My cat got a bee sting, paw swollen but acting fine. What to do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on

  In most cases of a bee sting, there will be a little swelling and tenderness where the animal was stung. This is a localized reaction to the sting. To stop the venom from spreading, try to remove the stinger as quickly as possible. Removal of the stinger should be done using a credit card to scrape it out. Do not try to squeeze the stinger out with your fingers or use tweezers because the venom sac may rupture, further exposing the pet to more venom. Some dogs and cats may be allergic to bee stings, and they can go into anaphylactic shock (and even die) if they don’t receive immediate veterinary attention. If Lily starts vomiting within five to 10 minutes and her gums become pale, that’s when you know they are going into anaphylactic shock, and you need to take her to a vet immediately. She will need to be treated with IV fluids to prevent shock and give steroids and Benadryl injections into the bloodstream immediately if she has an allergic reaction. Monitor her for signs of a reaction closely.

  

  26Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 25th, 2018

  Poor Yami! You can put an Ecollar on her to keep her from biting her paw, and I can put a link below on how to make one at home. Check to see if the stinger in still in her paw, and remove it if it is. You can apply a cold compress to her paw to see if that helps with the swelling. Unfortunately it's illegal for me to recommend any medications to reduce the swelling, which may be needed in this case. Because of this, I would have you either give your vet a call or take her into one now for treatment. They can advise you on medications. Best of luck. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ffR-LzyW1M

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 20th, 2020

  Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would suggest applying a cold compress on the paw. You should take a few ice cubes, wrap it up in a thin towel and apply on the paw for 10-15 minutes. The swelling should go down within 30-45 minutes and Noelle should be back to normal in 2-3 hrs time

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 23rd, 2019

  If your kitten was stung by a bee it could take up to 72 hours for the swelling to start resolving. If he is otherwise acting normal and still able to eat I would not be too concerned. But if the swelling travels to other parts of the face or the swelling makes it difficult for him to eat, you should take him to the vet to be examined. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful