Cats are known for being keen to try every questionable thing that the environment has to offer. If you are here, it’s probably because your feline friend tried one of nature’s delicatessens: ants. As a quick heads-up, Ants are not dangerous for your cat. In fact, cats can safely eat ants and benefit in the process because of their nutritional properties. So if you were asking: Can cats eat ants? the answer most of the times will be yes!
However, there are some important things to consider, as not all types of ants are safe for cats to eat, and you may have to take precautions if these roam your house.
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Why Does my Cat Eat Ants?
Maybe it’s hard to understand why your cat eats ants with your “hooman” brain. Not to worry though, as we are here to shed some light on the matter. Cats have a natural prey drive that can make them chase, catch, or/and eat whatever they come across, as it’s just their instinct. Insects as a whole, are not strange things for cats to be eating. Common household ants specifically can be a small yet good source of protein for your cat and add up to their nutritional intake overall, so an ant here and there won’t harm your cat. Actually, it will do quite the opposite.
What Happens If a Cat Eats Ants?
As black ants are not toxic for cats, you shouldn’t worry about your feline friend feasting on ants every now and then. If they are inside the house, you should even thank your cat for doing some pest control for you!
However, you should still try to control the ant population in your house if it grows too much. As with everything in life, balance is key. Constantly indulging in ants can make your cat suffer from gastrointestinal discomfort. Always consider your cat’s overall health before reaching any conclusions, as effects may vary.
Which Ants Are Safe for Cats and Which Aren’t?
We talked about mainly about black ants so far, but what about other types? Are they safe for cats to eat as well? Here is where some exceptions to the rule start to appear.
- Carpenter Ants: These ants have stronger jaws and can bite harder. However, this will still be a small bite for your cat and shouldn’t concern you too much.
- Fire Ants: These red ants are more common in the south of the U.S. They can be very dangerous. They are aggressive and can give some painful stings to your cat. You shouldn’t allow your cat anywhere near them. If a cat tries to eat one, the ant can sting their mouth or face, which can cause redness, pain, and swelling.
What Happens If a Cat Eats Red Ants?
A few red ants can sting your cat but apart from some discomfort and stress, he should be fine. However, if he played near or with a nest that can result in multiple stings, which may end up in anaphylactic shock. Needless to say, if you suspect this could be the case, you should take your cat to the vet immediately.
Bites from red ants can be very dangerous to your cat, and even a few should concern you. The reason behind this is that when red ants bite, they deliver a substance called an alkaloid, that can result in that blistering and stinging sensation that can also be seen in humans. For cats that could end up swallowing them, it can even happen from the inside of their body. A red ant bite can cause swelling, burn, and allergic reactions.
The Cat-Safe Way to Get Rid of Ants In Your House
The safest way to get rid of an ant infestation at home if you have cats is by using ultrasonic pest repellers. These products use no harmful chemicals nor affect your cat in any harmful way, making it the perfect solution. In a few weeks, you should see no ants roaming around. It is suggested that you keep on using them after the pest is controlled to avoid their return.
If you have been using any type of repellent and you suspect that your cat could have swallowed a poisoned ant, consider calling your vet ASAP or the ASPCA poison control hotline immediately.
RELATED: Can Cats Drink Coconut Water?
Keeping Your Cat’s food Ant-Free
Some ways you can do this are:
- Use diatomaceous earth. This Insect killer has proven to be harmless to cats for the most part. So in case your cat ends up licking it, they will be good. you should spread it around your cat’s food bowl.
- Keep your cat’s food bowl clean. Not just the bowl, but cleaning the floor around it where you usually find food crumbs can help you in the infestation elimination endeavor, as well as avoiding future ones.
- Move the food bowl location. This confuses the ants. If successful, they can end up not finding the new bowl’s location at all.
- Store the food properly. Use airtight/hermetic containers, as opened packages lying around can easily attract ants.
Conclusions
Your cat should be fine eating black ants in most cases! Infestations, however, are a different topic. Providing your cat with clean and safe food should be a priority for you, as well as keeping the more dangerous red ants away from home.
