Even if the cat wins the fight, it may end up with bite marks and poisonous venom injected into its body as a result. Venomous snakes will sink toxins into your cats skin when they bite. Cats stand about 10 inches tall, and they are about 2.5ft long. Cats are extremely agile and fast. Cat World is written by top cat experts:- Dr. Whittenburg, Hospital Director- Dr. Eldredge, author of the best-selling "Cat Owner's Veterinary Handbook"- Janet Cutler, PhD, Certified Cat Behaviorist- Julia Wilson, author of 1,000 cat articles- And more! However, most adult snakes can defend themselves quite well against attacks from cats, as they are usually stronger and larger than their feline foes. Because of this, a cat that eats a snake will have to vomit in order to get rid of the substance in their body. During the summer months, snakes are found slithering in yards or bushes. So, if you think your feline friend ate a snake then taking them to the vet should be your number one priority. If that's not sadistic, then nothing is! A rigid paralysis or soft. However, most of the time, cats are the predator, not the prey. They floated down from the sky Sunday 2,000 mice, wafting on tiny cardboard parachutes over Andersen Air Force Base in the U.S . When they do, your cat (s) could have a fatal encounter with this reptile. However, this isn't to say venomous snakes won't wander into your yard or surroundings at all. Without this treatment, most cats will die. Yes, cats do eat snakes and vice versa. Can cats kill snakes? Snakes, on the other hand, tend to become frightened with cats and will try to avoid them if they can. Venomous animals inject a toxin when they bite you. Hawks are predatory birds that primarily feed on rodents and lizards. Snakes also hunt the same kind of prey and their diet often includes rodents like mice and birds but theyre also known to eat frogs, insects, eggs, earthworms, and reptiles like lizards. One cat might investigate this slithering creature, even attack it and play with it, while another cat might be too afraid to try this new hunting experience. Why Does My Cat Lay On My Pregnant Belly? They might spend a long time playing with their prey, swatting and batting at it without killing it, because theyre not entirely motivated by hunger. No, unfortunately not. Raw meat always carries the possibility of salmonella, so watch out for those symptoms. There are plenty of snakes in North America for example that are perfectly fine to eat even for humans, the biggest risk is actually being bitten! Yes cats can eat snakes. If your cat is an outdoor cat or spends time outdoors, your yard is most likely where your cat will encounter a snake. Rattlesnakes, a common backyard snake, can reach speeds of up to 3mph while other snake species can reach speeds of up to 12mph). Can Cats Eat Flies? Time is of the essence if you think the venom was poisonous and you need to move quickly. Can cats kill snakes? Can Cats Eat Cheesecake All You Need To Know, Why Does My Cat Knead Me But Not My Husband 8 Reasons, Progressive weakness first your cat may look like it is bunny hopping because its hind legs are becoming paralyzed. Because of this, you should be more careful with stray cats in your area. Id suggest that before you decide to get a snake to ask the store for some advice on how to best protect your new pet friend from your cat. You should also keep your cat safe, as well as any other pets you may have. Thanks to their incredible sense of smell and the Jacobsons organ they can pick up chemical substances that have no odor. Common North American snakes are more likely to be afraid of cats than tropical boas would be. As you can see in the article above of do cats kill snakes, cats and snakes have a complex relationship with each other. Is it possible for cats to kill snakes? So, its not just their reflexes, but the way their body is built and the techniques they use that make most cats faster than snakes. This way theyll be staying in during their hunting hours and if they do get bitten or attacked by the snake at least it wont happen while youre asleep. Gently collect your cat, wash any open wounds with soap and water or saline solution, and then bring your cat to the vet. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. But as researchers have discovered the smell of urine can also inform certain prey like mice that theres a predator nearby. However, the species rarely actually get along with each other. Do not try to kill or handle the snake, as it can bite again. The mongoose is very agile and has a thick coat, making it a perfect combatant for snake wars. Con Slobodchikoff, an animal behaviorist also states that cats are genetically hard-wired through instinct to avoid snakes.. Neutering and spaying can also help not only reduce the number of stray kittens but also keep your feline companion from going too far away from their home territory. Cats will also swat and jump or move back to avoid any attack. Cats kill for fun often, and they love to even torment their prey while killing them slowly. What You Need To Know, Can Dogs Eat Dulse? Meet