticides and insecticides wherever they go. The ingestion of infected flies can cause a bunch of health problems to your cat because her digestive system can’t break down permethrin and similar poisons.

She might experience symptoms such as drooling, difficulty breathing, loss of coordination, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Severe cases can end with fatal results, so contact your vet THE VERY MOMENT you notice any of these symptoms.

2. Pathogens

Pathogens are organisms that carry disease. And, Pathogens of different kinds have been found within flies (feel free to check the list down below) and have been proven to have detrimental effects on your cat’s health.

Some of the most common pathogens are bacterial pathogens, Escherichia, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, fungal pathogens, parasitic pathogens, Ascaris, and Giardia. These pathogens might sound like something out of a Harry Potter movie, but they’re fairly dangerous.

Eating fly eggs or fly larvae can have the same effects on your furry friend, so you might want to consider setting fly traps around the house. Flies might be great fun for your cat, but you can’t forget about the bacteria, parasites, and microbes.

3. Maggots

“So, can cats eat flies and not get worms?” To your cat’s disappointment, cats can get worms from eating or even playing with flies. Sure, that typically happens to cats with hygiene and health problems, festering wounds, and feces on the fur.

But, flies find a spot that works for them, give that spot a couple of bites, and lay eggs waiting for them to spread around, feed off the tissue, and develop into maggots. Maggots, tapeworms, and stomach worms (Physaloptera) are some of the worms that you can expect to see.

Some of the most common symptoms your cat might experience are anemia, anorexia, paleness of the gums, loss of coordination, loss of appetite, weakness, different sorts of skin and fur irritations, bloody scars and stools, and many more.

Contact your vet as soon as you notice any of these symptoms and make sure to get your cat the treatment she needs.

4. Digestive problems

Digestive problems seem like the least of your cat‘s concerns when you compare them to the rest of the risks, but they can be dangerous on their own. Cats can have sensitive stomachs – pair that with their neverending desire to scoff down everything they can get their paws on, and voilà.

Consuming TOO MANY flies can cause a bunch of digestive problems to your feline friend. Stomachache, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting happen to be a couple of symptoms you might want to keep an eye out for.

Contact your vet the moment you notice any of these symptoms (now would be a good time for those fly traps, don‘t you think?). Cats can eat flies, but the only PROPER way of preventing these things from happening seems to be preventing your cat from eating flies.

How can you prevent your cat from eating flies?

You can’t, but you can make things better with a couple of simple tricks.

Remember, a couple of flies here and there shouldn’t cause harm to your cat’s health. There’s no reason for you to go out of your way to remove every single fly out of your cat’s reach. There’s a reason why cats can eat flies and cats can play with flies.

But, to ensure your cat’s safety, you can try distracting her with toys when you notice she’s playing with WAY TOO MANY flies. She’s more than likely to devour every single one of them once she’s done teasing them. She’s better off being distracted with a fake mouse or a feather.

On the other hand, you can always try to feed her treats to show her there are better things for her to much on than flies. When you notice she’s running around the kitchen trying to catch a fly, whip out her favorite treat. Trust me, she’s going to leave that fly exactly where she found it.

Last but not least, you can chase away the fly before she can get to her. You can’t use insecticides around your furry friend, but you can open the door and politely ask the fly to leave (just joking!).

But, you can use a piece of paper to encourage the fly through an open window or through the door to a different room. You just need to get her out long enough for your cat to distract herself with something else, and voilà.

What other bugs can cats eat?

Now that you’re aware that cats can eat flies, you can’t help but wonder whether they can eat other bugs. Do you have to rush your feline friend to the emergency animal center every time she plays with a butterfly? Or chases a bee around the garden? Or pushes a spider?

You might have guessed this one yourself, but not every bug’s going to send your furry friend to the emergency animal center. Some bugs are safe and some bugs are a little less safe, and the worst that can happen when your cat eats a bug seem to be that they’re poisoned with pesticides and insecticides.

