Creepy Spiders & Cats

Halloween is approaching and fake cobwebs and spiders are everywhere.  It made us realize we never see large creepy spiders in our downtown neighborhood. We wonder do venomous spiders exist in Miami and are cats immune to spider bites? Are they pals in the dark of night? Much like spooky Halloween themes depict?

Turns out cats are sensitive to certain spider bites compared to humans, primarily due to their smaller size and different physiology. However, it's important to note that not all spider bites are equally dangerous to cats. Let's break this down:

General sensitivity: Cats are generally more sensitive to spider venom due to their smaller body mass. A dose of venom that might cause mild symptoms in a human could potentially be more serious for a cat.

Spiders of particular concern:

a) Black Widow (Latrodectus species):

• Black widow bites can be very dangerous to cats.
• Their venom affects the nervous system and can cause severe pain, muscle rigidity, and paralysis.
• Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.
  
  

b) Brown Recluse (Loxosceles species):

• These bites can cause necrotic lesions in cats, similar to humans.
• The venom can lead to tissue death around the bite area.
• Systemic effects can include fever, lethargy, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
• Mostly found in Midwest states of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

c) Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis):

• While less studied in cats, hobo spider bites can potentially cause necrotic lesions.
• However, the danger of hobo spiders is debated among experts.

                                    
d) Sydney Funnel-web Spider (Atrax robustus):

• Recognized as the world’s deadliest spider, this Australia spider is black and grows up to five centimeters long.
• Funnel-web spiders have a glossy, lightly-haired body. 
• Their bite is deadly for both humans and animals, killing within an hour. The tinier the spider, the more venomous it is.

Factors affecting severity:

• The size and age of the cat
• The amount of venom injected
• The location of the bite
• How quickly treatment is sought
  
  Important notes:

• Many spiders, even those considered dangerous, will not always envenomate (inject venom) when they bite.
• Most common house spiders are not significantly dangerous to cats.
• Cats are natural predators and may be more likely to encounter spiders while hunting or playing.

If you suspect your cat has been bitten by a spider, especially if you observe any unusual symptoms or behaviors, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Quick treatment can significantly improve outcomes in cases of dangerous spider bites.

Remember, prevention is key. Keeping your home free of spider webs and sealing entry points can help reduce the risk of encounters between your cat and potentially dangerous spiders.

Tangerine Has FIP But We Can Still Save Him

 

Tangerine

His ears look as if they were chomped to their tattered deformed edges. One ear almost gone the other missing pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. Whatever happened? We will never know. Like many street cats trying to survive the rough outdoors with no general care other than feedings, this orange cat was rescued from the stables at the Calder Race Track (Miami) in March 2022 after it closed. To make matters worse, his guardian feeder was killed in a tragic accident.  This is when a dedicated animal volunteer, Sharlene, learned about the strays that lived there and offered to help. She came upon this orange cat who had deformed ears but clearly hungry. She quickly gained his trust and feeding schedule. Then suddenly he had difficulty walking. He walked clumsily across a sewer and had runny mucus from the nose and mouth.  Sharlene sprang into action, determined to save this cat. 

Despite his rough condition, after cleaning him up, his fur a perky orange color, and his eyes with a spark of hope, pleading to this kind stranger, she named him Tangerine. Thus began the journey of nurturing and medical visits. Please click here for the full story.

Despite his permanent runny nose, and URI (Upper Respiratory Infection), Tangerine, like the gallant male kitty, seemed to accept it all as part of life and never complained. Rather he was content in his new home, a roof, soft bed, regular food, a friendly feline and canine sibling and the best mom in the world. Yes, life was good for Tangerine. Our hearts were full of joy but cautious optimism. 

That optimism met its unknown deadline a year later. Sadly, it appears in a complication from treating a seizure he has developed neuro dry FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). 

FIP is a deadly illness and in the past cats never survived. However, recent advances in the science of cat health and medical issues have introduced a new treatment.  But like any fatal disease, new treatments, are very costly and arduous. The treatment plan requires 84 days of daily injections. The good news is that a good Samaritan with experience, comes over daily to do the injections. The bad news, the cost for medication is $2,000. 

But our favorite Tangerine is such a warrior despite the swelling for now up to 50 injections. It's a delicate balance with his other health issues. He's fighting to live, and we are determined to make his dream a reality. 

Our favorite photo of Tangerine!

Life is Good Indoors

Please help Tangerine fight FIP and 

live the life he so deserves.

For your tax-deductible donation to pay for mounting vet bills and medical care, please click here. Remember no amount is too small. 

Riverfront Cats is part of Pawsitively Humane, Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Miami, Florida. 

Or to donate directly to the GOFUNDME (a non 501c3) organized by the wonderful, dedicated guardian Sharlene, please click here.

VET BILLS to date for Tangerine

Feb 2024: $2400 ($700 raised to date)

Aug 2023:  $3400 (only $1600 was raised)

Mar 2022:  $3500 (only $2000 was raised)

Please consider a monthly donation to help pay off outstanding bills. We receive many pleas like this every week. At least five a week. The sooner bills are paid off, the more we can help sick, injured lost, abandoned, or stray animals.

If you are not able to donate financially, there is also a desperate need for fosters and medical fosters (those with experience). Feel free to email us riverfrontcats@yahoo.com or info@pawsitivelyhumane.com

Thank you!!