Cats love to hunt and play with insects. If your cat goes outside, there's a good chance she'll run into a bee at some point. Like humans, cats can be allergic to bees and are likely to have a dangerous reaction when stung. If your cat is stung by a bee, you should immediately evaluate its condition, administer first aid, and provide appropriate treatment.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Evaluating the Cat's Condition
Step 1. Check for signs of a severe reaction
If you know or suspect that your cat has been stung by a bee, seek immediate medical attention to see if she has had a reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Take your cat to the vet or to a vet clinic immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Fast breathing or shortness of breath
- Swollen face
- Pale gums or mucous membranes
- Vomiting (especially within 5-10 minutes after being stung) or diarrhea
- Weak or fast heartbeat
- Faint
Step 2. Identify what kind of insect stung the cat
Bee stings are slightly different from wasp or hornet stings, and you'll need to treat them differently, depending on the type of insect that stung them. If you see an insect that stings a cat, but don't recognize the type, identify it with a visual aid like this:
- Wasps don't usually leave stingers, but bees generally do. If your cat is stung by a bee, find and dispose of the stinger left behind.
- Bee venom is acidic, while wasp venom is alkaline. It's best not to give stinging agents with substances that are alkaline (such as baking soda) or acids (such as vinegar), unless you are absolutely certain that the type of insect has stung the cat.
Step 3. Determine where the cat was stung
Look for signs of swelling, redness, or tenderness. If your cat has been stung in the mouth or neck, or if you suspect that your cat has been stung multiple times, take your cat to the vet immediately.
Part 2 of 3: Performing First Aid
Step 1. Remove the stinger if it is still attached to the cat
If your cat is stung by a bee (not a wasp), the stinger is most likely still attached to the cat's skin. The bee stinger may continue to inject venom into the skin for several minutes after the bee has inserted the stinger. Remove the stinger as soon as possible.
- This stinger looks like a small black flake.
- Carefully remove the stinger with a fingernail, butter knife, or the tip of a credit card.
- Do not remove the stinger with tweezers or pinch it with your fingers, as you run the risk of squeezing more venom into the wound.
Step 2. Apply a cold compress to the stung area
Cold compresses can relieve inflammation and reduce swelling. Wrap ice or a bag of ice in a towel handkerchief and apply it to the sting area for about 5 minutes. Leave the area without ice for the next 5 minutes, then press again for another 5 minutes. Do this for the first hour or so after the cat has been stung.
Step 3. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the stinging area
Mix three parts baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and one part water. Apply this mixture to the stung every two hours until the swelling goes away.
- Don't treat a sting with baking soda unless you're sure that your cat was stung by a bee (not a wasp). For wasp stings, apply apple cider vinegar to the stung area.
- If you're not sure what insect stung your cat, don't apply any paste or liquid to the sting until you take it to the vet. Incorrect treatment can result in more severe irritation.
- Do not let the baking soda or vinegar get in your cat's eyes.
Part 3 of 3: Doing Aftercare
Step 1. Keep a close eye on the cat's condition
If the swelling enlarges or spreads within a few hours of being stung, call your veterinarian. Watch for signs of infection such as redness, pus, or additional swelling around the sting site over the next few days.
Step 2. Ask your doctor about using Benadryl (an allergy medication) for cats
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can help reduce inflammation, itching, and pain. Talk to your vet about the right dose for your cat.
Do not give drugs that contain ingredients other than Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to cats, because other types of drugs intended for humans can be dangerous or even fatal for cats
Step 3. Treat the stung spot with pure aloe gel
Make sure the gel does not contain other ingredients such as alcohol or lotion. Just use a little. Do not let the aloe come in contact with the cat's eyes.
Another option is to apply a thin layer of Triple Antibiotic Ointment to the stung area
Warning
- Do not give your cat painkillers for humans such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol or Paracetamol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). These drugs can be dangerous or even fatal for cats. Talk to your vet if you're concerned that your cat is in pain.
- Do not apply essential oils (essential oils) to the stung. Essential oils can be harmful to cats, especially if they are ingested while they are licking their bodies.
Tips
- Clean the yard, call someone who can help repel bees or wasps if there are many nests in your area.
- If there are many types of bees or other stinging insects around your yard, consult your veterinarian for a preventive dose of Benadryl before you release your cat outside. Repeated stings in a short period of time will increase the risk of a dangerous reaction.