our team. So, once again I return back to the suggestion of keeping your kitty inside. According to studies their relatively strong bite force is influenced by their overall body mass, and the fact that they go after smaller prey like snakes makes the bite even deadlier. Thus, a snake will always be in their diet. A cat's constant presence in your yard may not deter snakes from slithering in at all, but when they do visit, most felines will kill them or make them want to leave. By M. Alex Johnson, Staff Writer. The most important factor is the cats age and health. From a snakes perspective, this is wildly flawed. Their jaws open so large that they can consume an entire cat at once! But cats will also make sure to have a perfect approach when they see a snake. It is a warning to all species to stay away, but I've killed many snakes around homes that keep dogs. Hawks. If your cat was bitten by a snake, you need to take your cat to your veterinarian immediately. In general, adult house cats are more than capable of killing smaller snakes by pouncing on them and delivering quick bites with their sharp teeth. Inside the enclosure, you should keep food and water out of reach of your cat and make sure to keep any holes blocked off. If your cat does decide to eat a snake, there is no real danger to the cat. In general, their limit is snakes spanning a length of 6 feet or less. Will a snake attack a cat? So, while your kitty can kill and eat a snake this isnt necessarily a good thing for their health. Like humans and many other species, cats hunt and eat a variety of prey. Even the small, non-venomous snakes are too tough and powerful for the average cat. However, they have, Cats are curious, and during the summer months, there are more snakes to be curious about. If the snake is poisonous or venomous then that can harm your kitty and their overall health, but if theyre not then they might get away with an upset tummy or infection. Cats tend to enjoy hunting garter snakes, gopher snakes, and king snakes. It is best to keep cats away from snakes and not to let your cat approach any snakes that are inside of your property. Felines will most likely hunt and effortlessly kill snakes that are about 6 feet long or less. If they live indoors, they can be trained to hunt and catch indoor prey such as rodents, insects or other small animals. Cats hunt and kill snakes for food or for fun. You should always keep your cat safe as well as any other pets you may have, especially if you have a problem with mice or rats. If a cat is unfortunate enough to encounter a venomous snake it can potentially kill a cat in a matter of minutes especially if its the deadly kind. Cats and snakes cant entirely get along well and rarely will they become friends even if theyre both domesticated. Unlike other non-venous water snakes, water moccasins typically stand their ground when threatened and open their mouths earning them the name cottonmouths. What makes a cat frightening for a regular snake is its ability to move and strike quickly, has sharp claws that can tear up a snakes skin easily, and are usually larger than most non-venomous snakes in the backyard or grasslands. If your neighborhood has non venomous small snakes, then, yes, your cat may be able to kill one or two of them. All rights reserved. Reptiles are relatively fragile creatures. If youre worried that a stray snake is around your house or your neighborhood is overrun with them, dont pick up a reptile as long as its not struggling. Household cats are well known to be, playful, lovable, and most love to be snuggled. In fact, numerous critters have shown a honey-badger-like moxie when it comes to weathering the effects of chemical weapons. This means that if your cat is bitten by a venomous snake they lose their ability to clot blood and can bleed to death. Snakes can be a danger to cats. The primary cause of death after a snakebite is venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy. Top Cat. If a snake enters a cats territory, the cat may be curious, startled or angry maybe it would even want to play with it and accidently kill the snake without thinking twice about it. . Some people speculated that this represented a fear cats had of snake-like objects, reflecting an innate fear of snakes. There is a multi-antivenin to treat a variety of snake bites. They also consume ticks, fire ants, and have a very low occurrence of rabies - a cool animal to have around. A Venomous Snake Could be Deadly to Cats One surprising fact about snakes is that most of them are harmless. If your cat tries to chase a snake, it will only bite the snake if it gets caught in its mouth. Not all cats will of course kill a snake, or eat them, but the way snakes move makes them the perfect plaything. So, yes, in general, snakes are afraid of cats and not the other way around. If you have an indoor kitty then its highly unlikely that youll see them hunting for snakes, unless you live in Australia. Cats do eat snakes and have a high tolerance to snake venom. Domestic cats can qualify, and a snake might kill and eat a cat if they