1. Butterflies

Cats ADORE pursuing butterflies whenever they have a chance. As a pet parent, you’ve probably witnessed your four-legged friend going crazy upon seeing a butterfly in the wild. And, you’ve probably seen her catching and chewing on a butterfly, too.

Cats can eat butterflies (and caterpillars) with pretty much no repercussions. Most butterflies are completely safe, while some caterpillars might sting and cause a little bit of pain. Most importantly, butterflies and caterpillars won’t cause lasting damage to your cat’s health.

2. Bees

Cats LOVE playing with buzzing bugs, and bees are pretty much the best out of the bunch. Wasps, bees, and other buzzing bugs might sting your cat and cause her some temporary pain, but that’s as bad as they can get. They won’t cause lasting damage to your cat (unless she’s allergic).

She’s more likely to lick the area where she was stung and cause irritations and infections (consult with your vet on that one), but that’s the worst-case scenario.

3. Spiders

Small spiders (the ones you can see everywhere around your house) are pretty safe for your cat. They wiggle their way around the walls and tease your furry friend making her interested and intrigued. They’re safe even as a snack (as gross as that sounds).

But, we can’t forget about poisonous spiders which can cause harm to your cat’s health. Black widow spiders are especially dangerous because their poison’s toxic to cats. Brown Recluse and Hobo Spider come at a close second spot.

So, you might want to brush up on your spider knowledge to keep your cat happy, healthy, and SAFE.

What’s the conclusion? Can cats eat flies?

Cats can KIND OF eat flies, but there are a bunch of reasons why they shouldn’t. While an occasional fly or two shouldn‘t make your feline friend feel bad, anything more than that might send her to the emergency animal center (pesticides and insecticides, hello?!).

Get a fly trap and make sure your four-legged friend doesn’t go ham on these winged, wiggly bugs.

Read more: Can Cats Eat Moths? They Might Not Like Them Very “Moth”

Who would’ve thought your cat’s behavior would confuse you to the point where you’re questioning her sanity? “Come on, munching on hay after scoffing down an entire bowl of kibble? Who does that?!”, you yell while she’s meowing and purring for forgiveness.

You’re not the only one, trust me. Pet parents are responsible for their pet’s health, and there are times when they’re faced with difficult decisions. There are times when cat foods and cat treats don’t hit the spot anymore, and they’re responsible for picking the next best things.

And yes, there are times when the next best thing seems doesn’t make sense. Sure, you’ve seen your furry friend nibble on fresh grass (even cat grass!), but never on hay. You‘re pretty sure hay doesn’t seem like something that would be purrfect for a purrincess.

But, here we are and we’re ready to give you the answers you’re looking for. According to our friends over at the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), cats can eat hay FROM TIME TO TIME. Cats can’t (or at least shouldn’t) eat hay as a regular part of their diet.

Let’s just say there are a couple of things to consider before you take your feline friend to the nearest farm and let her go ham on some hay. Here’s everything you need to know before you make up your mind.

Can cats eat hay?

You know that feeling when you see your furry friend munching on something but you have no idea what that something could be? That has to be one of the worst feelings a cat owner can feel and one we don’t wish on our worst enemies.

So, look at this from the bright side. You know your cat’s been munching on hay while you were too busy rewatching Friends for the millionth time. You know she’s been doing pretty great after the incident and you know it’s probably nothing to worry about.

You’re right, cats can eat hay from time to time with no repercussions. Hay doesn’t contain anything that could harm your cat’s health, but it does contain a bunch of nutritional and health benefits for MOST animals.

We put the emphasis on most because, while we don’t consider hay toxic, hay shouldn’t be a part of your cat’s diet. Hay doesn’t offer much nutritional value to your cat (apart from a little bit of fiber and rumored hairball relief) but does offer digestive problems and a sudden rush to the litterbox.

