Copperhead snakes are among the most common venomous snakes in the United States. Their bites account for more venomous snakebites in the U.S. than any other species – around 2,920 of the 7,000 to 8,000 each year (1). While copperhead venom can be dangerous, human deaths are extremely rare with a fatality rate of just 0.01% (2). But how dangerous are their bites for domestic cats?
In this article, we’ll examine the venom toxicity, bite symptoms, first aid, treatment options, and prevention tips specifically for cats bitten by copperheads. While their venom is potent, copperhead bites are far less likely to be fatal for cats compared to rattlesnakes due to lower venom yields. However, all exotic pet owners should be aware of the potential dangers and know how to respond if their cat is bitten.
Sources:
(1) https://a-z-animals.com/blog/why-the-copperhead-bites-more-people-than-any-other-snake-in-the-united-states/
(2) https://a-z-animals.com/blog/copperhead-snake-bite-how-deadly-are-they/
How Venomous Are Copperheads?
Copperheads have a relatively mild venom compared to other pit vipers like rattlesnakes and cottonmouths. According to Copperhead snakes: Facts, bites & babies, copperhead venom is not very potent. Copperheads have a hemotoxic venom, meaning it destroys red blood cells and causes tissue damage.
The venom contains proteins and enzymes that break down blood cells and muscle tissue. This can lead to pain, swelling, bruising, and bleeding at the bite site. Though painful and capable of causing serious injury, copperhead bites are rarely fatal to humans. Their venom is not potent enough to frequently cause life-threatening symptoms.
With prompt medical treatment, most copperhead bites can be effectively managed. While caution should always be exercised around copperheads, their relatively mild venom means their bites are less dangerous than many other vipers.
Copperhead Bites in Cats
While not common, there are documented cases of cats being bitten by copperheads. According to one report, a cat was bitten on the paw by what was likely a copperhead snake (My Cat Was Bitten By A Snake Here Is What I Learned, 2021). The cat initially showed symptoms of pain, swelling, and vomiting. Another article describes a case where a copperhead bite caused severe swelling in a cat’s leg (Here’s what to do when a copperhead bites your pet, 2017).
Common symptoms of copperhead bites in cats can include:
- Severe pain at the bite site
- Swelling and inflammation around the bite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness or lethargy
- Trouble breathing in severe cases
While the venom is rarely fatal to cats, it can still cause considerable pain and damage if left untreated. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for treating cat copperhead bites.
Factors That Influence Severity
Several factors influence how severe a copperhead bite will be for a cat, including:
The amount of venom injected – Copperheads can control how much venom they inject when they bite. The more venom delivered, the more severe the reaction will be. According to research, dry bites with no venom occur in 25-40% of copperhead bites [1].
Size of the cat – Smaller cats are at greater risk of severe effects from venomous snake bites compared to larger cats. With less body mass, the venom can spread quickly and overwhelm a small cat’s system.
Location of the bite – Bites on the head, face or neck or directly into the bloodstream tend to be more dangerous. Venom can spread rapidly and impact vital organs when delivered to these areas [2].
First Aid for Cat Snake Bites
It is very important to take a cat that has been bitten by a snake to a vet as quickly as possible for evaluation of the snakebite. Prompt veterinarian care will increase the chances of the cat overcoming the effects of the snake venom and surviving the bite.
Basic first aid steps include calling your veterinarian to let them know you are on your way with a cat that has been bitten by a snake. Restrict your cat’s movement by gently placing them in a cat carrier. Do not allow them to walk or run, as this will increase circulation and spread the venom more quickly. Clean the wound gently with soap and water if possible, and cover lightly with a clean bandage.
Applying a tourniquet, trying to suck out the venom, making incisions or applying ice have been found to be not helpful and are not recommended. The most important thing is to get your cat veterinary care as soon as possible after a snakebite.
Treatment Options
The main treatment for a copperhead snake bite in cats is antivenom, which works to neutralize and reverse the effects of the venom. Antivenom should be administered as soon as possible in order to minimize damage and increase the chances of recovery. The specific antivenom given depends on the type of snake bite, as different antivenoms are made to target different snake venoms. A vet will assess the cat’s symptoms and identify the type of snake to determine the right antivenom to use.