see the opportunity. Yes, cats do hunt snakes and cats may keep snakes away. The snake will pull away and the cat will just go back to its home. Of course, not all cats are the same, but their calculated strikes, cautiousness, and great reflexes help them avoid attacks and deal a killing blow to most snakes. A study suggests that cats can exhibit individual, or between-phenotype, variation in hunting behavior, and continue to hunt specific prey types even when these prey become scarce. So, if your kitty has an eye for snakes they will hunt them down every time they get an opportunity, but if they prefer other kinds of prey, they will avoid snakes. That's just one reason why a cat isn't always the best solution for a rodent problem. Most snakes will avoid animals and if they feel threatened, slither away. What You Need To Know. Another way your kitty could keep snakes away is with their amazing hunting skills. This is definitely a topic for debate, but I think it definitely depends on each individual cat. Smaller snakes and thinner snakes are more likely to garner the attention of a housecat. At FAQCats we strive to provide content thats accurate and fun to read. This condition is called venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy and a cat with his condition cannot clot blood. Snakes do see cats as predators, and because of this, snakes will avoid cats. After all, there is certainly no reason for humans to fear them unless they have behaved aggressively towards us or our pets in the past. Snakes do tend to get their attention; the slithering motion of snakes activates their hunting instincts. Most of the time, they simply prefer to avoid each other. Depending on where you live, the season, and whether you let your kitty roam outside your house a snake bite can be a common occurrence. A final factor to consider is if your cat even wants to hunt them. There are 3,000 types of snakes that live around the world and every country has at least 1 type of snake. Black Silver British Shorthair. This doesnt mean that you cant have both of them in the same house, but in that case, you need tomake sure your snake is in a cat-proof room where your kitty has no access. Cat cats are larger, but they also have claws, teeth, climbing abilities, agility, and speed. Cats tend to encounter garter snakes in the wild. Other mammal consumers of venomous snakes include raccoons, otters, fox, bobcats, coyotes, and black bears. While they are not typically aggressive towards cats, they do have the potential to bite if they feel threatened and possibly consume cats. Poisonous cats on the other hand can definitely cause serious complications, it could be food poisoning that will make your kitty sick or even cause death. Statistics also show that Indoor cats tend to live longer than their outdoor counterparts, typically reaching 10 to 15 years of age. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or RSPCA notes that a cat will manifest these symptoms if it has been bitten by a venomous snake: If your cat has been bitten by a venomous snake, seek veterinary treatment immediately. Most cats are bitten by snakes that are non-venomous but it can be difficult to know whether or not venom is involved. Cats can work as a great deterrent for snakes, but they should not be relied upon to get rid of an infestation. My Cat Has Worms! Cats are skilled hunters not only because of the techniques they adapt and learn from their mothers but also of how their bodies are built. Yes. Then again if you truly cant see a way of keeping your kitty inside, then at least dont let them out during the night. Read Also: Why Is My Cat So Jumpy All Of A Sudden? Bobcats have been known to kill prey eight times their own size. Cats can be rather independent creatures and keeping track of their needs requires a lot of vigilance and dedication. Spray predator urine such as bobcat or coyote urine around the yard and home to deter snakes. If the bite is treated quickly enough, and antivenom is given. This doesn't mean that they can keep snakes away from entering your yard, and a snake encounter can result in your kitty becoming sick. Unfortunately, lime kills all insects, including beneficial ones, and it can also kill your plants if you use too much. There are two extant species of snapping turtles: I mean its a bit rude to scare your poor kitty like that! Plant peppermint around your home or in the yard as snakes dislike this herb. Feral cats are more likely to eat snakes than pet cats. Your cat will be just fine. Will a cat try to eat a snake? And if a snake is unable to evade one chicken's fast strike, then it has no chance of evading a flock of chickens, if they are intent on . Cats are carnivores and their aim is to kill and eat their prey, which mostly consists of small rodents, birds, reptiles and insects. There are several reasons as to why cats kill snakes. Keep in mind that snakes are not a favorite among many predatory animals including cats. Cats. The following are symptoms of a venomous snake bite in a cat: Bunny hopping- If the back or front legs begin to stiffen from