05/11/2025
Now that the weather is warming up, our slithery snake friends are making appearances all over Canberra and unfortunately, having quite a few interactions with our pets.
This is your annual reminder that there are many species of snakes in Australia, and all of them can cause quite an impact on our pets if they happen to be bitten.
Some snakes hold different types of venom, which have different effects on the body, however, every snake bite should be treated as an emergency and receive antivenom as soon as possible by a veterinarian.
Though cats can tolerate snake venom better than dogs do, they still require emergency triage and treatment.
Common Symptoms of a snake bite in cats:
- Sudden collapse and vomiting with a fast recovery time.
- Wobbly/Unsteady on their feet
- Difficulty breathing and/or panting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
- Shaking
- Paralysis
- Dilated pupils
- Red or brown coloured urine
- Obvious bite wound
What you should do if you see your cat has been bitten by a snake or you suspect your cat has been bitten:
- Stay calm
- Call your closest veterinary clinic to give the team time to prepare for treatment
- Restrict your cats movement
- Ensure airway is clear (Holding their head up if they can’t)
- Reduce stress (Loud music/children/other pets)
What to expect from your veterinary team;
- Blood tests
- Antivenom administration
- Supportive care and 24hr monitoring
Keep in mind that the above symptoms can be delayed.
It is important to remain calm in this situation with your cat, as stress can cause your cat process the venom faster and cause more problems. If you have any further questions about this topic, please feel free to contact us on (02) 6251 1444 or ccv@canberracatvet.com.au to speak to our experienced team. 😊
https://www.act.gov.au/environment/animals-and-plants/animals/wildlife-management/snakes
