As the weather warms and nature brings forth all manner of new life, it is time to be mindful of those nasty black widows that love our climate for they are also breeding. I mention this as cats are curious by nature, and a bite from one of these spiders can cause death in severe cases.

The black widow venom is classified as a neurotoxin, meaning that it attacks the nervous system of whatever is on the receiving end of the bite. The kitten and the senior cat are at the greatest risk for having a severe reaction as their lives are already fragile.

Only the adult female spider will bite a human or pet, but is generally not aggressive unless defending a nest or otherwise provoked. She is about ½” to 1” in size with a bulbous shiny black abdomen sporting a red hourglass mark on the underside.

If you suspect your pet has been bitten by this spider or the equally venomous brown recluse (aka, violin spider), grab your checkbook and seek veterinary care immediately.

Symptoms occurring within 8 hours:
1. Paralysis
2. Abdominal rigidity
3. Severe muscular pain in the back, chest and abdomen accompanied by loud cries
4. Muscle tremors and spasms
5. Respiratory distress
6. Increased heart rate and blood pressure
7. Excessive salivation and restlessness
8. Vomiting and diarrhea
9. Death

Treatment:
1. Anti-venom

Since there is only one treatment , it is costly, not readily available, and may not even save your cat; the best thing to do is be diligent in making your pet’s environment safe. Indoors or out, black widows are found in every state but Alaska.

I remember one morning when I found a large dismembered dead black widow in the upstairs hallway. I was worried that one of my cats had been bitten in the process of “playing” with it, and watched them closely for 24 hours. I found another one beneath a dresser in my bedroom, one under which many a foster kitten had hidden.

I generally move spiders outside when I find them in my house, but I show no mercy when it comes to the black widow. When conducting your own search and destroy mission, look in dark places for strong, messy webs. Wearing gloves and using a stick to poke into crevices is a good idea. Call a professional exterminator in if you find a lot of them. I had the perimeter of my house sprayed a couple of years ago, and could not believe how many black widows were lying dead the next morning.

While the chance that your cat will be bitten is rather slim, a few easy precautionary measures may just save your pet’s life. Even if your pet is an indoor only kitty, check the perimeter of your home for black widows, especially near your doors through which they can easily enter via cracks. If your cat goes outside, also search your yard for nests. You will find them inside old flower pots turned upside down, planter drainage holes, wood piles, inside the tubular frames of lawn furniture, garden sheds, any place that is dark. Your first indication of their whereabouts will be a messy, sticky web.

Keep that stick handy and happy hunting!