🐱 Bugs & critters · vet-sourced verdicts
Is it bad when cats eat bugs?
Chasing and snacking on bugs is classic behavior — and mostly harmless protein. A few critters bite back, and one risk is worth knowing by name: lungworm, carried by snails and slugs. Every common critter, sorted by risk.
✅ Safe in moderation (2)
🪰FliesChasing and eating flies is natural, low-risk fun for cats. The bug itself won’t hurt them.Yes🦗CricketsCrickets are safe for cats to catch and eat. Hard shells might cause a little stomach upset if they eat a lot.Yes
⚠️ Caution — limits apply (8)
🪳CockroachesCats love to hunt roaches. The bug itself is low-risk, but parasites and bug spray are the concern, and hard shells can irritate the gut.In moderation🐜AntsOrdinary ants are harmless if licked up, but fire-ant stings hurt and any ant bait nearby is toxic. Keep baits out of reach.In moderation🕷️SpidersCats often hunt spiders. Common ones are harmless, but a venomous-spider bite needs a vet right away.In moderation🐝Bees & waspsCats often swat at bees and wasps. A sting hurts and can swell; watch for facial swelling or trouble breathing, which need a vet fast.In moderation🪱Worms (earthworms)Earthworms are low-risk if eaten, but they can carry parasites. Watch for tummy upset and ask your vet about deworming.In moderation🐌SnailsSnails are low-risk for cats but can carry parasites. If your cat hunts them often, mention it to your vet.In moderation🐌SlugsSlugs aren’t toxic to cats, but the slime can cause drooling and stomach upset, and they may carry parasites.In moderation🐞LadybugsAsian lady beetles can irritate or burn a cat’s mouth and lodge against the roof of the mouth. Check your cat’s mouth if you see drooling.In moderation
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By the CanMyPet Editorial Team · Verdicts reviewed against ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pet Poison Helpline · How we review →
CanMyPet provides general information reviewed against trusted sources (ASPCA, AKC, Pet Poison Helpline). It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian.