If you’ve ever seen a daddy long legs, you know that they’re pretty creepy. And if you’ve ever seen a cat eat one, then you know that it’s even more creepy. So what should you do if your cat eats a daddy long legs? Keep reading to find out!
Table of Contents
- What Exactly Are Daddy Long Legs?
- How Do Daddy Long Legs Fight Back?
- What Happens If A Cat Eats A Daddy Long Legs?
- Daddy Long Legs Venom Myth
- Definition of Venomous vs Poisonous
- Are Daddy Long Legs Poisonous to Dogs?
- What Spiders Are Dangerous for Cats?
- How to Prevent Cats from Eating Spiders or Getting Bitten
- How Daddy Long Legs Are Good for Your Home
- How Do I Get Rid of A Daddy Long Legs in My Home?
- Conclusion
What Exactly Are Daddy Long Legs?
Daddy long legs, also known as harvestmen, are arachnids. They’re related to spiders and mites, but they’re not quite the same thing. These creatures have long, thin legs (hence the name) and they’re usually brown or black. They’re most commonly found outdoors in areas with lots of vegetation, but they can also be found in homes, garages, and other buildings.
Daddy long legs are harmless to humans and cats, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not creepy. A lot of people are afraid of them because of the way they look, and some people even think that they’re poisonous. (They’re not – we’ll cover that in a sec).
How Do Daddy Long Legs Fight Back?
Even though daddy long legs don’t have venom, they do have a few defenses against predators. For one thing, they can release a noxious chemical from their bodies that deter predators. They can also drop off one of their legs if it’s grabbed by an attacker – the leg will continue to move and twitch, which confuses the predator and gives the daddy long legs time to escape.
What Happens If A Cat Eats A Daddy Long Legs?
If your cat eats a daddy long legs, there’s no need to worry. These creatures are not poisonous to cats (or humans). They’re not poisonous to any animals.
That said, just because daddy long legs are not poisonous doesn’t mean that they’re good for your cat to eat. These creatures can cause digestive upset in cats.
Daddy Long Legs Venom Myth
There is a myth that daddy long legs are the most poisonous creatures on Earth and the only reason they can’t hurt you (or your cat or dog) is that their fangs are too short. Daddy long legs (harvestmen) have no venom of any kind and they aren’t poisonous to eat (though no one including your cat should try!).
Definition of Venomous vs Poisonous
The terms venomous and poisonous are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference.
Venomous creatures have a way to deliver their toxins into the body of their prey or attacker. For example, a snake has fangs that injected venom into its victim.
Poisonous creatures don’t have a way to deliver their toxins. They might have toxins on their skin or in their tissues, but there’s no way for those toxins to get into the body of another animal. For example, some frogs are poisonous if you eat them, but they can’t hurt you if you just touch them.
Daddy long legs are not venomous or poisonous. They don’t have fangs or any other way to inject toxins into another creature.
Are Daddy Long Legs Poisonous to Dogs?
No, daddy long legs are not poisonous to dogs (or cats or humans). These creatures are not venomous or poisonous. They’re not poisonous to any animals.
What Spiders Are Dangerous for Cats?
While most spiders are not dangerous for cats to eat, there are a few that can cause problems. For example, the black widow spider is venomous and can be deadly if your cat is bitten. Other venomous spiders include the brown recluse spider and the hobo spider. If you think your cat has been bitten by a venomous spider or has eaten one, please call your veterinarian immediately.
How to Prevent Cats from Eating Spiders or Getting Bitten
The best way to prevent your cat from getting bitten by a spider is to keep them away from areas where spiders are likely to be found. This includes tall grass, woodpiles, and dark corners of the basement or garage. If you see a spider in your home, try to catch it and release it outdoors.
You can also use a natural insect repellent in your home to help keep spiders away. Lemon or eucalyptus oil can be diluted and sprayed around the perimeter of your home, and essential oils can be used in a diffuser. Cedar oil is also effective at repelling spiders.
If you’re concerned about your cat being bitten by a spider, talk to your veterinarian about using a natural insecticide in your home. There are also several commercial products available that are safe to use around pets.
How Daddy Long Legs Are Good for Your Home
While daddy long legs may not be good for your cat to eat, these creatures can be beneficial for your home. Daddy long legs are known to eat other pests, such as mites, ants, insects, insect eggs, and cockroaches. So having a few of these around can help keep your home free of other insects.
How Do I Get Rid of A Daddy Long Legs in My Home?
If you have a daddy long legs in your home and you want to get rid of it, there are a few things you can do. You can vacuum it up or catch it in a cup and release it outdoors. You can also use a fly swatter or an insecticide spray to kill it.
Conclusion
Daddy long legs are not poisonous to cats or any other animals. These creatures are beneficial for your home as they help control other pests. If you have a daddy long legs in your home, you can vacuum it up or catch it in a cup and release it outdoors. You can also use a fly swatter or an insecticide spray to kill it.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