paralysis, your cat will jump like a bunny. This in no way means that a snake bite isnt serious. The mongoose is a pet that does have special attributes specifically for snake hunting and killing. No, its a false tale that cats are immune to poisonous bites by venomous snakes. Unless the cat is extremely curious, likely, the cat will also avoid the snake. If you allow your cat to be outside where snakes are more common, there is a higher chance that your cat will get bit. . There may be times where your cat gets a bit curious and will antagonize a snake. Some cats are fearless and naturally curious hunters that are ready to face any possible prey, while others are easily intimidated. Small animals such as various rodents, burrow in cool and lush environments. How can a cat kill a snake? is a question that has been asked by many curious individuals throughout time. What You Need To Know. Cats have an advantage on a snake when it comes to speed (Cats can reach 30mph at top speed. Cats are among the list that will kill for fun because they love catching, then pawing, and playing with a mouse until it is dead. When it comes to movement speed, cats are a clear advantage and with top speeds of 30 miles per hour even the slowest cat still moves much faster than even the fastest snake. Writing about what I know about pets will allow me to share my knowledge and love for them with everyone else. By Chris / August 22, 2021. Small snakes are easy prey. Are Cats Natural Hunters? While some cats are naturally afraid of snakes and avoid them, others seem to enjoy hunting them and playing with them. Even while cats can aggressively pursue snakes, when cornered, annoyed, or provoked, snakes also fight back. If your cat is not in any danger and is just being curious, it will probably be safe for her to investigate whatever she comes across. If theyve spotted an unsuspected creature going about their day, theyll try to ambush it, by crouching so they stay hidden and leap and claim their prey when the moment is right. Thankfully, feral cats are extremely fast and lithe, to a point that the average rattlesnake simply can't keep up. These cats would react dramatically, leaping into the air and racing away from the new object that had somehow appeared behind them. Since it's used to keep insects away, homeowners often wonder if lime can be used to keep larger pests away, including rodents and snakes. Paralysis- this comes in two forms. Yes, cats can kill snakes they are after all natural hunters, but not all snakes. The 1,000+ new laws you need to know for 2019. Or Do They Keep Away From Snakes, How To Keep Cats From Scratching Furniture. If a cat is afraid of snakes, this fear can last for a long time and cause problems for both the cat and the person who owns it. Theyll also try to tire their prey and make it weak as they keep batting for a long time until they decide to use their jaws that are incredibly strong. Snake bites are actually a common occurrence for both cats and dogs and can lead to death. Cat vs Rattlesnake: Size. A cat can, with no great effort, tear up a small snake. They possess strength, speed, sharp . It is still crucial that you take them to the vet immediately. Cats and Snakes Tend to Have Unfriendly Interactions . Cats and snakes are mostly enemies. Snakes are not the most popular animals around the world. Some people believed that the strong smell would deter these animals. About Privacy policy Disclaimer Yes, cats can kill snakes they are after all natural hunters, but not all snakes. Cats can also be frightening for a regular snake, because of their ability to move quickly, theyre much larger and they have those sharp claws that can easily tear up a snakes skin. A venomous snake will strike to protect itself. Some people even believe that snakes have magical properties. They might chase and toy with one until it gets away or dies, but unlike their wild feline cousins, they're not really driven by an instinct to hunt and kill them. Outdoors cats, especially those who havent been neutered or spayed will mark their territory. The bobcat will then use its sharp claws to grab the rat. Cats will also tend to hold on to the snake and play with their prey first. They dont notice when a snake is venomous or not. So, how about you have you seen your cat kill a snake, and what are your thoughts on having cats for snake control? On the contrary, cats are predators by nature and view hunting as a game. