Silverfish are liked and disliked.
They’re harmless at times but irritating and dangerous at other times. Think back to the last time you had a pest problem, whether in your home or in another location.
Maybe you had an ant problem at home or at your business; either way, ants at least bite and are generally considered toxic.
But there are also species that are too small to chew properly and that can cause health problems. So it’s wise to be vigilant and to consider the problem seriously once you’ve been alerted to it by your cat’s activity.
Silverfish don’t cause structural damage to your home, but they can cause major annoyances for you with their large numbers and their droppings, which often look like rice grains.
Can Cats Eat Silverfish?
Insects having wingless bodies, the silverfish is one of them.
Its body is elongated and thin, and it resembles fish in appearance. Silverfish are small in size, and their body width is approximately 2 to 3 millimeters.
They are confined to damp and dark environments like in kitchens and bathrooms. They are of two varieties, and both are dangerous to humans.
Some types of silverfish emit a chemical that irritates the skin and eyes. When they bite humans, it causes rashes and swelling.
They’re drawn to paper, and they’ll snack on books, magazines, and newspapers until they’re completely destroyed.
Silverfish are safe for your cats as long as they aren’t allergic to them.
When consumed, silverfish are safe to your cat, and they are most active at night. As a result, while Silverfish are scurrying about in the evening, your cat will be busy as well, and will most likely pursue and devour them.
You can bet your bottom dollar that your kitty will enjoy the experience!
Why Does Your Cat Eat Silverfish?
You’re more likely to see silverfish in damp places, such as damp basements and bathrooms.
Although they are not harmful to humans, they can become a nuisance when large numbers hide in cupboards and drawers.
Please accept my apologies, but if I had to guess your cat’s motive, I’d think that your cat likes to eat silverfish because they provide a source of entertainment.
It’s possible that your cat eats silverfish since they enjoy playing and chasing them, so they may eat the insects.
This is rare in most felines, but they’ve developed a taste for it over time.
Is It Okay For Cats To Eat Silverfish?
If your cat has consumed or eaten silverfish and suffers any health issues then your cat’s owner is recommended to visit a veterinarian.
There is also no evidence to support the idea that silverfish can cause cancer in cats.
Silverfish shouldn’t be given to your cats unintentionally, since this could cause them to lose weight.
Do Silverfish Bite Cats?
Silverfish are non-venomous, meaning they won’t hurt your cat if they bite it.
The silverfish prefers starchy and protein-rich diets, and you should never feed it cat food because it will cause it to become fat and unhealthy.
Also, if the cat sees them, it may become paranoid and stop eating altogether.
What can I do to prevent silverfish? Avoid keeping cat food in bowls for silverfish to feed on.
Dust and vacuum your home often to prevent silverfish from accumulating.
It’s important to get rid of silverfish since they damage things and you don’t want them in your home.
Are Silverfish Toxic or Dangerous to Cats?
The answer is no, and here is the reason why: Silverfish are not poisonous.
They are just small crustaceans. The silverfish do not have teeth that are capable of biting or stinging.
They are also not harmful to humans or animals. So in short, they are harmless.
Cats are not harmed by silverfish unless the owner uses an insecticide or pesticide that is not appropriate for cats.
Silverfish infest indoor spaces. They prefer dark, damp areas.
They enter homes by hiding in boxes or cracks in walls. They feed on starches in wall paper, books, and pictures.
When I asked them if there was anything I should know, they said they’re perfectly harmless and won’t harm your cat.
As a result, everything I’ve heard from cat owners is silverfish don’t cause illness, they don’t harm cats, and they don’t bite them.
What happens if Your cat eats a silverfish?
As it turns out, though, there are a lot of myths circulating about silverfish that are incorrect.
For instance, most people believe that silverfish are extremely venomous and that they will cause your cat to become very ill or even die if she eats them. Of course, this is not true.
Although silverfish are poisonous to some people, they are not toxic to other pets like cats. So don’t worry if your cat eats a silverfish; she’ll be fine.
In other words, there’s no need to worry if your cat consumes a silverfish.
Silverfish are small, dark fish that prefer to lurk in the crevices of walls, appliances, and furniture to lurk for prey. Eating a silverfish may trigger an upset stomach and diarrhea, so we recommend taking your cat to the vet if this happens.
Can Silverfish Make Cats Sick?
Eating silverfish will not cause your cat to get sick, but it can cause your cat to vomit.
Since silverfish have tiny wiggly bodies, cats can often ingest them accidentally. Since silverfish are so small, they can be difficult to pinpoint during an oral exam.
Silverfishing is not harmful to cats, but you should still be careful when handling it because some varieties can be poisonous.
Many cat owners fear exposure to silverfish and believe that they can harm or even kill their feline companions.
However, any cat that ingested a silverfish would have to undergo chelation therapy to overcome the poisoning.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Wheatgrass?
Conclusion
Even if you’d rather go to the store to buy some silverfish, just because we told you cats can eat it doesn’t mean you should.
There are some cats who will eat silverfish and other small insects.
They have a varied diet including fish. Cats who enjoy fish aren’t typically picky.
In fact, fish are often a favorite treat for cats. As with all of other things cats enjoy, it’s not ideal to feed your cat silverfish because they aren’t meant to be eaten.
Silverfish are safe for cats to consume, but make sure you serve them in small quantities as silverfish can be quite large when served.
When it comes to cats, silverfish aren’t listed as toxic.
Anyone reading this article probably knows that cats have an appetite that rivals that of a dog’s.
And it’s true that cats can eat just about anything. However, there are foods that are considered harmful or toxic to cats, and in my opinion, silverfish is one of those foods.
Although there are no serious health problems associated with silverfish consumption by cats, there are some risks that you should know of before feeding your cat this ancient crustacean.
However, you and your cats should probably just stick with fish and leave the silverfish alone.