My cat brought a tarantula. Why is she licking her mouth and shaking?

Question

My 9 month old cat Fay, brought me a small tarantula (no longer alive) in her mouth, I don't know if she found it that way or not. I quickly took it away and she is constantly licking her lips and mouth and shaking her head a little bit. What should I do? Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Female | spayed | 8 months and 10 days old | 6.5 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Good kitty, she brought you a present... BUT it is likely that the tarantula was very scared, of course and shot off her hair, which then lodged in your kitty's mouth and lips. This hairs are an irritant and this would be the reason for her to lick and shake her head. Tarantula hairs appear to cause no long term damage in most cases and the irritation will subside within a few days by itself. However you can also ask your vet to prescribe or recommend an antihistamine for your kitty which will help stop itching caused by the hair. This is a defense mechanism of the tarantula, and normally a predator trying to eat the tarantula would drop it right away saving its life. Your kitty is a tough one!

My cat brought a tarantula. Why is she licking her mouth and shaking?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

Why is my dog or cat shaking? When should I see a veterinarian?

My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?

My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?

My robo hamster is limp, bleeding, and collapsed. Is it wet tail?

Is my pet's occasional sneezing and eye crust a URI symptom?

Share