Do you live in a location in which many skunks reside? If so, you might wonder whether they’re capable of harming your cat.
Well then, will a skunk kill a cat? The answer is no, but it’s important to understand that they can still cause some harm. Continue reading this article for better understanding.
Understanding Skunk Behavior
Well, you can learn whether an animal is harmful or not just by its nature. The same goes for skunks. Here is some information that could help you understand the nature of skunks.
Although Skunks are wild animals, they are gentle and don’t bother other animals. These black and white fellows are active at night as they are nocturnal.
Animals that may suffer from skunk attacks are larger, such as dogs. A dog might approach it and sniff it in a friendly gesture, but the skunk may consider it a threat and spray it.
Animals that a skunk sprays are vulnerable to getting bitten or scratched by its sharp teeth and claws.
Are Skunks Dangerous to Cats?
Skunks usually avoid our feline friends, be it stray or house cats. If they are hungry, they might attack small animals, and in this case, a kitten can become one of their prey. But that rarely happens.
If this stinky fellow bites your cat, it may pass diseases as it carries bacteria such as rabies, tularemia, Q-fever, canine distemper, and canine hepatitis. Even if the cat is prone to it, other household members can be affected.
Can Skunk Spray Affect Cats
If a cat gets too close to the skunk, it will spray in defense, thinking the kitty is a predator. Spraying a cat in the face can be harmful and cause serious damage, making your cat sick.
Symptoms include temporary blindness, irritated eyes, respiratory issues, sneezing or vomiting, and an unpleasant odor coming out of your cat’s fur.
How to Keep Your Kitten Safe
As a loving pet owner, it’s natural to worry about the such outdoor creatures that may harm your feline friend. Here are some tips to keep your cat away from this smelly fellow.
- Make sure to get your pet vaccinated against the rabies virus.
- Keep your cat indoors to protect them from skunk spray.
- Supervise your cat’s outdoor activities, especially during the evening or at night when they are most active.
Skunk removal Strategies
If you feel like skunks can be a threat to your cute furry friend, you can remove them. Here are some tips to remove skunks from your yard:
- If you want to get rid of it from your yard, you need to remove all the garbage, fallen fruits, trash cans, and leftover cat food from your lawn that attracts it
- Secure the gaps underneath your porch or deck with sturdy wire mesh to see if a skunk lives inside. If it is being accessed, you will notice the wires being displaced outward.
- Contact a wildlife control company if the skunks appears in larger quantities in your area. These companies are proficient at wildlife removal, some of whose services are available nationwide.
What to do if Your Cat Get Sprayed by a Skunk
We can try our best to keep our kitty away from the stinky badger, but sometimes our curious fellow jumps right at it, so don’t worry. Here is what you need to do if your fellow is sprayed.
if your kitten gets sprayed by a skunk, take it to the vet immediately
If your cat gets a skunk smell but has no symptoms, you can treat the skunky odor by bathing it. You can contact a professional if you find it difficult to do it yourself because of the foul smell.
Skunks and Cats Can Coexist
In the end, these foul-smelling creatures usually won’t hurt your cat. They have the food they need to find and would not get into a fight with your pet.
Be smart about keeping your cat safe from all the wild animals, be they a snake, raccoon, or rat. Cats are curious fellows, and they might end up getting harmed.
