![]() ![]() Identifying characteristics: 4-5 feet long, 10-15 pounds brownish “base” with cream outlines.Prime habitat: Pine forests, mountains, dry marshes, and coastal areas of Florida and the lower southeastern U.S.Identifying characteristics: Largest venomous snake in the Americas (up to 8 feet long and 35 pounds) black diamond patterns offset by yellow borders.If you’ve seen these snakes in the wild or know that they exist where you live, you can be better prepared for the unlikely event of a cat snake bite. We’ve compiled an incomplete list of common venomous snakes in the U.S. Unfortunately, if treatment for a venomous snake bite on a cat isn’t immediate, the bite is often fatal. The vet may need to administer antivenom, IV fluids, feeding tubes, and oxygen, depending on the severity of the situation. A venom test kit, blood work, and cultures may be performed to identify the snake and determine treatment. The veterinarian will want to know any information you have about the snake, where the attack took place, and where and how long since your cat was bit. If you’re able to bag the dead snake (wear gloves), bring it along with your cat to the animal hospital. Do NOT approach the snake unless you are certain it is deceased. If you observed your cat being bit by a snake, try to take note of what kind of snake it is (for instance, rattlesnake) or any of its identifying marks. Transport your cat to the veterinarian immediately.Flush the area thoroughly with sterile saline solution or mild soap and water.If possible, clip the hair from the bite area on your cat.If your cat is nervous or anxious, restrain him if necessary. Treatment should begin as soon as possible after the bite. If you notice a bite mark or any of the above symptoms on your cat (but didn’t observe the attack itself), we recommend taking your cat to an animal hospital right away. Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.Other symptoms to watch for in your pet include: This type of bite will likely be accompanied by pain and swelling. On the other hand, venomous snake bites typically appear as two puncture marks. Typically (because there are always exceptions), non-venomous snake bites are horseshoe- or U-shaped and may be accompanied by pain and bleeding-but not swelling. Cats are most likely to be bit by a snake on their legs. Non-venomous snake bites on cats are much more common than venomous, but these kinds of bites can still be dangerous. Nevertheless, this slithery species is seen as one of the most fearsome in the animal kingdom-even felines agree, which is why cats hiss to imitate snakes! But what if you come across a snake bite on a cat? Learn what to look for and how to treat your pet in the unlikely event that this happens. Snakes get a bad rap: They’re typically unlikely to bite unless surprised or on the defensive. ![]()
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