{"id":943,"date":"2020-09-30T20:35:49","date_gmt":"2020-09-30T20:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sbahvet.com\/?p=943"},"modified":"2020-09-30T20:35:49","modified_gmt":"2020-09-30T20:35:49","slug":"thats-not-a-toy-cats-and-snakes-and-preventing-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/thats-not-a-toy-cats-and-snakes-and-preventing-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"That\u2019s Not a Toy! Cats and Snakes and Preventing Problems"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Californians, most of our clientele at <\/span>Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital<\/span><\/a> know more than their fair share about snakes. From personal safety to basic first aid skills, snake safety is a part of living here.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the veterinary side, snakes and dogs are often discussed. We may have discussed <\/span>rattlesnake vaccination<\/span><\/a> with you during your wellness visit and you may have seen tips on <\/span>how to keep your pet safe outdoors<\/span><\/a> on our blog.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As with many other topics, though, we often neglect to talk about cats and snake safety. It is important to consider cats and snakes, as these encounters can be dangerous as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Encounters Between Cats and Snakes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Obviously if your cat goes outdoors, they are at similar risk for a snake encounter as your dog might be. With their natural hunting prowess, though, cats are often more likely to find a slithering friend in places you are not expecting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cats are also much more likely than dogs to investigate and even pursue snakes after warnings. Cats have been known to play with dead snakes as well, which could still result in a deadly envenomation under the right circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is one area where a cat\u2019s strong prey drive is probably to their detriment. Many dogs can be taught and encouraged to avoid snakes. In cats, though, this is a tall order.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Safety First<\/span><\/h3>\n

So how can we maintain a sense of safety between cats and snakes?<\/span><\/p>\n

Many of the same principles apply to cats as dogs. Try to keep kitty safe by:<\/span><\/p>\n