• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered by Rover.com

Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Breeds
    • Golden Retriever
    • Australian Shepherd
    • German Shepherd
    • Pomeranian
    • Shih Tzu
    • Border Collie
    • Labrador Retriever
    • Boxer
    • Beagle
    • Dachshund
    • Chihuahua
    • Poodle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Dog Love
    • Cute
    • Funny
    • Heartwarming
    • Quizzes
    • Trending
    • True Stories
  • Dog Names
    • Best Girl Dog Names
    • Top Boy Dog Names
    • Unique Dog Names
    • Cute Dog Names
    • Best Puppy Names
    • Dog Name Generator
    • Tough Dog Names
    • Food Dog Names
    • Romantic Dog Names
    • Literary Dog Names
    • Country Dog Names
  • Dog Videos
  • Life with Dogs
    • Dog Safety
    • Dog Behavior
    • Dog Psychology
    • Dog Nutrition
    • Dog Training
    • Health and Wellness
    • Recipes
    • Can My Dog Eat…?
  • PuppyHQ
    • Dog Adoption
    • Puppy Essentials
    • Puppy Names
    • Puppy Training
  • Shopping
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • All Dog Product Guides
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Safety and Training
    • Toys and Chews
  • Cats!
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
    • Cat Psychology
  • Dog Training
  • Get Rover
    • Dog Boarding
    • Pet Sitting
    • Dog Walking
    • Doggy Day Care
    • House Sitting
    • Search Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-CA
    • en-GB
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

My Cat Was Stung By A Bee, What Should I Do?

Share0Pin It0
The cat is watching the flight of the bumblebee. Cat large, red and fluffy. Conceptually - animals outdoor recreation. Cat hunts for insects. Insect bites and allergies in animals
iStock/kozorog

My Cat Was Stung By A Bee, What Should I Do?

Updated October 24, 2022 | Caring for Your Cat
By Nia Martin

Share0Tweet0Pin It0

Table of Contents

  1. Signs That My Cat Was Stung By A Bee
  2. What To Do If My Cat Gets Stung By A Bee
  3. Is My Cat Allergic To Bee Stings?
  4. How Can I Prevent My Cat From Getting Stung By A Bee?
  5. When To See A Vet
  6. Takeaway
  7. Further Reading
  • Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Insect stings come with the territory of parenting a cat—especially an outdoor cat—including bee stings. But not so fast, indoor cat parents! Inside kitties can also suffer a bee sting if they like to spend time on a patio or catio. But what should you do if your cat’s stung by a bee?

First, it’s important to understand why bees sting in the first place. The most common reason bees sting is defense. Unfortunately, our adorable cats love to go after these fast-moving, small creatures—and sometimes get stung for their actions.

Where should you start if your cat is stung? “First, inspect the area for a stinger,” says Dr. Shannon Barrett, Charleston-based house-call veterinarian and owner of Downward Paws, and try to remove the stinger, if possible. (We’ve more tips on that below). “However, if you are seeing any signs of weakness or anaphylaxis, don’t waste time looking for a stinger. Instead, get your cat to the veterinary clinic.”

With the help of Dr. Barrett, we look further into the signs and risks of bee stings, plus what to do.

Gray adult cat lies on the floor and licks the paws

iStock/FaST_9

Signs That My Cat Was Stung By A Bee

For a non-allergic reaction bee sting, some common symptoms may occur. Dr. Barrett notes that you’ll likely observe your cat licking the site of the injury, perhaps even excessively grooming the area, as a response to the pain and itch of the sting. “Swelling and discomfort at the site of the sting will likely follow,” says Dr. Barrett. “Cats may also meow and cry; we will sometimes see them drool.”

A bee sting may last up to 24 hours before beginning to subside. It’s important to monitor your cat over that time as signs of an allergic reaction (more on that in a minute) can appear between ten minutes, or even up to a few hours, after the sting.

According to Dr. Barrett, the most common areas of the body you’ll find bee stings are on the paws and mouth. Though bee stings aren’t poisonous, they can still be life threatening due to an allergic reaction. “Younger cats are more likely to be stung compared to their older counterparts,” says Dr. Barrett. “Bees seem like a fun toy to a young cat, and batting them around with their paws is hard to resist.”

What To Do If My Cat Gets Stung By A Bee

First things first, if your cat gets stung by a bee, it’s helpful to try and remove the stinger. “This is recommended because, if the venom sac is still attached to the stinger, the venom can continue to flow into the cat,” says Dr. Barrett. “Although this only usually occurs for less than a minute, that is still several seconds of bee venom injected into the skin. This may be avoided if the stinger is removed promptly.” She also emphasizes that removing the stinger does not release more venom via squeezing the venom sac—this school of thought has been debunked.

Dr. Barrett shares the following tips and steps for removing the stinger:

  • Use tweezers to remove the stinger
  • You can also use something stiff, like a credit card, to scrape the stinger out
  • Make a baking soda and water paste to neutralize the venom’s acidity
  • Apply a pet-safe cold compress to help reduce swelling
  • Consult your vet before giving your cat any medications
“Cats are such fastidious groomers that it is not uncommon for them to remove the stinger themselves,” says Dr. Barrett. “Therefore, owners should not be concerned if they do not find the bee stinger.” If you’re having trouble locating stinger and you’re worried, give your vet a call.

