Does anyone have any information about snake bites and cats?

Question

I came home from work and there is a dead snake at the back door which looks like it has been attacked by a cat. It is black with a red belly and it looks like it is just a baby. I have two cats. One just ate and the other one I can't find at the moment, but that is not unusual. I called the vet and they said to look out for foaming at the mouth, unbalance and anything that doesn't look normal. If you have had any experience regarding snakes and cats could you please give me any information I should know. Also how long before the symptoms start and when can I be sure that the cats are fine?

I live in NSW Australia

Answer 1

I would think that if it was a poisonous snake that bit your kit then it would only take a few minutes to kill. just because snakes are babies do not assume that their venom is less poisonous. you did not say what country you are from so I really have no idea what the snake could be. try finding your cat.

edit: I looked up black snakes with red bellies in australia. and came up with pseudechis porphyriacus- there is a link below to a pic of one. IF that is the snake and IF it actually bit your cat then it is not good news. those snakes are highly venomous. please try to find your cat. I sure hope it is ok!

Answer 2

My guess is that he has an infection. It could be from a bite, most likely another cat though and not a snake. Cats have really sharp canine teeth that puncture when they bite. These teeth act like needles and deposit bacteria from the cats mouth deep into the tissue of the cat that gets bitten. The result can be a nasty infection and a swelling called an abscess. An abscess can grow as more puss is produced and affected cats usually have a fever and act sick and lethargic. As the pressure grows the abscess can rupture and pus will drain out. This can provide temporary relief until the wound seals and the process starts over. Veterinarians deal with abscess's by draining them so they can't reform and treating the cat with broad spectrum antibiotics for an appropriate amount of time.