- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Cats are curious, and their playful instincts can get them into trouble. Whether it’s chasing after a buzzing bee or giving it an innocent swat, bee stings can happen—especially if your cat spends time outdoors.
While a sting is understandably worrisome, most cat bee stings are mild, with some swelling and localized pain. With at-home first aid or basic veterinary treatment, cats tend to recover from stings quickly, says Dr. Shelby Baden, an emergency veterinarian at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in South Tampa, Florida. Long-term effects from a bee sting are unlikely.
Here you’ll find a step-by-step guide on when bee stings are an emergency, how to treat a cat bee sting, and how to protect your cat from future bee stings.
Signs Your Cat Was Stung By a Bee
Cats are notorious for hiding pain, but swelling and itchiness will be evident. The most common reaction your cat will have to a bee sting is to lick the area, perhaps aggressively, says Dr. Shannon Barrett, Charleston-based house-call veterinarian and owner of Downward Paws.
Licking is a reaction to the swelling—which may be hidden under fur—and the itchiness caused by the venom.
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Other signs your cat was stung by a bee include:
- Biting at their skin
- Limping
- Pawing the face
- Meowing
- Flicking out their paw
- Twitching skin
- Irritability
- Scratching
- Presence of a bee stinger
When a Sting Needs Vet Attention
According to Dr. Baden, severe allergic reactions to bee stings in cats aren’t common. However, if the sting occurs near areas with lots of blood vessels (like the ears) or around the airway (head, face, mouth, throat, neck, or chest), you’ll need to take your cat to a vet right away.
If following signs appear within 30-minutes of a bee sting, it may indicate an emergency:
- Facial swelling, particularly around the eyes, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooling excessively
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pale gums
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Collapsing
Just because your cat didn’t have a severe reaction the first—or even second—time they were stung by a bee doesn’t mean you should let your guard down, warns Dr. Baden. “A cat can develop a worse allergic reaction to a bee or wasp sting after having been stung before.”
How to Remove a Stinger from Your Cat
If your cat is stung, the first step is to monitor for signs of a severe allergic reaction. According to Dr. Baden, the majority of severe allergic reactions occur within the first 30 minutes of a bee sting.
If you don’t see the signs of a severe reaction, the next step is to remove the stinger. “It’s important to remove the stinger as soon as possible to prevent further venom from being injected and to reduce the risk of infection or prolonged swelling,” Dr. Baden explains.
1. Find the stinger
“The stinger is small and sharp, often looking like a tiny black dot or a sliver just under the skin’s surface,” Dr. Baden says. It might help to look for a small venom sac—a small protrusion near the base of the stinger—or to gently press at the site of the sting to feel for it.
Don’t fret if you can’t find the stinger on your cat. “Cats are such fastidious groomers that it is not uncommon for them to remove the stinger themselves,” says Dr. Barrett. If you’re having trouble locating a stinger and you’re worried, give your vet a call.
2. Don’t squeeze the stinger
Avoid grabbing and squeezing the stinger—it could release more venom. Instead, use a credit card, your fingernail, or tweezers to gently pull it out. Position the card or tweezers under the venom sac to avoid pushing the venom in.
3. Sanitize the area
Now that the stinger is removed, Dr. Baden says to gently clean the area with a non-scented soap and water. Avoid applying any topical creams or medications without consulting your vet first.
4. Treat swelling and inflammation
A cold compress—like a bag of frozen vegetables or ice wrapped in a towel—can numb the area and constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation and swelling to help your cat feel better.
5. Put an Elizabethan collar on your cat
Dr. Barrett says it’s important to prevent your cat from licking the site of the sting—you may need to use a cat e-collar or donut to help with this.
Keep your cat indoors to monitor for any severe reactions. According to Dr. Baden, if no symptoms have appeared within two hours of the sting, a severe reaction is unlikely, though some mild swelling may still occur.
6. Consult your vet before giving any medications
Many pet parents wonder what they can give their cat to quickly help them feel better after a bee sting. While over-the-counter antihistamines can be given to cats to reduce swelling, only your vet can recommend the proper dosage and safe administration.
Before giving any medication to your cat, call your vet.
How to Prevent Bee Stings
You can’t count on your cat to learn that a bee can sting. Rather, the best way to protect your cat from bees, wasps, and other stinging insects is by keeping them indoors. While stings can still happen in a secure catio or even inside the home, outdoor cats have a higher risk of having injuries.
If there’s a hive on your property, have it professionally removed. While a bee can only sting once, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can sting multiple times. Multiple stings can be fatal. Keep an eye out for ants as well. “Unlike bees, ants are capable of stinging multiple times, and they also bite cats before stinging them,” says Dr. Barrett.
Lastly, Dr. Barrett suggests “to keep plants that attract bees far from areas your cat frequents.” Certain flowers and houseplants are also toxic to cats, so being mindful of your plant placement can help reduce health risks.
Your Cat Will Be OK
While bee stings can be unpleasant for cats, the symptoms—and the discomfort they bring—are usually temporary. Most cat bee stings can be managed at home, provided there are no signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or weakness.
Symptoms typically improve quickly, but knowing basic first aid for cat bee stings can make a big difference: remove the stinger, clean the sting site, apply a cold compress, and do your best to prevent your cat from licking the area. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication.
If your cat is feeling needy or unlike themselves, a few cat treats may help them feel better about the whole situation.