Additionally, Dr. Barrett says it’s important to try and prevent your cat from licking the site of the sting—which may require the use of an e-collar for 12-24 hours. Be sure to keep outdoor cats recovering from a sting inside for at least 24 hours in case of allergic reaction. “If they do not eat or drink, contact your veterinarian,” says Dr. Barrett.

Beautiful view of autumn colorful trees through window. Cute cat sitting on windowsill

iStock/taniche

Is My Cat Allergic To Bee Stings?

As mentioned, it’s important to keep a close eye on your cat in case of an allergic reaction. Though rare, an allergy to bees can cause life-threatening complications if your cat is stung. If your cat exhibits any of the following symptoms, get to a vet immediately:

  • Hives
  • Excessive swelling
  • Pale gums
  • Lethargy
  • Change in pulse
  • Trouble breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Collapse
beautiful cat of the Neva Masquerade breed sits on a lawn in the garden

iStock/elenaleonova

How Can I Prevent My Cat From Getting Stung By A Bee?

Sometimes the most obvious answer is, well, the answer. Keeping your cat indoors is the most effective prevention when it comes to experiencing a bee sting.

However, that’s not realistic for every cat. If there’s a hive on your property, look into getting it professionally removed.

If a hive is not present, rethink your flower placement. “Try to keep plants that attract bees far away from areas where your cat likes to frequent,” advises Dr. Barrett.

When To See A Vet

As discussed, any of the above allergic reaction symptoms warrant an immediate trip to the vet. But a non-allergic reaction can likely be handled at home as long as the stinger has been removed and your cat does not exhibit any additional symptoms or experience a worsening of symptoms.

But another reason to take your cat to the vet for a bee sting is the number of stings. “The more stings, the more venom, and the more quickly you need to take your cat to the vet,” says Dr. Barrett who adds not to waste time in this scenario looking for the stinger or applying home treatments. Just get medical attention ASAP.

“If you are concerned, it is better to be on the safe side and have your feline friend evaluated by your vet, as allergic reactions can be fatal. Luckily, most bee stings cause temporary discomfort but do not require a trip to the vet,” says Dr. Barrett.

Takeaway

At best, a cat bee sting is an uncomfortable day in your cat’s life. At worst, it can be a life-threatening allergic reaction, or serious reaction if stung several times, that requires immediate veterinary care. Within the first 24 hours of the sting, be sure to try and get the stinger out, treat the area appropriately, keep your cat indoors, monitor your cat for an allergic reaction, and, when in doubt, call your vet with questions or concerns.

Unfortunately, it’s not just bees cat parents have to keep an eye on: ants and wasps are also common cat stingers, too. “Unlike bees, ants are capable of stinging multiple times, and they also bite cats before stinging them,” says Dr. Barrett, who also points out that wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets do not have barbed stingers, like bees do, and can sting cats multiple times without dying.

“Bees are also more active in spring and fall,” says Dr. Barrett, “so be more vigilant during these seasons.”

Further Reading

  • What to Do if Your Dog Is Stung by a Bee
  • 4 Common Allergies in Cats: How to Recognize the Signs and Provide Your Cat Relief
  • The Best Flea Treatments and Preventatives for Cats
Share0Tweet0Pin It0
Avatar photo

Nia Martin

Nia Martin grew up with cats, dogs, horses, and a goldfish that lived for eight years. Based in Seattle, her writing and photography have appeared in Seattle magazine, The Seattle Times, The Fold, Cascadia Magazine, and Bitterroot Magazine, among others. When not working, you can find her petting dogs and visiting her family's charismatic tabby, William of Orange.

Article Sources
Trust and integrity are foundational to our editorial process at Rover.com. Our editorial team prioritizes primary sources, including peer-reviewed studies and industry experts, to provide factual, accurate, and high-quality information to our readers.
  • Barrett, S. (2022, September). Personal Interview.
  • Fitzgerald KT, Flood AA. Hymenoptera stings. Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice. (2006, November). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17265905/
  • Gfeller, R, et al. Bee Stings and Insect Bites: First Aid. Veterinary Information Network. (2017, October). https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951345

sidebar

Avatar photo
By Nia Martin

Share This Article

Share0Tweet0Pin It0

Popular Posts

  • 3 Frozen Dog Treats You Can Make in Less Than an Hour [Recipe]
  • 5 Reasons Dogs Lick and Chew Their Paws — And How to Help
  • The ‘Catluminati’ Magically Makes Friends With Every Cat He Meets
  • Ice Licks Keep Your Dog Cool and Happy All Summer Long [Recipe]
  • What to Do if Your Dog Is Stung by a Bee
  • What You Need to Know to Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs
  • Two-Ingredient Watermelon Ice Cream Is an Easy Summer Treat for Your Dog [Recipe]
  • 4 Blended Summer Slushies to Share With Your Dog [Recipe]
  • Peggy the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Molly the Magpie Make the Cutest, Unlikely BFFs
  • Esther the Wonder Pig and Her Dog Brother Phil Are Besties for Life
Advertisement
Advertisement

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Download the App
  • Rover Store
  • Sitter Resources
  • In The Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy

Need Help?

  • Help Center
  • Join the Team
Your privacy choices
© 2023 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.
"Mmmm... cookies!"

While slightly less delicious than physical cookies, digital cookies help us enhance and personalize your ads and experience, analyze website traffic, and more.