Cats regularly catch and consume insects in the wild, though bugs are not a primary food source for either wild or domestic felines. This opportunistic hunting behavior is a strong instinctual trait deeply ingrained in the species. The sight of a small, rapidly moving insect immediately triggers a cat’s predatory response, often leading to quick capture and ingestion.
Insect Consumption in a Cat’s Diet
Cats are classified as obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must consist primarily of animal protein to meet their specific nutritional needs, such as the amino acid taurine. In this context, insects serve as a supplemental food source rather than a dietary staple, providing small amounts of protein, fat, and insoluble fiber in the form of chitin. A study looking at the diet of feral cats globally found that insects make up a small portion, averaging about 1.2% of their total diet.
While insects offer some nutritional value, their consumption is rarely enough to contribute meaningfully to a cat’s daily caloric or energy requirements. Wild or feral cats, especially during times when larger prey like rodents or birds are scarce, may rely slightly more on insects as an easily accessible snack. For domestic cats, however, the consumption of bugs is most often an accidental or instinctual consequence of the hunt, rather than a necessary nutritional choice.
Chitin, which forms the hard exoskeletons of insects, is largely indigestible to cats and can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities. Although insects are high in protein, the majority of a cat’s nutritional requirements must still be met by a balanced diet of meat-based meals. Therefore, while bugs offer a small, crunchy boost of protein, they cannot replace the nutrient profile derived from mammalian or avian prey.
Instinct and Play: Why Cats Hunt Bugs
A cat’s attraction to bugs is rooted in their innate predatory drive, which is independent of hunger. The quick, erratic movements of an insect perfectly mimic the actions of small prey, activating the cat’s ingrained hunting sequence. This sequence involves stalking, pouncing, and capturing, which provides both mental and physical stimulation for the cat.
For many domestic cats, hunting insects serves as a form of practice or play. This activity allows them to express their natural hunting instincts in a safe environment, offering a break from the monotony of their surroundings. The act of chasing and catching an insect triggers a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with satisfaction and excitement, making the hunt self-rewarding.
Consumption sometimes happens because eating is the final, instinctual step in the hunting sequence. A cat will often ingest the caught “prey,” even if it is not hungry, completing the natural cycle of the hunt.
Health Risks of Eating Insects
While most common household insects are harmless, several health risks are associated with a cat eating bugs. One of the most severe dangers comes from insects that possess toxins or venom, such as certain species of spiders, like the black widow, and fireflies. Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, contain lucibufagins, a steroid-like toxin that can cause significant digestive distress and is poisonous to cats.
Stinging insects like bees and wasps pose a risk not because of ingestion, but due to the potential for a sting in the mouth or throat, which can lead to localized swelling or a life-threatening allergic reaction. Furthermore, many insects act as intermediate hosts for parasites, which can infect a cat upon consumption. For example, fleas and cockroaches can transmit tapeworm eggs, and ingesting a cricket can potentially introduce a cat to the harmful horsehair worm.
Another threat is consuming insects that have been exposed to chemical treatments. Bugs recently killed by pesticides or household pest control products may carry residual toxins that can harm a cat when ingested. If a cat exhibits signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after eating a bug, consult a veterinarian immediately, as these symptoms can indicate a toxic exposure or parasitic infection.