Cats love to hunt insects and play with them. If your feline friend goes outdoors, there's a good chance he'll run into a bee sooner or later and, like people, may be allergic to it, exhibiting a dangerous reaction to its stings. In the event that your kitty is stung by a bee, you need to quickly assess its condition, implement first aid measures and carry out appropriate follow-up care.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Examine the Kitty's Condition
Step 1. Check for a severe reaction
If you know or suspect he has been stung by a bee, you should quickly assess whether he has an allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Take your cat to a veterinary clinic or emergency room if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Faster breathing or labored breathing
- Swelling of the muzzle
- Pale gums or mucous membranes
- Vomiting (especially within the first 5-10 minutes after being stung) or diarrhea
- Weak or rapid heartbeat
- Fainting.
Step 2. Try to figure out which insect stung him
Bee stings are slightly different from those of wasps or hornets; a slightly different approach is required depending on the type of insect. If you have seen the insect but are unable to identify it, you can narrow down the possibilities based on guidelines, such as those listed in this link.
- Wasps do not usually leave their stings in the victim's body, bees do; if the cat has been stung by a bee, you need to find the sting and remove it.
- The venom of bees is acidic, while that of wasps is alkaline; It is best not to try to neutralize it with an alkaline (like baking soda) or acidic (like vinegar) substance, unless you know for sure the type of insect responsible for the sting.
Step 3. Identify the area where the cat was stung
Look for signs of swelling, redness, or soreness. If he has been stung in the mouth or throat, or if you suspect he has had multiple stings, take him to the vet immediately.
Part 2 of 3: Provide First Aid
Step 1. Remove the stinger, if it is still present
If the cat was attacked by a bee (and not a wasp), the sting is probably still stuck in the skin; if it is actually from a bee, it continues to release poison for several minutes even after the attack, so you must remove it as soon as possible.
- A bee's sting resembles a small black splinter.
- Gently scrape it with a fingernail, a butter knife, or the edge of a credit card.
- Don't try to remove it with tweezers or pinch it with your fingers, or you may inject even more poison into the wound.
Step 2. Apply a cold pack to aching skin
This can soothe inflammation and reduce swelling. Wrap the compress or some ice cubes in a cloth and hold it on the site of the sting for about 5 minutes, then remove it for another 5 minutes before placing it again. continue in this manner during the first hour after the accident.
Step 3. Apply a slurry of water and baking soda
Mix three parts of baking soda with one part of water and apply the mixture to the wound once every two hours, until the swelling subsides.
- However, do not follow this method unless you know for sure that the cat was stung by a bee (and not a wasp); in the event of a wasp sting you must apply apple cider vinegar instead.
- Be careful that the solution you have chosen (vinegar or baking soda) does not enter the cat's eyes.
Part 3 of 3: Aftercare
Step 1. Monitor the feline's condition
If the swelling increases or spreads in the hours after the sting, contact your vet. For a few days after the accident, you should be on the lookout for any possible signs of infection, such as redness, pus, or worsening swelling around the wound.
Step 2. Ask your vet if you can use Benadryl
It is a drug whose active ingredient (diphenhydramine) helps reduce inflammation, itching and discomfort; consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage to administer to your cat.
Do not give the cat any medication that contains other active ingredients besides Benadryl, because other substances for human use can be harmful or even fatal for this animal
Step 3. Treat the sting with pure aloe vera gel
Make sure it does not contain other ingredients, such as alcohol or lotions, and be careful that it does not come in contact with the cat's eyes.
Warnings
- Do not give him any painkillers for human use, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tachipirina) or ibuprofen (Brufen or Moment), as these are harmful or deadly drugs for cats. You should always ask your vet for advice if you are concerned that your cat is in pain.
- Do not apply essential oils to the wound, as they are harmful to felines, especially if they ingest them while doing regular grooming.
