Picture this: it's a dark and stormy night (well, maybe not stormy, but definitely dark), and your feline friend, the fearless hunter of the household, spots a wiggly eight-legged creature making its way across the floor. What follows is a suspenseful showdown as your cat prepares to indulge in the age-old game of "Catch the Spider." But wait, can cats eat spiders without consequences? Today we'll unravel the mysteries of cats and spiders, so you don't need to freak out the next time it happens.

Why do cats eat spiders

We've all been there. You've just gone out and bought a brand new, great quality cat food, only to have your cat turn their noses up right away. Only to then see your kitty happily chomping on some random item or being, like a spider!

One reason for this is down to your kitty's natural penchant for culinary exploration. After all there's no better way to figure out what something is by giving it a little nibble. 

The second reason is down to their natural hunting instinct. The sight of a wriggling spider can trigger their inner predator, and present the pawfect hunting opportunity.

Can Cats Eat Spiders? The Web of Curiosity 

So, it is quite normal to see your cat snacking on a spider, but is it safe for them to? The answer is, well, sort of. (Luckily) most spiders found in the UK aren't venomous enough to pose a direct threat to cats. In fact, a little nibble on an average spider won't lead to a feline A&E visit as the acid in their stomach should destroy the venom before it can pose any threat. The reality is that a spider bite is more likely to cause damage, as the fangs can introduce bacteria in the puncture wound.

However, let's not jump to conclusions; there's more to this tale than meets the eye. Or should we say eyes...

Which spiders are dangerous for cats?

Whilst the majority of UK spiders don't pose any threat, there are two to watch out for are the False Widow and Woodlouse Spider. These carry venom that can lead to adverse reactions in both cats and humans. Of course, it's unlikely that you'll get to see what type of spider your cat came into contact with. Therefore it's important to keep an eager on your cat's well being post-bite so you can spot any symptoms early on. Here's what to watch out for: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Facial Swelling
• Inflammation around a bite site
• Shortness of Breath
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Collapse or muscle tremors

If you do see any of the symptoms below we recommend speaking to your vet.

Prevention is Key: Keeping Cats Safe 

Whilst most cats will munch on spiders with seemingly no ill effects, every cat is different, and some might just have a digestive system as resilient as a ghost's. However, relying on luck isn't the best strategy. To reduce the chances of your kitty encountering one, keep your home spider-free by regularly dusting those webs away, and rehoming any criters you find to the great outdoors. 

You can also discourage spider-snacking by serving up irresistible cat treats, and upping the kitty playtime so they get plenty of enrichment. 

Why eat spiders when you can eat Scrumbles?

If you're looking for a less-leggy cat food for your kitty, we've got just the thing - Scrumbles! We offer dry food, wet food, and treats recipes for cats and kittens, specifically designed for great gut health. We even have Halloween Cat Treats, if that's what you're looking for. We add pre or probiotics into all our recipes, and avoid common allergens and nasties like artificial additives. Carefully tailored to our kitty's obligate carnivore needs, our food is made with up to 77% quality meat or fish, and we never add pesky plant proteins. 

Here's why we think you should give us a try:

1. Gut-friendly goodness - We add pre or probiotics to all our recipes and avoid artificial nonsense like added sugar to help support gut health (and pretty poops!)
2. High in protein - Our recipes are packed with up to 77% quality meat or fish, and never added plant proteins, for a protein content you can feel purr-oud of.
3. Extra Sensitive - For sensitive cats we avoid common allergens like dairy, soy, gluten, dairy and egg from all our recipes. We also offer grain free cat food options, and stick to a pollo-pescatarian diet for easier-to-digest protein.
4. Designed with nutritionists and approved by vets - All our recipes are designed according to FEDIAF guidelines, and given the royal lick of approval by our chief taster Boo.
5. Irresistibly Yummy - There'd be no point making our gut-friendly goodies if they didn't go down a treat, so we make sure our recipes are as palatable as can be. Using fresh and natural ingredients, and providing plenty of flavour and texture choices.

Start the gut life today by trying our recipes and see the difference in your kitty's health (and poops!)

A Spooky Story

Seeing as it's nearly Halloween, we can't ignore the connection between kitties, witches and those little spidery beasts. Throughout history, cats have been intertwined with tales of witches and the supernatural, often portrayed as their familiars or companions in magical endeavours. Their independent nature, nocturnal behaviour, and captivating gaze have contributed to this association, creating an aura of mystery around both cats and their witchy counterparts.

Despite this enchanting past, it's essential to separate fact from fiction. Cats are not magical beings, and while they might have a mischievous streak, they aren't versed in spells or hexes. However, one thing that holds true is their innate curiosity – a trait that can lead them to explore the intriguing world of spiders.

While spiders might have been woven into the web of their witchy history, it's important to recognise that even though some spiders are harmless, others can pose risks to both cats and humans. Cats, with their inquisitive nature, might be tempted to investigate these critters. 

Cats and Spiders in a Nutshell 

In this feline-centric thriller, we've explored the peculiar relationship between cats and spiders. While most UK spiders are more of a curiosity than a threat, it's crucial to be mindful of the ones that can pack a punch. Keep your cat's curious impulses in check, and if you suspect a spider encounter has taken a turn for the worse, a visit to the vet is your safest bet. 

Whilst you're here, why not read:

1.  Why does my cat lick me?
2. Can cats eat watermelon?
3. Norwegian Forest Cat