Rattlesnake Bites on Cats

Rattlesnake bites on cats are always considered an emergency, even if the cat has received a rattlesnake vaccination. While the bite is potentially lethal, cats can recover from rattlesnake bites if given proper first aid and treatment.

Symptoms

Most cats bitten by rattlesnakes have puncture wounds on one or both front paws and/or legs, and/or the head. The cat may be lethargic, and the site may be painful. Approximately 85 percent of the cats bitten by rattlesnakes incur clinically significant swelling and dangerously low blood pressure, according to PetMD. Symptoms can take up to 8 hours to appear.

First Aid

Keeping the cat calm and still will slow the venoms progression. In anticipation of swelling, take off the cats collar and/or other restrictive items. The cat should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible if a rattlesnake bite is suspected.

Just as with rattlesnake bites on humans, the old first-aid methods are no longer recommended for rattlesnake bites on cats: don't apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, attempt to suck out the venom or apply ice.

Treatment

Any rattlesnake bite, even to a cat that has received a rattlesnake vaccine, is an emergency. The less time between the bite and treatment is given, the better the prognosis. Veterinary treatment may include addressing life-threatening symptomssuch as low blood pressure and swelling, as well as administering antivenin, the antidote for rattlesnake bite, and/or antihistamines.

Diagnosis

If rattlesnake bite is suspected, the veterinarian may rule out other causes by considering the cats health history, recent activities and the onset of symptoms. The cat may require a complete blood profile as well as other tests.

Venom Toxicity

A rattlesnake striking out of fear is not likely to control the amount of venom released.

The rattlesnakes venom, with the exception of the Mojave rattlesnake, is hematoxic, meaning it poisons the blood. The Mojave rattlesnake is even more dangerous because its neurotoxic venom can quickly paralyze. Baby rattlesnakes also can inject lethal levels of neurotoxins.

Risk

Cats do not receive such warning of rattlesnake habitat, which may even be the yard.

An estimated 150,000 cats and dogs are bitten by snakes annually. A cat outdoors in rattlesnake habitat is at risk of being bitten by a rattlesnake, whether at a rural farm, city park or suburban backyard. Rattlesnake habitat is found in the 49 continental United States and requires hiding places and a food source, such as rodents.

Prevention

Cats are best protected from rattlesnakes by being kept indoors. Outdoor cats are safer inside cat kennels that are secured with 1/4-inch or less wire mesh that reaches beneath the ground at least 3 inches. An alternative is a rattlesnake-resistant fence that prevents the cat from exiting the yard.

Do not use caustic lye or other toxic substances to deter snakes. These are ineffective and may harm your cat. (ref 2).

Red Rock Biologies reports their rattlesnake vaccine may work better with rattlesnakes bites on cats than on dogs. The vaccine is not effective against the Mojave rattlesnakes venom. While the vaccine, as of July 12, 2010, had not been specifically licensed for usage with cats, some veterinarians do give the vaccine to cats. (ref 1 & 4)