Cat vs. rattlesnake

Dear Dr. Forsythe: I wanted to write in because my cat was bitten by a rattlesnake two weeks ago and got a big swelling on her face. The vet said it would be $800 for the rattlesnake antivenom in addition to other medications. I was panic-stricken and my husband – who was on the golf course at the time – told me just to pay it. After all, Mr. Huggems is his cat and we did not want him to die. But before I gave her the okay to do all the treatments, I checked the Internet and found out that cats are immune to rattlesnake bites. So I told the doctor not to give the antivenom and she gave Benadryl and another injection instead. We took him home and his neck swelled up the next morning, but he got better a few days later. I’m so lucky I didn’t let her give the antivenom, and I wish more vets would tell us that cats are immune to rattlesnakes. – Marissa, Folsom, California

Dear Marissa: I’m really glad your Mr. Huggems lived. First off, it is widely reported that cats tend to be more resistant to venomous snake bites than dogs, however I have seen cats die of rattlesnake bites before. If they were truly immune to the venom, why would they die?

Now the question of whether they need antivenin is another story. Some veterinarians are more worried about causing a negative reaction from the foreign proteins in the antivenin than just giving supportive care and letting the cat recover on its own. I checked with many of my colleagues using VIN (veterinary information network) and the vast majority who see many snake bites actually do give cats antivenin diluted down in saline if it is a serious case. While this is being administered, we watch to see if the tail becomes “fluffy” which is a good indication of an adverse reaction happening. If so, we can add Benadryl and Dexamethosone to decrease the chance of anaphylaxis.

It is important to remember that a cat is not a mongoose. I worry that information on the Internet is making people think their cats are super immune critters that can withstand anything. It is pounded into us from Day One at veterinary school “cats are NOT small dogs.” They are in fact, unique, special, magical, jelical beings that deserve the best care at all times. It’s lucky Mr. Huggems is around to continue getting those hugs!
-Dr. F