Cats may also be given IV fluids and pain medication as supportive care while receiving antivenom. IV fluids help maintain blood pressure and prevent dehydration. Pain medication like opioids can relieve pain and make the cat more comfortable during treatment.
The required treatment depends greatly on the specific symptoms exhibited after the bite. Mild swelling and pain may only require minimal treatment with pain medication, while more severe reactions involving hypotension, bleeding, or seizures require intensive care with antivenom, IV fluids, and monitoring. Close observation of the cat’s symptoms by a veterinarian guides the proper treatment approach.
References:
[1] https://healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/venomous-snakebites-cats
Recovery and Outlook
With prompt veterinary treatment, many cats are able to make a full recovery after a copperhead bite. Anti-venom, pain medication, antibiotics, and supportive care can help counteract the venom and prevent severe tissue damage and other complications.
However, the venom can sometimes cause localized tissue damage around the bite even with treatment. Necrotic lesions may develop and can take weeks or months to fully heal, often leaving significant scarring. According to PetMD, pit viper bites can potentially lead to chronic draining wounds, infection, and loss of tissue or even limbs if severe enough[1].
Other potential long-term effects may include reduced limb function and chronic pain around the bite site. With aggressive treatment right away, the outlook for most cats is very good. But delayed treatment can allow more extensive damage, compromising recovery. Overall, cats tend to handle copperhead bites better than dogs and have an excellent prognosis if brought quickly to a veterinarian.
Prevention Tips
There are a few key ways to help prevent your cat from getting bitten by a snake around your home and property:
Keep cats indoors or supervised outside – One of the best things you can do is keep your cat inside, especially at dawn and dusk when snakes are most active. If you do allow outdoor time, staying with your cat and supervising can help avoid encounters. Free-roaming cats are at highest risk.
Eliminate snake hiding spots – Keep your yard well-maintained and free of long grass, brush piles, woodpiles, and other debris that snakes may use for cover. Trim vegetation back at least 3 feet from the foundation. Making your landscape less inviting to snakes can deter them.
Note signs of snakes around home – Keep an eye out for evidence of snakes like shedded skin or snake droppings. You may also hear hissing or catch glimpses of them. Being aware of their presence can clue you in to take extra precautions.
When to Seek Help
Any cat that has suffered a snake bite should be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible, even if symptoms are not yet apparent. The sooner antivenom can be administered, the better the chances of recovery. According to the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Health Topics on snakebites in cats, prompt veterinary care is imperative as “venom spreads quickly through tissues.”
Severe symptoms that require emergency veterinary care include:
- Swelling or bruising around the bite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Breathing difficulties
- Collapsing or falling unconscious
- Paralysis or inability to move
- Seizures or muscle twitching
- Excessive bleeding or bruising
As noted by Lort Smith, “The sooner antivenom is given, the better the outcome.” Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before getting veterinary help, as the venom can rapidly spread and damage tissues. Any potential snake bite should be treated as an emergency until proven otherwise by a vet.
Conclusion
In summary, copperhead bites can potentially be very dangerous and even fatal for cats, but fortunately most cats survive with proper emergency care and treatment. The amount of venom injected, location of the bite, and speed of treatment all play a major role in the severity and prognosis. While potentially quite painful and capable of causing tissue damage, a bite to an extremity has a better outlook than a bite to the head, neck, or body core.
With rapid first aid to limit venom spread, anti-venom therapy, supportive care, and monitoring for secondary issues, many cats make a full recovery. Preventative measures like keeping yards clear of brush piles and debris can reduce the risk of an encounter. Being aware of snake behavior and signs of a bite will allow cat owners to seek prompt veterinary treatment at the first hint of trouble.
So in conclusion, a copperhead bite can certainly be very dangerous for a cat, but the odds are ultimately in favor of survival and recovery as long as the bite is non-life-threatening and appropriate treatment is provided quickly.
