Have you ever seen your cat stalking a bug, like a grasshopper, only to gobble them down once they catch them? Could your cat get sick from eating grasshoppers?
Cats can eat grasshoppers, but it is not a good idea to feed grasshoppers to your cat regularly. Stick to a traditional cat diet for your feline, but don’t worry if your cat gets a hold of a grasshopper while they are playing.
To learn more about whether it is safe for cats to eat grasshoppers, keep reading. This article explains the nutritional benefit of grasshoppers, their potential risks, and more.
Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Grasshoppers?
Cats are predators by nature. This fact causes many cats to chase after insects, bugs, and other creatures as a form of play, including grasshoppers. If a grasshopper excites your cat’s curiosity, the cat will likely go after the creature and eat it if caught.
If you see your cat ingest a grasshopper, don’t panic. Grasshoppers are generally non-toxic for cats. Occasionally, the exoskeleton can lead to mouth discomfort or gastrointestinal discomfort, but this normally only happens if your cat consumes a lot of grasshoppers at once. A single grasshopper rarely has this effect.
In other words, it is generally safe for cats to consume grasshoppers. Although grasshoppers can cause some tummy issues in your cat, these issues are not common when only small amounts of grasshoppers are consumed.
Are Grasshoppers Healthy for Cats?
Saying that grasshoppers are non-toxic to cats is not the same as saying that they are healthy for your cat. With that in mind, are grasshoppers healthy for cats to eat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need a lot of protein and fat to survive and little carbohydrates. Grasshoppers fit into these nutritional requirements easily. The insects are high in protein and fat and have very few carbs.
Even so, grasshoppers aren’t a great food for cats to eat frequently. As mentioned above, the exoskeleton is hard and can irritate your cat’s mouth and stomach. Not to mention, grasshoppers can have parasites. The last thing you want is to feed your cat a grasshopper that is infected.
For these reasons, it’s best for cats to get their fat and protein requirements from traditional cat food, chicken, beef, and other animals. A single grasshopper is not dangerous for cats, but a diet of grasshoppers is not healthy for cats.
Can Grasshoppers Make My Cat Sick?
In most cases, grasshoppers will not cause a cat to get sick. For example, a cat consuming a singular grasshopper while playing will not cause any gastrointestinal issues.
It is possible for grasshoppers to make your cat sick. Because of the exoskeleton on the outside of the grasshopper, consuming a lot of grasshoppers can make your cat’s stomach sick. Plus, the potential parasites on the grasshopper can induce illness as well.
It should be obvious if your cat is sick from grasshoppers. For example, your cat may show signs of tummy pain if they ate a lot of grasshoppers. This pain will subside and is not fatal. Parasites can be more dangerous, though they are rare. Talk to your vet if you think your cat consumed a parasite.
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Should I Feed Grasshoppers to My Cat?
Because eating too many grasshoppers or eating infected grasshoppers can make your cat sick, you should not feed grasshoppers to your cat. Instead, stick to a more traditional cat diet for your beloved feline. Commercial cat food, chicken, beef, turkey, and certain fish are better suited for your cat’s diet.
If you intentionally feed grasshoppers to your cat, you can expect the cat to get an upset stomach eventually and for its mouth to be irritated. Avoid the scenarios by feeding your cat a traditional diet instead.
Should I Stop My Cat from Chasing Grasshoppers?
Obviously, you should not feed your cat a bunch of grasshoppers, but you don’t need to panic if your cat consumes a single grasshopper while they are playing. One grasshopper is unlikely to cause any sort of problem with your cat. At the most, the exoskeleton may irritate the cat’s mouth, but this is a minor problem that the cat will learn from.
If you have a grasshopper infestation, it’s best to call a specialist or exterminator. They will be able to get rid of the grasshopper problem. The eradication of the grasshoppers will prevent your cat from eating too many grasshoppers due to an infestation in your area.
Final Thoughts
If your cat is playing and eats a grasshopper, don’t worry. Your cat will likely not experience any adverse side effects. Just allow your cat to enjoy themself while being the predator they are.
However, do not intentionally feed grasshoppers to your cat. The exoskeleton on the grasshopper can cause pain to your cat’s belly and mouth. Not to mention, grasshoppers can carry parasites and infections. Instead, stick to a traditional cat food diet, but don’t panic if your cat ingests a single grasshopper while playing.
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Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Grasshoppers?
