Cat vs. Rattlesnake

[Chuck S]

Has anyone had a cat that was bitten by a rattlesnake? We had to take one of our cats into the emergency vet yesterday. The vet cleaned the wound and cut a slit in his skin to allow the swelling to drain. He was bitten on left side of his face. He seems to be drinking water OK, and he eats but can't seem to keep food down. Dr. said it appeared to be a fairly dry bite (no purposeful venom release, more of a warning strike with residual venom in the fang).

Cat seems weak, but does walk around, and is purring when you pet him. On oral amoxicillin, 50 mg 2x per day. I think I'll take him back to the vet tomorrow for a check-up.

Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[horseshowmom]

We've had dogs bitten by moccasins before. They got some kind of shot at the vet and took the antibiotics. One was much worse than the other. The side of her head was very swollen and drained a lot (from the "X" incision).

 

[SetzKitten]

Not a cat, but my very small Maltese was bitten in the throat by a rattlesnake last winter. It was also a dry bite. She didn't get sick, but she had trouble sleeping for a few days, and would get so tired she would literally fall over. Overall, she appeared very uncomfortable. It lasted about a week. They gave her two types of meds (can't remember what they were now).

I hope your kitty feels better soon.

 

[Alice Sr.]

Wow, that is so sad. I never heard of a dry bite, that's very interesting. We go to NC every year for vacation and my oldest DD almost got bit by a water
moccasin. I'm glad your pets all survived. I hate our winters but I guess they're good for something.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Here's hoping your cat gets better soon. Our cats are all indoor cats, so I have no experience with this.

 

[we3disneygo]

hope your kitty get's better soon

 

[Chuck S]

He seems to be doing better this morning He is keeping food down and is a little more lively. Swelling is down, but it is still draining. I guess it will just take some time for him to fully recover

 

[MrsJackSparrow]

Hope your little kitty is feeling better soon! Cats do purr even when they are feeling really poorly. Some also purr when they are fighting. What a scary thing to have happen though!

 

[Sonya]

Poor kitty. I hope he gets to geeling better soon. And I have also heard that cats can purr when they are sick or hurt. But I'm sure in your case he is just happy to have someone taking care of him.