Bee & Wasp Stings

Cats are natural hunters, and a slow, buzzing bee or wasp is an irresistible target — which is exactly why stings tend to land on the batting paw or the inquisitive face and mouth. In most cases the result is a straightforward local reaction: a sharp yelp or sudden pawing, followed by a firm, hot, painful swelling at the site that settles over a day or two. A bee leaves its barbed sting behind, and scraping it out sideways with a fingernail or the edge of a card removes it without squeezing more venom in; a cool compress then helps with the pain and swelling. Two situations turn a nuisance into an emergency. The first is a sting inside the mouth or throat, common when a cat actually catches the insect, because swelling there can quickly block the airway. The second is a genuine allergic reaction, which may bring hives, dramatic facial swelling, vomiting, weakness, collapse or laboured breathing within minutes. Both demand immediate veterinary attention. Owners should never reach for human antihistamines or painkillers on their own, as doses and even whole drug classes safe for people can poison a cat. Prevention comes down to reducing tempting encounters — screening windows, dealing with wasps safely, and supervising garden time in late summer when stinging insects are at their peak.