Do Cats Eat Scorpions?

Cats eat scorpions and won’t fall ill since scorpion meat is not poisonous. Scorpions do offer nutritional value, and your cat could benefit from it. If you find your cat munching on a scorpion and hasn’t been stung, don’t be alarmed; let them finish their meal.

Scorpions are not a dietary norm for cats, but cats will hunt and eat scorpions when presented with an opportunity. If you live in an area where scorpions are a part of the habitat, then it’s likely that your cat has hunted and eaten a scorpion or three. It could be worrying because scorpions are infamous for their pincers and stingers, but a cat’s fur and agility allow them to enjoy a scorpion snack with little effort as long as they miss the two.

There’s more to how cats can and do eat scorpions. Let’s explore further.

Why do cats hunt and eat scorpions?

Cats and mice are synonymous with hunting and being hunted, so it’s surprising to many that cats can hunt and even eat scorpions. It’s not a preference; cats are natural predators to smaller or even animals their size. When a cat spots a scorpion, whether or not there are hungry, it will hunt, play with, and then kill its prey.

For the most part, cats find scorpions entertaining because they present a unique challenge in that they have to avoid getting clipped or stung. Cats are agile enough to avoid it before making the kill. There is an erroneous belief that cats are immune to scorpion stings; that’s not the case. They will be in a lot of pain and fall very ill, depending on the type of scorpion.

How do cats manage to hunt scorpions?

A cat’s fur protects them from tiny stingers and can get away with not being stung. Equally, when the scorpions use pincers for defense, they can’t grab the skin but can tag on the fur. It causes minor irritation, but it’s nothing they can’t shake off after a hunt and a scorpion meal.

Scorpions can scurry away from a cat, but they are nowhere near as fast as a cat. A cat doesn’t have to be a seasonal hunter to kill a scorpion; even a housecat can do the same, thanks to their primal instincts. While the scorpion looks to have a solid protective layer, it is not enough to withstand a few swipes, pats, and claws from a cat. Within a short time, the cat will be nibbling on the carcass.

What happens to the cat after eating a scorpion?

The good news is nothing is likely to happen to a cat if it eats a scorpion. Scorpions are not harmful and won’t likely cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, as long as the cat doesn’t get stung, they will be quite alright and won’t need to go to the vet. While scorpions are venomous, only a tiny percentage are life-threatening, and your cat isn’t likely to encounter those. Even if they eat such a scorpion, they should be alright, though worth keeping an eye on.

How many scorpions can a cat eat?

Scorpions don’t have a lot of flesh, so cats can eat as many scorpions as they like. That is until they are satisfied, probably after one or two scorpions. However, if the cat is already well-fed, a scorpion bite would be enough for them since they satisfy their curiosity. Equally, they can keep the scorpion around to nibble on as a snack or treat since the scorpion is likely not their everyday meal. If you kill the scorpion in a non-lethal way, you can use the little meat they have as part of your cat’s meal.

Do all cats like scorpions?

Whether your cat likes scorpions or not largely depends on their preferences. If you’ve found your cat eating bugs and spiders, they’ll likely enjoy an occasional scorpion as part of their diet. The part that cats probably enjoy more than scorpion meat is the challenge of catching one. It is part of their nature not to devour their prey immediately but play with them before dealing the final blow. You’ll know if they like scorpion meat if they eat it minus the stinger or if they nibble and walk away. Otherwise, it becomes clear that your cat only likes a particular food.

Key points about cats eating scorpions

Conclusion

There’s no worry if you find your cat snacking on scorpions; it’s anything it is good for them. If you manage to kill a scorpion in a non-poisonous manner, you can use the meat as a treat for them. Overall, cats eating scorpions is good for them; only be aware of the sting’s effects on them.

FAQs

What is the nutritional value of scorpion?

Scorpions are rich in protein and iron and are high in omega-3 acids. They are also low in fat and calories, making them nutritious for cats.

How do I know my cat has been stung by a scorpion?

The first thing is looking at things your cat does that are out of character. That includes being in seeming pain, agitation, pawing or licking the sting site, swelling, and changes in their eye movements.

What does scorpion meat taste like?

It’s normal to be curious how scorpion meat tastes if it is not a culinary option where you come from. People describe the taste differently, with some saying scorpions taste like beef jerky and can sometimes have a fishy taste.

Maria Giovanni

Maria Giovanni is a pet lover and does have a variety of pets at home, from the lapdogs to parrots and cats. The latter however seems to be her favorite because she operates a shelter that caters specifically to injured and stray cats. You can also leave your cat with her if you have to travel out of town for a longer period and don’t want to lock your cat inside. Over the years Maria has championed for the rights of animals, because of the many vices that are done to the defenseless animals around the world. Compiling information for the Simple Catguide was quite fulfilling because it allowed her to share knowledge on how best people can care for their pet cats.