My Cat Ate a Fly: Vet-Verified Dangers & Tips

Cats will chase after and pounce on anything that moves, including small insects. Grasshoppers and flies are popular targets, and they flutter and glide with unpredictable grace full of starts and stops that are the definition of perfect feline entertainment. But if your cat just snacked on a fly, you may be wondering if there’s a trip to the emergency veterinarian in the future. The answer, you’ll be happy to hear, is probably not.

Flies carry parasites, bacteria, and viruses, so they’re not great to have around, but the chance of a cat ending up with a parasitic infection after eating a fly is low. Reach out to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s health or if they show signs of illness, such as stomach trouble that doesn’t start to improve within 24-48 hours.

What About Flies That Have Been Sprayed With Insecticide?

The amount of poison found in one fly that met its end due to insecticide is unlikely to cause illness in cats. However, if your cat comes into direct contact with an insecticide, this is a different story.  Many insecticides are toxic to cats and should be stored in places that kitties can’t access, such as a locked cabinet. Products that contain permethrin are a particular concern since they have the potential to be fatal ¹.

Permethrin is commonly found in bug sprays and products designed to be sprayed on fabric to keep mosquitos and other biting insects at bay. It’s also found in canine-flea treatments, which is why cats can’t use the same anti-flea products as dogs. Make sure you read the label of any insecticide being used around the house or directly on an animal.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Reach out to your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has come into direct contact with an insecticide. Don’t wait for signs to develop as permethrin toxicity can quickly lead to tremors, seizures, and even death. Make sure to have the product your cat got into on hand so you can provide your veterinarian with accurate information about what they consumed and when.

Consider writing down important information you don’t want to forget, such as when your cat was exposed, and if they are showing any unusual signs, such as twitching, lethargy, drooling, or agitation.

Is It True That Some Cat Foods Contain Flies?

There’s currently a great deal of interest in developing ways to use insect-based protein, including black soldier fly larvae, in human and pet foods. Pet foods featuring insect proteins are currently available in some European nations. Insect farming is a much more sustainable practice than traditional agricultural practices such as beef and chicken production. It requires far less land, water, and energy than meat production and produces far less greenhouse gasses.

Why Do Cats Play With Bugs?

Cats are excellent hunters. The urge to stalk, spring, and pounce is instinctual. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that bugs and insects make up 1.2% of a feral cat’s diet. Our well fed, domesticated cats are probably not hunting flies and grasshoppers for their nutritional value, but to meet their hunting needs. Even indoor cats still retain their hunting instincts and will practice on whatever they can find.

Do Flies Lay Eggs on Cat Food?

Flies can lay eggs on cat food that’s been left out, but it usually takes around 24 hours for maggots to appear. Regularly washing your pet’s food dishes can help prevent flies from bothering your cat’s food. Bowls used for food should be washed after every use, and wet food should only be allowed to sit for about 2 hours before being removed. Cleaning spills quickly after they occur can also minimize the chance of flies being attracted to your pet’s eating area.

Are There Ways to Naturally Get Rid of Flies?

Flies like hanging out around garbage cans and decaying materials like garden mulch, as they prefer to lay eggs on organic waste. Once they find a suitable place to breed, flies often return repeatedly.

However, a few modifications can encourage them to head elsewhere, including using trash cans with sealing lids, covering food, and staying on top of spills and crumbs. Installing window and door screens and ensuring they’re in good working order can keep flies outside where they belong. You can contact your veterinarian before using bug spray to confirm that the product is safe for use around cats.

Conclusion

Cats enjoy chasing and pouncing, and insects such as flies are commonly on the receiving end of this instinctive feline behavior. There’s generally no cause for concern if your cat eats a fly or two. However, flies can carry lots of germs, so there are things we can do to discourage them from coming into our homes.

Cats can often be persuaded to leave insects alone by engaging in short but frequent play sessions with them. Using toys that most resemble natural prey animals, e.g. mice, allows your cat to use up some of their hunting energy.

Featured Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock