Can cats eat cockroaches? Cockroaches are an annoyance. But, removing them with chemicals or trapping them by hand does not always work. So, it is best to bring a cockroach-hunting animal.
Cats are the most popular of all-natural choices and have been used for pest control by humans for centuries. Cats are mesopredators, so they will chase, attack, kill cockroaches and eat them. Being a cat owner, you probably wonder, can cats get sick from eating cockroaches? Can cats eat Cockroaches?
The simple answer is yes. Cats eat cockroaches to satisfy their hunting impulses. Well, eating one cockroach doesn’t harm your cat. But, numerous external factors might cause problems for your feline, like digestive disorders and ingestion of pesticides.
If you are keen to know, Can cats eat Cockroaches? Let’s start reading about cats’ fascination with cockroaches and what causes felines to eat them.
Why Do Cats Eat Cockroaches?
Can cats eat Cockroaches? Is it safe for them to eat? Cats are carnivores; most live in comfortable homes and don’t feel the need to hunt to stay alive. But, they still carry instincts to hunt and kill, inherited from their ancestors.
Cockroaches are larger than other insects. Cats can see them easily, something small and fast running across the floor. Also, because of their distinct hard-shelled texture, it is easy for cats to catch and destroy them.
As it is natural for cats when they catch and play with things, they will likely bat the cockroach around, sniff it, and bite or lick it. Cats might accidentally ingest cockroaches while exploring them with their taste buds.
Eating the cockroaches can also be very much on purpose. Sometimes cats consume things due to anemia or a disease called PICA.
If your cat is anemic and not getting something from its diet, she will try to eat unusual things like insects. If consuming because of PICA, they could be moved to eat nonfood items out of psychological compulsion.
Are Cockroaches Bad For Cats to Eat?
Can cats eat Cockroaches? They contain protein and Vitamin B12 and are naturally non-toxic. But, still not the best food for your kitty, and you shouldn’t encourage your feline to help you get rid of your cockroach problem.
Moreover, cockroaches have exoskeletons that cats don’t thoroughly chew; the pieces could become lodged in their throat and choke. These fragments can also irritate the cat’s digestive system, resulting in vomiting.
It’s quite possible that a large piece of shell could become lodged in the cat’s intestine, causing a bowel obstruction.
Besides, if a cat frequently eats cockroaches, it can be bad for their teeth which are not meant to chew on items of hard texture. Further, cockroaches are also carriers of bacteria and parasites that can be harmful.
Food for Cats: Did You Know?
Felines are not actually picky eaters as one might think. Therefore, we have looked at several different foods and tell you if it’s safe for your cat to eat or not. Like this one: Can Cats Eat Pepper?
Health Risks of Feeding Cockroaches to Cats
Can cats eat Cockroaches? If you allow your cat to eat cockroaches, these insects could have toxic properties, and they may have been exposed to pesticides. If your cat is also eating pesticides, they can make her ill and eventually be fatal. The health problems occurring in cats by consuming cockroaches are:
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea
· Difficulty walking
· Dizziness
· Lethargy
· Difficulty Breathing
· Weight loss
· Reduced Appetite
· Weakness
· Painful Abdomen, possibly with swellings
· Not comfortable when lying down
If My Cat Eats a Cockroach, What should I Do?
Cockroaches may be a good protein source. These nutrients, however, are not without danger. A cat having a few cockroaches, on the other hand, is not a reason for concern.
Unless you know your kitty has been poisoned, it should be able to consume 1-2 cockroaches without issue.
If your cat is eating a cockroach, you should have to keep an eye on them. Your cat might seem to be fine. But the thick exoskeleton, their natural protection, and potential pesticides could cause side effects.
If you observe coughing or vomiting in your pet, make sure to call your vet and tell him that your cat recently ate a cockroach.
Final Thoughts – Can cats eat cockroaches?
Can cats eat cockroaches? To sum up, cockroaches are not poisonous to cats on their own. However, that doesn’t mean you should enlist your kitty companion’s assistance in removing your cockroach issue.
Cats might be exposed to potential bites and diseases without creating many pest-control benefits. There is no real benefit to your cat eating a cockroach other than the fact that they are high in protein. It’s recommended to avoid it.
