Cats are capable of eating virtually any living thing, they’re often suspected of consuming frogs.
In most cases, cats won’t eat their frog outright. Instead, they’ll probably swallow the frog’s skin or digestive fluids.
However, it could happen that a cat will consume an entire frog. So, do cats eat frogs?
It’s a common misconception that cats eat frogs. However, this isn’t true at all.
In fact, cats don’t like to eat animals with smooth slippery skin, such as frogs and snakes. It’s unlikely that cats would accidentally swallow a frog while hunting.
So, don’t worry that your cat is eating a frog.
Do Cats Eat Frogs?
Cats do, in fact, sometimes kill and eat small live prey items including insects and worms but this behavior is not common and most owners do not find it acceptable in their pets.
Some cats may merely pursue and play with frogs, or they may be curious enough to taste the amphibian’s soft flesh.
If your cat eats one, there is no reason to be alarmed as this is a fairly common occurrence for pet cats and rarely poses any danger to the feline’s health.
If your cat ingests a toxic frog, she may show signs of illness including vomiting and diarrhea, as well as lethargy and depression.
However, these symptoms are temporary and usually disappear within 24 hours of the ingestion.
Do Cats Attack Frogs?
Cats do attack and kill adult toads and other amphibians on occasion but usually when the amphibians are already dead as a result of being run over by cars.
If your cat wanders outdoors, she may encounter a dead toad or other amphibian which she may find attractive to play with for a while before discarding it elsewhere.
Frogs may be near water, which may deter your feline from eating them anyway.
What Happens If Your Cat Consumes a Frog?
While cats eating frogs are typically harmless to their owners’ pets’ health, there are a few situations which merit concern.
Toads are venomous and may kill your cat if they are digested.
Carnivores such as cats do not typically develop allergies to venom, but repeat ingestion may result in mild allergic reactions in sensitive felines.
Cats do not react well to toads’ poison and they may vomit or have diarrhea as a result of the toxin ingestion.
As a consequence, ingesting something so unusual may cause some stress for your kitty which can manifest as illness.
If cats swallow large objects such as whole frogs, they are at risk of choking to death.
Some tree frog species are particularly toxic to domestic cats and dogs and can cause serious illness and even death if ingested by your pet cat.
Taking the cat to the doctor as soon as possible will minimize the risk of the toxins causing permanent damage to the cat’s internal organs.
What Happens If a Cat Licks a Frog?
Fortunately, licking a frog does not pose any danger to a cat’s health.
It may give you nightmares, but your pet will not become sick as a result of licking a frog.
However, it is possible that the frog may be toxic to your cat’s health.
Cats lick any and everything they are curious about, including mushrooms, ponds and even other cats’ tails. Most pets lick their fur to clean themselves.
Licking is your cat’s way of communicating with you by letting you know that she finds something strange and interesting enough to explore further.
What Should I Do If My Cat Eats a Frog?
If your cat eats a frog and appears to be ill as a result, you should bring her to the vet as soon as possible to be examined and treated if necessary.
It may vomit later, but this is usually an indication that it has digested the toad effectively and there is no more danger from toad venom present in its system.
Cats’ digestive systems aren’t designed to digest frogs, so it is unlikely to benefit your kitty to consume one intentionally or accidentally.
Cats’ intestines will reject these slippery amphibians in the same way that they would reject other foreign matter that enters the body through their mouth.
If this occurs, give your feline companion plenty of love and attention – she may be upset at losing her meal.
Are Green Tree Frogs Toxic To Cats?
Green tree frogs are dangerous to cats, but it depends on the species of green tree frog eaten.
Green tree frogs emit a poison through their skin which can have fatal consequences for a domestic cat if ingested.
Probably while your cat was drinking from a puddle on the ground or a water bowl outside your house.
How Long Does Toad Poisoning Last in Cats?
The above-mentioned symptoms might persist for several hours or even days after consuming toads’ poison.
You should, however, always take your cat to a vet clinic for further examination and treatment if it seems unwell after swallowing a foreign object or eating an unusual food item.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Margarine?
Final Words
Although it is typical for cats to chase smaller critters such as mice and birds, few cats will intentionally eat frogs or other amphibians.
If your cat does consume a frog for unknown reasons, there is no reason to panic.
Your cat’s symptoms may disappear within a few hours or days, but your feline might need veterinary care in the event of an illness or injury.
As a result, the best choice is to keep toads away from cats and other animals, especially ones with small children who might decide to pick up a slimy amphibian out of curiosity.