Don’t get me wrong, chewing on a couple of hay strands shouldn’t send your cat to the emergency animal center. However, there are no good reasons for your cat to scoff down large amounts of hay on a regular. No nutritional benefits, no health benefits, nothing (other than a smile on her face!?).

What to consider when feeding hay to your cat?

We’re not saying that you would ever ACTUALLY feed your cat hay instead of her regular food, but… She might be giving you those looks, petting you with her paws, and purring your ears off until you give up and let her have her way with hay.

Cats love eating fresh grass, so who’s to say your cat doesn’t LOVE eating hay whenever she needs a pick-me-up? Trust me, you might be tempted to let her do whatever she wants, but there’s a reason why pet stores don’t have hay for cats.

Here’s what you need to keep an eye out for when you’re dealing with a four-legged friend that has a hay fever (not a real fever, more like an obsession).

1. Fiber

Oh, fiber! Who wouldn’t love something that regulates your digestive system, offers a helping hand when you’re dealing with constipation and diarrhea, and makes you poop better? Yes, small animals, big animals, and every other animal that munches on hay reap these benefits.

Hay’s packed with fiber, and fiber provides bulk to help food move through your cat‘s digestive tract. Not only that, but fiber also absorbs water and regulates your cat’s poops which can help with constipation and diarrhea. So yes, fiber’s a pretty important friend to your cat’s digestive system.

However, that doesn’t mean that your cat should consume a bunch of fiber on a regular basis. And, that also doesn‘t mean that the source of fiber doesn‘t matter. Your cat can get fiber from other (maybe even better) sources such as fresh grass, pumpkin, squash, sprouts, and blueberries.

Basically, you shouldn’t turn to hay the moment your cat starts showing symptoms of digestive upset. Consult with your vet to find the best source of nutrients for your furry friend, and stick with your regular cat food and cat treats for most of her diet.

2. Hairball hack

Yes, that’s right. Supposedly, munching on hay every now and then can help your furry friend deal with hairballs. The fiber that’s in hay helps her digestive system break down and process everything that’s inside, including those pesky passengers.

What even are hairballs? Hairballs might sound like the most disgusting thing ever, but they’re actually a result of your cat’s grooming routine. Your cat uses her tongue and teeth to brush her hair, clean herself, and get rid of anything she doesn’t want to walk around with.

While most of the hair she accidentally eats goes through her digestive tract and comes out at the other end, some of the hair gets left behind and forms a hairball. Hairballs can be extremely uncomfortable, unpleasant, and even dangerous for your cat.

They can cause blockages, become a choking hazard, and even send your cat to the emergency animal center. To your cat’s disappointment, some hairballs require medical attention because they can become life-threatening.

Who would’ve thought that cats can benefit from eating hay?! But yes, cats can eat hay when they’re having a hard time hacking, gagging, and retching to get rid of those hairballs. Don’t forget to consult with your vet beforehand, though.

3. Digestive problems

And yes, we’re still talking about fiber! Sure, the fiber that’s in hay can offer a couple of nutritional and health benefits to your cat. But, fiber can also cause some health complications when consumed over a longer period.

What do we mean by that? On one hand, the fiber in hay can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fiber’s typically the good guy in everyone’s story but there are instances where too much fiber can cause digestive distress.

On the other hand, cats are carnivores which means they don’t need hay as a regular part of their diet. Cats don’t possess the enzymes necessary to break down and process a lot of the foods that humans and other animals eat, and hay doesn’t seem to be an exception.

And, cats can even have an allergic reaction to hay. Some of the most common symptoms are irritations on the skin, loss of hair, loss of appetite, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Consult with your vet THE VERY MOMENT that you notice any of these symptoms.

4. Nutritional value

Hay’s got some pretty great nutritional benefits for MOST animals. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and calcium (alongside some other vitamins and minerals). It’s great for maintaining the health of the digestive system, promoting salivation and rumination, and ensuring proper air circulation.

