What Are Wolf Spiders?
Wolf spiders are a type of spider that can be found all over the world. They are large, hairy spiders that don’t spin webs. Some key facts about wolf spiders:
Appearance: Wolf spiders have two large eyes at the front and two to four smaller eyes on the sides. They have robust bodies covered in hair or spines. They can range from 0.1 inches to over 1 inch long depending on the species. Wolf spider coloring can vary from brown to grey to black. Some have stripes, dots or other markings on their body.[1]
Behaviors: Wolf spiders are wandering hunters and don’t spin webs to catch prey. They hunt at night and rely on their excellent eyesight and speed to chase down small insects, other spiders and more. During the day, they hide out in burrows, under logs or rocks. The female wolf spiders carry egg sacs attached to their spinnerets until the spiderlings hatch.[2]
Habitats: Wolf spiders can adapt to many environments and are found on every continent except Antarctica. Different species inhabit forests, grasslands, marshes, mountains and human dwellings. They are commonly found on the ground, but a few species even hunt underwater![3]
Wolf Spider Bites
Wolf spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. Their bites can be painful due to their relatively large fangs, but the venom itself is mild and not medically significant (Source).
According to experts, wolf spider bites are comparable to a bee or wasp sting in terms of pain and swelling. The area around the bite may become red, swollen, and itchy (Source). However, the venom does not have any long-lasting effects and serious complications are very rare.
In healthy adults, wolf spider bites may cause pain, mild skin irritation, and localized swelling that goes away within a few days. Severe reactions involving dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps or widespread swelling are unlikely. Bites can be more dangerous in small children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems (Source).
Overall, wolf spiders rarely bite humans unless provoked or threatened. When they do bite, their venom produces mild short-term symptoms rather than any life-threatening effects.
Do Wolf Spiders Attack Cats?
While it is rare, there have been some documented cases of wolf spiders attacking small animals like cats. Wolf spiders are generally not aggressive towards humans or pets, but they will bite in self-defense if provoked1. Here are some key points about wolf spiders and cats:
Wolf spiders do not actively hunt cats or see them as prey. However, they may bite a curious cat that disturbs or plays with the spider. Cats are prone to batting at moving creatures, which can provoke a defensive bite2.
Some sources suggest wolf spiders may see small kittens as potential prey due to their size and vulnerability. But in general, cats are not a typical food source for wolf spiders.
If a wolf spider does bite a cat, it is likely to be a dry defensive bite without injecting much venom. The bite may cause mild pain and irritation but is not considered medically significant.
To prevent wolf spider bites, keep cats away from areas where the spiders are active. Cats allowed outdoors should be supervised when wolf spiders are common in the region.
Wolf Spider Bite Symptoms in Cats
Wolf spiders are not aggressive and typically only bite cats when threatened or accidentally handled. The bite itself is often described as initially painful. Within a few minutes to hours, mild local effects start to appear around the bite site, including:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itchiness
- Mild bruising
These local effects usually peak within 2-8 hours and then slowly subside over 24-48 hours. Wolf spider venom is not considered medically significant to cats. However, some cats may experience a mild systemic reaction, including:
- Low-grade fever
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
Severe reactions are very rare but could potentially include vomiting, difficulty breathing, or collapse. Most cats will make a full recovery within a few days even without treatment.[1]
Bites should be distinguished from the much more dangerous brown recluse spider bites, which can cause severe necrosis at the bite site.[2] If you suspect a brown recluse bite, seek immediate veterinary care.
[1] https://www.hepper.com/are-wolf-spiders-poisonous-to-cats/
[2] https://a-z-animals.com/blog/are-wolf-spiders-dangerous-to-dogs-or-cats/
First Aid for Cat Spider Bites
If your cat has been bitten by a spider, it’s important to provide prompt first aid while getting them veterinary attention. Here are some tips for basic first aid wound care and pain management:
Clean the bite area gently with a mild soap and water to help prevent infection. Do not scrub or irritate the wound. Pat dry with a clean towel. You can also use a sterile saline solution or an antiseptic recommended by your vet to cleanse the bite.
Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel to the bite for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and pain. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the bite site to help soothe irritation. Baking soda has natural antibacterial properties.
Try to keep your cat calm and restricted from licking or scratching the wound.
You can give your cat an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) for cats if recommended by your vet. Never give your cat human medications without veterinary approval.
Monitor your cat closely for any changes or worsening of symptoms until you can get them to the vet. Spider bites can progress rapidly in cats.
With prompt veterinary treatment, most spider bites can be managed and are not fatal. However, black widow or brown recluse spider bites do require urgent medical care.