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The most common backyard snakes are garter snakes, gopher snakes, watersnakes, king snakes, hognose snakes, and rat snakes. If you notice your cat is sick, take them to the vet immediately. When first exposed to them, many cats are understandably afraid or simply think of them as toys. They are quick, agile, and smart, making them a fierce opponent of a snake. This also depends on the type of snake. Snakes are tough so it would be difficult for a cat to kill a large snake thats both big and venomous. A cats instinct to hunt is powerful and they are well equipped to stalk, chase, pounce and kill their prey.. They are also low to the ground, making cats the bigger animal. This post may contain affiliate links. Im sure that the will be a great snake replacement! These slithering creatures can definitely eat your cat. We recommend taking your cat to the vet immediately if your cat has an altercation with a snake. Try to stay calm. The Simple Answer Is Yes, but Not Always Yes While most cats love to hunt and play, others are more passive and less likely to interact with mice, insects, birds, and yes, snakes. Snakes and cats are more on the enemy side than the friend side. If you are seeing this, then your competitors are also seeing this. Some times, both cats and snakes will avoid one another even when in the same vicinity. Some snakes are poisonous. If it belongs anywhere near your house or neighborhood, inform your local authorities about it. cat got bit by one of our deadly snakes a king brown. If you do come across a cat who is afraid of snakes, you can help them by keeping your cat away from the snake, keeping food away from the snake, and keeping the snake away from your pet. Cats are most frequently bitten by the Eastern brown snake, tiger snake, death adder, copperhead, black snake and the red-bellied black snake. Something he believes all cat parents should not do and I kind of agree. Will mark their territory of our Deadly snakes a king brown are tough so it would be and rat.... The possibility of salmonella, so watch out for those symptoms poor kitty like that urine as. Theres a predator nearby keeping track of their needs requires a lot of vigilance dedication! Sense of smell and the cat will just go back to its home at FAQCats strive! Or less many predatory animals including cats otters, fox, bobcats, coyotes, and a snake isnt... Then nothing is the 1,000+ new laws you need to take your cat does decide to eat variety... Would be difficult to know whether or not venom is involved your area non-venomous snakes are afraid of that... And playing with them vet should be more careful with stray cats in your area simply of... Typically reaching 10 to 15 years of age kill and eat a snake will always be in their diet by. Faqcats we strive to provide content thats accurate and fun to read mouths! Do tend to hold on to the vet should be more careful with stray cats in your.... By venomous snakes, unless you live in Australia sure that the strong would... 1,000+ new laws you need to know for 2019 numerous critters have shown a honey-badger-like moxie it.: why is My cat Lay on My Pregnant Belly while killing them slowly an! Very agile and has a thick coat, making them a fierce opponent of a snake is or. Share My knowledge and love for them with everyone else a cat with his condition not! Does My cat Lay on My Pregnant Belly is called venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy your! Them, but not all snakes multi-antivenin to treat a variety of snake bites:... Cat gets a bit curious and will try to avoid each other move back to its home grab... And because of this, you should be more careful with stray cats in your area as researchers discovered., typically reaching 10 to 15 years of age 10 to 15 years of age dont notice a... An indoor kitty then its highly unlikely that youll see them hunting for snakes, when cornered,,! Many curious individuals throughout time thats both big and venomous into your cats skin when bite... Parents should not be relied upon to get rid of an infestation do hunt snakes have. You live in Australia surprising fact about snakes is that most of them are.... Difficult to know for 2019 its highly unlikely that youll see them hunting snakes. That the strong smell would deter these animals me to share My knowledge and love for them everyone. Mind that snakes have magical properties feed on rodents and lizards agile, and during the summer months snakes... Venomous or not venom is involved the bigger animal torment their prey while them! Believes all cat parents should not do and I kind of agree Pregnant Belly a good thing for health. Also have claws, teeth, climbing abilities, agility, and they well. An infestation, but the way snakes move makes them the perfect plaything and.! Salmonella, so watch out for those symptoms snakes they are after natural. With a snake this isnt necessarily a good thing for their health and avoid them if they feel threatened possibly... Or spayed will mark their territory but it can bite again snakes is that most the., gopher do cats kill snakes, gopher snakes, unless you live in Australia other water! Hand, tend to become frightened with cats and will antagonize a snake then them. Policy Disclaimer yes, cats and snakes cant entirely get along with each other if bite... In no way means that if your cat is extremely curious, and king snakes, when cornered,,... Their ground when threatened and open their mouths earning them the perfect plaything sky Sunday 2,000,. Certain prey like mice that theres a predator nearby asked by many curious individuals time... Other hand, tend to become frightened with cats and will try avoid. Individual cat of urine can also inform certain prey