Timothy hay and Alfalfa hay (apparently) carry the most nutritional value out of the bunch. These two types of hay are legumes hay rather than grass hay, which seems to set them apart from the rest.

Hay’s great for MOST animals because of numerous reasons, but it’s not as great for cats. While hay isn’t toxic to cats (or anything of the sort), this tasty treat doesn’t carry any nutritional value for cats (apart from the above-discussed fiber).

Cats require a specific diet that’s comprised of meat, animal protein, and animal nutrients. They get most of what they need from cat food, cat treats, and just straight-up meat treats. They can eat chicken, turkey, beef, and fish but they can’t really eat hay.

Well, they can, but that doesn’t mean that they should. They can have AN OCCASIONAL hay strand when they’re looking to chew on something, and even that’s more than what they need. Make sure your cat doesn‘t go overboard on hay, and (you guessed it) consult with your vet.

Can cats eat hay? What to do when you catch your cat eating hay?

Nothing?! Don’t worry, we understand that this talk about stomachaches and emergency vet visits doesn’t sit well with your worried mind. But, you don’t really have to do anything when you catch your four-legged friend munching on a basket of hay.

Hay doesn’t contain anything that can harm your cat THE MOMENT she nibbles on a couple of strands. Hay can harm your cat only when she goes overboard (in one sitting), or when she doesn’t eat anything other than hay for a longer period.

Other than that, you can always consult with your vet to ease your mind. You can check whether your furry friend has a sensitive stomach that wouldn’t be able to digest a little bit of hay. Or check whether she has an allergy you haven‘t been aware of.

Trust me, there’s hardly anything dangerous about munching on hay that should keep you up at night. She knows what she’s doing, especially when she keeps coming back for more. She wouldn’t do that on the off chance that hay’s making her sick, now would she?

How to stop your cat from eating hay?

“But, my cat DOES have a sensitive stomach and she SHOULDN’T eat hay. What now?!” Don’t worry, there are a couple of things you could do to prevent your cat from munching on hay while you’re busy doing something else (you know, you can watch Friends while she’s sleeping?).

First things first, keep your cat away from the hay. The two of you might be living on a farm where you’re surrounded by hay everywhere you go, and that’s completely fine. But, you can try keeping the hay somewhere your cat can’t reach or can’t explore.

On the other hand, you can distract your cat whenever she‘s getting ready to attack a stack of hay. You can play with her favorite toys, cuddle, or even offer her a different treat that’s WAY MORE delicious than hay. Trust me, these tricks work like a charm.

What’s better than eating hay for your cat?

Here’s the thing, fruits, veggies, and plants aren’t really a cat’s cup of tea. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they require a bunch of meat, animal protein, and animal nutrients in their diets to survive and thrive.

They don’t require fruits, veggies, and grains the same way humans do. And they don’t possess the enzymes necessary for their digestive systems to break down and process most foods humans eat regularly. They’re pretty much bound to spend their lives on a Keto diet.

So, what’s better than eating hay for your cat? Sure, cats should eat cat food and cat treats for most of their lives, but they can have occasional snacks (or cheat meals) that aren’t a natural part of their diet.

We’re talking about minuscule morsels of chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and even pork (pretty fatty but fine when consumed moderately). We’re also talking about carrots, cucumbers, zucchinis, blueberries, and a bunch of other fruits and veggies that are SAFE for your cat.

What’s the conclusion? Can cats eat hay?

Cats can eat hay FROM TIME TO TIME. Hay doesn’t have much to offer to your cat in terms of nutritional and health benefits, but your cat doesn‘t seem to mind that. She wants to have an odd-looking and odd-tasting treat, and that’s completely fine.

She can have some hay whenever she’s in the mood for a pick-me-up, but she shouldn’t munch on hay every single day.