For more details on treating insect bites in cats, see this informative article from VCA Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-insect-stings-in-cats
Preventing Spider Bites in Cats
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent spider bites in cats:
Keep the home clean and free of cobwebs. Vacuum and sweep regularly, especially in corners, under furniture, and in closets where spiders may hide. Wash pet bedding frequently. According to Innovative Pest Solutions, keeping your home free of spider webs can help reduce the risk of spider bites.
Supervise your cat when outside. Spiders may hide in wood piles, under porches, and in the garden. Keeping an eye on your cat can help prevent unwanted interactions with spiders.
Seal cracks and crevices. Spiders can sneak into a home through small openings. Caulking cracks around windows and doors can help keep spiders out.
Keep plants pruned. Overgrown vegetation provides good hiding spots for spiders. Keep trees, shrubs, and bushes neatly trimmed.
Use insecticides safely. Spiders prey on insects, so limiting bugs indoors and outdoors can discourage spiders. Consult with a vet before using any insecticides around your cat.
Treating Spider Bites in Cats
If your cat has been bitten by a spider, it’s important to get veterinary care as soon as possible. Here are some of the treatment options your vet may recommend:
Antibiotics – Bites can often become infected, so your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat any infection. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include amoxicillin and cephalexin.
Anti-inflammatories – Medication like prednisone may be given to reduce swelling and inflammation around the bite.
Pain medication – Bites can be quite painful. Your vet may prescribe medication like buprenorphine to keep your cat comfortable.
Intravenous fluids – If your cat is having trouble eating or drinking due to the bite, IV fluids can prevent dehydration.
Wound care – The bite may need to be cleaned, drained, or bandaged. Your vet can show you how to properly care for the wound at home.
Hospitalization – If the bite is severe, your cat may need to stay at the vet clinic for intensive treatment and monitoring.
In rare cases, surgery may be required to debride infected or necrotic tissue. Your vet will discuss all treatment options with you and recommend the best plan for your cat’s recovery.
With prompt veterinary treatment, most cats fully recover from spider bites. Be sure to follow all your vet’s at-home care instructions carefully during the healing process.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/spider-bites
https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/brown-recluse-spider-bite-poisoning
Spider Bite Home Remedies for Cats
If your cat has been bitten by a spider, there are some home remedies you can try to help soothe the bite and prevent infection:
Apply a cold compress – Wrap an ice pack or frozen bag of peas in a towel and hold it against the bite area for 5-10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain. Do this several times a day as needed [1].
Clean the bite – Use a mild soap and warm water to gently clean the bite area. This helps remove irritants from the spider’s venom [2].
Apply hydrocortisone cream – A topical hydrocortisone cream can help reduce itching and inflammation. Apply a small amount to the bite area 1-2 times per day [3].
Try an antihistamine – An OTC oral antihistamine like Benadryl can help relieve itching and swelling. Give according to your vet’s dosage instructions.
Monitor for infection – Check the bite area twice daily for signs of infection like pus, redness, and warmth. See your vet if infection develops.
Natural remedies like cold compresses, topical baking soda, raw honey, and aloe vera gel may also provide relief. But consult your vet before using.
Prognosis for Spider Bites in Cats
The prognosis for a spider bite in cats depends on several factors, including the type of spider, location of the bite, and how quickly treatment is given. Some general guidelines on prognosis include:
For mild spider bites, most cats recover fully within 1-2 weeks with appropriate first aid and monitoring. The bite site heals and cats regain normal function. With prompt treatment, infections are rare.
Moderate spider bites may take 2-4 weeks to fully recover. Necrotic wounds, tissue damage, and infections may develop, requiring antibiotic treatment. Pain and reduced mobility around the bite site may persist during this time.
Severe spider bites can take over a month to recover from. Envenomation from spiders like black widows leads to prolonged neuromuscular symptoms. According to VCA Hospitals, paralysis and muscle weakness can last weeks to months after initial bite. Complete recovery may take many weeks with intensive veterinary care.
In very rare cases, a spider bite can be fatal if not treated promptly. However, most cats fully recover with proper care. Quick action minimizes the long-term impact of the bite.
When to See the Vet for a Spider Bite
If your cat has been bitten by a spider, it’s important to monitor them closely for any warning signs that may indicate a need for veterinary care. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Swelling that continues to increase in size
- Redness spreading from the bite site
- Oozing or bleeding from the bite
- Signs of infection like pus or foul odor
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures or muscle tremors
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat/drink
- Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
- Vomiting or diarrhea
According to Catster, you should take your cat to the emergency vet immediately if any of these symptoms last for more than a few hours after a spider bite. The sooner treatment can begin, the better the chances of a full recovery.
