Many cat owners notice cicadas patrolling tree branches or lawns during summer and worry about curious cats picking them up. These noisy insects look large and intimidating, but are cicadas poisonous to cats in any meaningful way.
This guide breaks down the facts about cicadas and feline health, compares local species, and explains what to do if your cat interacts with one.
Common Cicada Species in North America
| Species | Region | Size | Typical Coloration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magicicada septendecim | Eastern United States | 28–35 mm | Black body, orange wing veins, orange eyes |
| Okanagana rimosa | Central and Eastern United States | 20–28 mm | Gray-green body, translucent wings |
| Neotibicen similaris | Eastern and Central United States | 25–35 mm | Greenish body with brown markings |
| Hyalessa maculaticollis | Japan, Korea, East Asia | 20–30 mm | Brown thorax, translucent abdominal segments |
Toxicity and Chemical Defenses Compared
Cicadas rely on camouflage, loud calls, and mass emergence rather than venom or potent toxins. Their bodies do not produce strong neurotoxins or cardiotoxins that affect mammalian cells in the way, for example, certain snake venoms or bee venom do. While some insects sequester plant toxins or produce defensive chemicals, cicadas are not equipped with compounds designed to poison predators.
Veterinary toxicology databases typically do not list cicadas as a poisoning hazard for cats. Instead, the concern focuses on mechanical irritation, choking risk, and rare allergic reactions rather than systemic toxicity.
Mechanical Risks and Physical Injury
Even if cicadas are not poisonous, they can still pose physical dangers to cats. Hard exoskeletons and spiny legs may irritate the mouth, throat, or intestines if swallowed, potentially causing vomiting or temporary constipation. The wings, although fragile, can catch on soft tissues and cause minor abrasions.
Because cats groom by licking, fragments of insect exoskeleton could increase minor digestive upset. Owners should monitor for signs of discomfort such as drooling, coughing, or lack of appetite after a cicada encounter.
Behavioral Triggers and Environmental Hazards
The hunting instinct triggered by moving cicadas may lead cats to bite or chase them, increasing the chance of swallowing large pieces. In yards where cicadas are abundant, cats might ingest insect remains along with grass, raising the possibility of stomach irritation.
Outdoor factors such as pesticides, fertilizers, or other insects that share the same environment can compound health risks more than the cicada itself. Limiting access to freshly treated areas during cicada season helps reduce overall toxic exposure concerns.
Local Species and Regional Variations
Different regions host cicadas with varying sizes and exoskeleton thickness. Periodical cicada broods in the eastern United States emerge in large numbers, while annual species appear in many climates worldwide. Although none are classified as poisonous to cats, regional differences can affect how easily a cat can chew and digest these insects.
Key Takeaways for Cat Owners
- Cicadas are not poisonous to cats, but their exoskeletons can cause digestive irritation.
- Watch for coughing, drooling, vomiting, or lack of appetite after your cat encounters a cicada.
- Prevent access to insect-treated areas and store outdoor pesticides securely.
- Supervise outdoor time during cicada season to reduce the chance of ingestion.
- Contact a veterinarian if breathing difficulties or ongoing digestive signs occur.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can a cat get sick from eating a cicada?
Yes, a cat may experience vomiting, mild stomach upset, or temporary constipation from eating the hard exoskeleton and spiny legs of a cicada, but serious poisoning is extremely unlikely.
What should I do if my cat swallows part of a cicada wing?
Monitor for coughing, gagging, or difficulty breathing; if any breathing issues appear, contact a veterinarian immediately, as wing fragments can occasionally obstruct the throat or airway.
Are periodical cicadas more dangerous than annual ones to cats?
Neither type is poisonous, but periodical cicadas emerge in very large numbers, which can increase the chance a cat catches and eats one, potentially raising the risk of mild digestive upset.
Should I use insecticides around my yard to keep cicadas away from my cat?
Avoid using insecticides around cats; instead, limit outdoor access during peak cicada activity or supervise your cat to prevent ingestion, as chemical treatments can be more harmful than the insects themselves.