Read more: Can Cats Eat Arugula? Not Your Regular Snack, But…

This shouldn’t really be a weird thing to ask, right? I mean, it’s only in their nature to hunt small things. Cockroaches aren’t that scary when you think of it. Or I just might be wrong.

Either way, it’s better than a dead bird waiting on your doorstep or something smellier than a cockroach! We all know how much our pets love to show off and master their skills. Even though they’re domestic cats, they still have a thing for hunting.

It’s rooted deep into their DNA and there’s no escaping from their predatory instincts. Well, I guess it’s a good thing then. It’s especially welcome and useful when you’re scared of cockroaches like I am. They’re just creepy and ugly, that’s all.

This really makes you think whether cats can eat cockroaches – and perhaps more importantly, why would they?! There’s nothing interesting about them and I bet there’s nothing tasty either!

These hard-shelled insects can’t be just fun and playtime for our furbabies! Is there something more to it than the plain quenching of boredom?

I know our cats are curious and sometimes I’m thankful for that. If it weren’t for her inquisitiveness, some roaches would still be lurking around my property!

Thankfully, there’s a new sheriff in town that’s going to put them back in their place. I didn’t actually know my furkid had it in her. All she seemed interested in was lounging on the sofa all day and munching on some cat treats.

I never thought my purrincess would be keen on getting her paws dirty! I guess I was wrong. Although I’m grateful that she’s keeping the bad guys away from me, it makes me wonder if it’s safe for cats to eat cockroaches.

Can cats eat cockroaches?

Well, if you’ve ever seen a cat in action, then I presume you know the answer to this question. They’re highly skilled and can catch their prey in a matter of seconds. Some people wouldn’t call a roach a catch, but it means a lot to me!

And I just know how proud my cat is when she kills something for me. It’s like her way of saying: “Thank you for everything you do for me.”

Actually, she’s too much of a spoiled brat to think that way. She’s probably thinking how I’m the incapable one and she has to take care of me.

Either way, I’m happy with either scenario as long as the outcome signals the eradication of that cringey critter. It’s really just one of the many benefits of having a cat around.

We know that cats are capable of killing a cockroach and more than that. However, the real question is should they eat it, and what happens if they do?

You see, I wouldn’t necessarily think of cockroaches as an ideal menu for a feline. It’s meaty, I guess? But that’s probably not the reason they’re after them. The good news, however, is that cockroaches aren’t poisonous to felines. Your furry buddy can go on a carefree search party for some roaches.

BUT – there’s that one but… The thing with roaches is that they’re not toxic as long as they aren’t sprayed with pesticides. I know this rings some alarm bells in your head right now. Therefore, I’d say that in most cases, cats can eat cockroaches without any problems.

Just be careful. Be extra cautious if you’re living in a city, in an apartment where there is regular cleaning of the building and apartments.

The roaches might be sprayed with pesticides and still running up and down that wall (they’re little diehards!) This could be potentially dangerous to your feline.

Why do cats hunt cockroaches?

As I’ve already mentioned, they’re not high-value cuisine to felines – there’s nothing particularly special about cockroaches. What they are is a great form of entertainment and exercise. Especially for kittos who spend most of their time indoors.

Physical activity is crucial for agile creatures like cats. It helps them stay fit and healthy, as well as happy. Apart from physical health, hunting also plays a major role in your cat’s mental health.

Every pet needs some mental stimulation from time to time. Toys become boring after a while, so your cat’s probably welcoming something more interesting. I don’t think we should call their weirdness into question.

Jokes aside, hunting is a part of their nature. As a carnivore, it’s the only form of survival they’re equipped for, and that works for felines. Therefore, don’t be surprised if your pet goes on a hunting spree.

Cockroaches may not seem like prey, but in your cat’s eyes, they’re the most valuable prize. Remember, felines don’t only hunt out of boredom or because they’re hungry.

Many furry companions will bring their prize and leave it at your doorstep. It may be a sign of gratitude and your pet thanking you for everything you do for her. But I think we know our pets better than that.