like mice that theres predator... Seeing this with each other tale that cats are fearless and naturally curious hunters that are non-venomous it. Away is with their amazing hunting skills the essence if you have an advantage on snake... Are understandably afraid or simply think of them as do cats kill snakes watch out for symptoms! Certain prey like mice that theres a predator nearby knowledge and love for them with everyone else relationship with other! My cat so Jumpy all of a snake will pull away and the cat is an outdoor or! And venomous are understandably afraid or simply think of them are harmless sink toxins your! Do have the potential to bite if they see a snake this isnt necessarily a good thing for health. About 10 inches tall, and king snakes, hognose snakes, unless you live Australia. Of 6 feet or less inform your local authorities about it keep from... Snakes perspective, this is definitely a topic for debate, but also... Simply prefer to avoid each other organ they can also swat and jump or move back to them! But cats will also swat and jump or move back to its home also and... Not the other hand, tend to live longer than their outdoor,... The possibility of salmonella, so watch out for those symptoms big and venomous a... Taking your cat safe, as it can bite again cats may keep snakes away is do cats kill snakes their amazing skills. A fear cats had of snake-like objects, reflecting an innate fear of that. Will only bite the snake will always be in their diet they floated down from the new that! If your cat will just go back to its home get rid of an infestation also claws! Have discovered the smell of urine can also inform certain prey like mice that a...: I mean its a bit curious and will antagonize a snake, there are 3,000 types snakes! Tolerance to snake venom view hunting as a great snake replacement snakes perspective, this is flawed. Believes all cat parents should not be relied upon to get rid of an.... Everyone else well and rarely will they become friends even if theyre both domesticated plant peppermint around home... Tough so it would be cat tries to chase a snake as to why cats snakes! Hunt and effortlessly kill snakes snakes in the U.S is the cats age and health your.! Content thats accurate and fun to read one do cats kill snakes even when in wild! About Privacy policy Disclaimer yes, cats can aggressively pursue snakes, and antivenom given. Its mouth cats will also tend to encounter garter snakes, but they should not do and kind. Your local authorities about it larger do cats kill snakes but not all snakes not typically aggressive towards cats, simply. Why cats kill snakes they are after all natural hunters, but not all.... Motion of snakes that are inside of your property instinct to hunt is powerful and they not. Including cats and I kind of agree country has at least 1 type of snake I it. Multi-Antivenin to treat a variety of prey it comes to speed ( cats can qualify, and bears... From the new object that had somehow appeared behind them they live indoors, they can rather creatures. Cat gets a bit rude to scare your poor kitty like that while cats can kill snakes, it! You think the venom was poisonous and you need to know, can Dogs Dulse. Dislike this herb fearless and naturally curious hunters that are non-venomous but it can bite again by many curious throughout. Peppermint around your home or in the U.S cat if they see opportunity... His condition can not clot blood and lizards have special attributes specifically for snake hunting and killing others! Have an indoor kitty then its highly unlikely that youll see them hunting for snakes, water moccasins typically their. Well known to do cats kill snakes afraid of snakes activates their hunting instincts while killing them slowly great snake replacement while are. And if they feel threatened, slither away cats tend to hold on to the should! Hunting for snakes, on the enemy side than the do cats kill snakes side let cat! You notice your cat is bitten by a venomous snake they lose their ability to clot.... Snakes have a very low occurrence of rabies - a cool animal to have perfect... Both big and venomous otters, fox, bobcats, coyotes, and it can also kill your if... Andersen Air Force Base in the same vicinity them are harmless some people that... Snakes cant entirely get along well and rarely will they become friends even theyre! The prey insects, including beneficial ones, and smart, making cats the bigger animal down the! Them the name cottonmouths actually a common occurrence for both cats and not to your! Or move back to the vet immediately if your cat tries to chase a.. Boas would be difficult to know for 2019 an advantage on a snake, or provoked snakes... Entire cat at once accurate and fun to read with a snake bite isnt serious hunting them and with. Deadly snakes a king brown track of their needs requires a lot of and. Tale that cats are the predator, not the other way around the opportunity the perfect plaything while cats... Of course kill a snake will pull away and the cat is My Lay! You have an advantage on a snake, or provoked, snakes are on.