Moths are insects of the order Lepidoptera which also has butterflies with over 160,000, most of which are nocturnal, with a few species being diurnal or crepuscular. Moths and butterflies are not the same, and they have some morphological and behavioral differences.
Cats can eat moths just as they eat other bugs. Hunting is one of their natural evolutionary instinct. It is normal to find your cat pursuing, killing, and eating bugs and insects and birds, mice, rabbits, and other small animals.
Cat owner concerns
While it is an intuitive nature, cat owners are often concerned about the various animals or bugs their felines may eat since some are toxic, poisonous, or harmful such as:
- Stinging insects like hornets, wasps, bees.
- Poisonous bugs like black widow spider, brown recluse spider, fireflies, and monarch butterflies
- Diseases transmitting bugs like ticks (transmit Lyme disease) and mosquitoes (carry heartworms).
- Biting insects like fire ants with venomous and painful bites
- Scorpion
What about moths?
Most moths are not poisonous to cats and will not harm them even if they eat them, and if your cat ate one, it is unlikely to be the harmful ones. However, there are a few things you need to note:
Garden tiger moth is poisonous
Garden tiger moth or great tiger moth, botanically known Arctia caja belonging to the family Erebidae found in the US, Canada, and Europe, is toxic to cats. Its front wings are brownish with a white pattern that may miss in some while the back ones are orange with a black dot pattern,
This moth and its caterpillar have toxic fluids, i.e., it has neurotoxic choline esters (a neurotoxin), which may harm your feline friend. If you suspect that your feline pal has eaten this insect, you need to check for any abnormal symptoms or toxicity symptoms that may include:
- Drooling or salvation
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Breathing difficulties
- Uncoordinated movement
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Convolutions
- Depression
These are not the only symptoms. If you suspect your feline ate a garden tiger moth, call your vet or the following helplines:
- The American Association of Poison Control Centers (800) 222-1222
- The Pet Poison Helpline 1 (855) 764-7661
- the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (800)426-4435
Moth Caterpillars
Some moth caterpillars like the Southern Flannel Moth Caterpillars, or puss caterpillars of asps, and the buck moth have spikes in their hairs that may hook onto the cat’s mouth areas and releasing toxins that will sting your feline pal.
While caterpillar stings may not be deadly (will cause some irritation that will disappear with time, in some cases, these stings can result in severe anaphylactic allergic reactions that can be detrimental to your cat.
Too much
Finally, the possible issue that may not be serious is your cat eating too many moths or their caterpillars. Even if they may not have lethal toxins, they can still cause gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, or diarrhea.
May have insecticides
Insects, including moths, may have been sprayed with insecticides, which if your feline pal eats these insecticide-soaked bugs, will suffer from toxicities from the insecticides. Therefore, always try to discourage your cat from eating any insects or bugs.
Protecting your cats from moths
While they shouldn’t cause huge concern, it is always good to train your kitty not to eat bugs. Clap or softly shout stop when you see them trying to eat any bug.
Secondly, you can also use various ways to get rid of moths, including those in your house with cedar, a good option. However, never use mothballs to control these insects since it is toxic to your cats, and it may cause symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Breathing difficulties
- Death in serious cases
Also, please don’t use anything that isn’t pet-friendly as it will harm your cat. Talk to your vet before trying any way to get rid of these insects.