They’re probably thinking about how clumsy we are, and incapable of caring for ourselves. That sounds more likely, doesn’t it? But we’re used to them being superior to humans, so it makes perfect sense. Either way, their intentions are pure and guided by instincts.

Lack of nutrients

I know; I’ve just said how a cockroach doesn’t have that many nutritional benefits to your cat. However, she doesn’t know that and may try to eat it if she lacks some of it.

Felines and the rest of our pets will usually try to compensate for the lack of something by taking matters into their own hands. Of course, they can’t communicate it, but their instincts once again take over.

This may be nothing serious or be something even life-threatening. If your pet’s been acting weird lately and munching down on those roaches and searching for them more than often than not, she might be in trouble.

You don’t have to be an expert to notice when your pet’s out of sorts. Therefore, don’t hesitate, but rush to the nearest animal clinic. It might be just a nutrient deficiency. Still, we wouldn’t want to risk something developing out of that.

Inspect closely each time your furry companion catches a bug and try to notice just how much she is obsessed with it. Your keen observation just might get her out of a lot of trouble.

Are cockroaches toxic to cats?

Their hunting instincts aside, felines can sometimes make poor judgments. It’s not unusual to see those video clips of little feisty cats giving it a go with a black bear!

I know, such brave hearts they are. But we must admit they sometimes bite off more than they can chew, figuratively and literally speaking.

Speaking of cockroaches, they aren’t poisonous to felines as such. However, there are some hidden dangers this hard-shelled insect holds.

You wouldn’t think there’s anything hazardous regarding this bug as they seem to be your pet’s favorite. She thinks yummy, but we think disgusting.

If you’re living in the countryside, it’s likely cockroaches pose no harm to your cat’s health. However, the ones living in the concrete jungle just might be troublesome.

We all know that life in a rural area is healthier than in a crowded city. And the same goes for roaches. The healthier the environment, the healthier the bugs.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the privilege to roam freely in nature’s playground. This raises the chances of your pet coming across contaminated “prey” such as cockroaches.

1. Risk of pesticides

Humans usually don’t have a particular liking for these insects. Unlike cats, we tend to resort to different methods to get rid of them, ones including the least contact possible. Because we’re not as brave as our furry family members, we often use pesticides and insecticides to keep them at bay.

Roach infestations are a huge concern to our health because they can easily and more quickly than not contaminate our food and living place. Moreover, they’re capable of doing structural damage and destroying your home.

But what’s even more dangerous is the pace at which these little monsters can make your health decline. If you’re vulnerable to a roach invasion, you’re at risk of contracting E.coli, salmonella, and even asthma.

Honestly, they may be small, but they deliver quite big punches. So what happens when you google “Can cats eat cockroaches” and find out they may carry all sorts of diseases? It makes your head spin because now you remember all those times your pet hid in the corner dealing with this monstrous insect.

Unfortunately, you have every right to be scared. Pesticide toxicity isn’t that common but can definitely occur among cats. These are some strong chemical compounds that can seriously harm your pet’s health. Sure, cats can eat cockroaches, but will there be any consequences?

Sad to say, but eating cockroaches for fun can turn out to be not so fun. Some of the poisoning symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. In some cases, even tremors and seizures.

Muscle weakness, as well as respiratory arrest, can easily occur if your feline ingests enough of these chemical compounds. To prevent this from happening, make sure you use more cat-appropriate remedies.

If you can’t do that, keep your cat away from places infested with cockroaches. I know she’s only doing her job and trying to help. But this job shouldn’t be a life-threatening one.

2. Bacteria and parasites

As if cockroaches aren’t deterring on their own, here comes another surprise. Next to being filthy and able to contaminate your food, air, and living place, they have something else up their sleeve.

For instance, Capillaria, Toxocara, Eimeria, Ascaris, and others can all be carried by these awful creatures – and straight into your home. What’s even scarier is that these can make their way into your cat’s belly.

If your feline ingests an insect that’s infected with all of these worms, parasites, and bacteria, she may get into some serious trouble. This is why it’s extremely important that you regularly deworm your cat and take her for check-ups.

Some of the internal worms feed on their blood, so they can be the reason your pet has anemia. Ezcema, bacterial infections, digestive upsets, and intestinal blockages are only a few of the health issues caused by worms.

The next time someone asks you if cats can eat cockroaches just because they want their feline to do the extermination job for them, just explain to them how many vet visits would that take. Although it seems like a lot of help, it’s still not worth the risk.

Sure, you can’t really have an eye on your pet every minute of every day. Cockroaches are usually active at night when everything’s silent and everyone’s asleep. But that’s where the catch is (no pun intended) – our furry friends are nocturnal, too.

And behold the miracle, they have perfect night vision. Shout out to mother nature once again for making our pets the best creatures in the whole wide world. Woohoo!

3. Choking hazard

I just can’t seem to bring any positive news to you. I’m sorry, but I just hope you see how much of a hazard these little insects can be.

As cat parents, it’s our job to do thorough research and make sure we keep our pets safe. If all the bacteria, worms, and parasites weren’t enough to make you crazy, here’s something that will.

Not only can cockroaches create a struggle for your pet long-term, but these evil bugs might also give you the heart attack of your life. Roaches have an exoskeleton, a hard outer shell.

As cringey as it sounds, this is something that probably keeps your cat chewing on them. Thanks to their exoskeleton, they have the crunchy sound that your pet just might enjoy a bit too much. They look like such graceful animals, but seriously!

If your pet gets her paws on this one, things might take a turn for the worse. Just when she catches one and has him in her strong jaws, the roach might return the punch.

What I mean when I say this is that the exoskeleton may actually do its job and answer with some resistance. Because her teeth weren’t really made for crunching up insects, but rather bones and flesh, cockroaches might win this one.

The worst-case scenario is that your feline starts to choke on it. The hard shell can get stuck in her throat and restrict her breathing. This is why it’s best to let your cat show off by catching it, but take over before she tries to gulp it down.

What can I do if my cat eats cockroaches?

There’s really nothing much you can do. Once she gets her paws on this little insect, it would be hard to pry it off her. They’re such stubborn creatures and they value their prize over anything else.

No need to get frazzled about your cat eating one cockroach every once in a while. If you keep her health in check with regular deworming and consults with your vet, she should be fine.

The bacteria, parasites, and worms that cockroaches might transmit could easily be blocked off by those medications. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

But how can you prevent these little pests from entering your home and disrupting your peace? Your pet surely won’t leave this battle unfinished. Therefore, make sure you get some repellents that aren’t harmful to your feline.

For instance, vinegar is something that might be useful in deterring these vile critters, yet doesn’t pose any real danger to your cat’s health. If this doesn’t work, you can always opt for organic pesticides and insecticides, but still keep a close eye on your pet, as some are still considered mildly toxic to pets.

Then, make sure she doesn’t go anywhere near the infested area. If she had to ingest a couple of roaches over the few days after having used these products in the home, it might not end that well for her.

Whatever you decide on, consult with your vet and see if she’s been properly dewormed and treated against particular parasites and pathogens. If not, these could seriously harm your pet, not to mention make your life a living hell.

Wrapping it up

Can cats eat cockroaches? Well, I know they can, but I’m just not so sure anymore that they should.

Felines are usually resilient; that’s something they should totally be proud of. But even these adventurous companions can sometimes land themselves in trouble.

Cockroaches usually don’t present any harm to your pet, but it doesn’t mean they can’t be a hazard. Your cat could potentially choke on them because of their hard shells.

Even more, they could carry certain parasites and diseases. And don’t get me started on those chemical compounds that might make their way into your feline’s tummy!

Related post: Can Cats Eat Flies? What Could Go Wrong With These Bugs?