This cat blog will answer the major question, “Do cats eat chipmunks?” we will also discuss the major reasons why your cat eats chipmunks, whether chipmunks are poisonous for your cat, and the possible threats of consuming wild chipmunks for your cat.
Do cats eat chipmunks?
Yes, cats do eat chipmunks. It is one of the common targets of cats. Chipmunks are usually found on the trees so the cats are attracted to eating chipmunks. Wild chipmunks are prone to many intestinal parasites which can harm your cat so make sure your domesticated cats do not consume wild rodents like chipmunks.
What are the major reasons for eating chipmunks for your cat?
Following are the major reasons for consuming chipmunks for your cat:
Cats are obligate carnivores animals
Cats are obligate carnivores. It means they get protein from an animal source. Chipmunks are a good source of protein for your cat and they are very common across the world. They are common targets because they are present everywhere and they are always in search of food and end up becoming food for other animals like cats.
Cats are curious animals
Cats are curious animals and they love to explore new things. When they come across chipmunks they try to explore them with their senses but the chipmunks are scared of cats and they run immediately. The cats chase them down and eat them while exploring them. This is another reason why your cat eats chipmunks.
Cats love to chase down the prey
The next reason is cats love to chase down their prey. Chipmunks are small rodents and they are very active. As soon as they saw a predator, they run.
Cats on the other hand chase them down because they love to chase their prey and when the prey is exhausted they eat it. Sometimes, cats do not want to eat the prey but just want to chase it down and play with it and in this process, the prey is killed.
What are the possible threats of consuming wild chipmunks for your cat?
Following are the major threats of consuming wild chipmunks for your cat:
Intestinal protozoan infection in cats
Cats are prone to intestinal protozoan infection if they consume wild chipmunks. Wild cats are not prone to parasites of the chipmunks because they have a high immunity level. On the other hand, domesticated cats are prone to this condition because of their low level of immunity.
Following are the major clinical signs of intestinal protozoal infection in your cat:
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Pale mucous membrane
Roundworm infection in your cat
The next type of infection your cat can contract is a roundworm infection. Roundworms are a deadly type of infection in your cat and if it is not treated in time it can lead to intestinal blockage in your cat.
Roundworm eggs go into the intestine and hatch there, the immature worms grow in the intestine and block the intestine leading to severe pain. It can cause the death of your cat.
Following are the major clinical signs of roundworm infection in your cat:
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea with worms in it
- Severe abdominal pain
In case of intestinal blockage, the only solution is the surgical removal of worms from the intestine of the cat which is a costly and life-threatening procedure.
What are the prevention strategies you should adopt to avoid any infection in your cat?
You should avoid such kind of infection in your cat by following strict hygienic measures and maintaining a monthly deworming schedule. Moreover, you should avoid any kind of wild food for your cat, especially wild chipmunks. The food you give your cat should be properly cooked and it should be bought from the market.
You should provide clean water from a reliable source and you should avoid any kind of contamination in the water. If there is contamination of food or water, condemn it.
Are chipmunks poisonous for your cat?
No, chipmunks are not poisonous for your cat to consume. It is healthy for your domesticated cat to consume chipmunks but it should avoid eating wild chipmunks as they can get many infections from them.
Chipmunks can be dangerous for your cat if they have consumed something poisonous and it will go into the stomach of your cat leading to toxicity in your cat.
Following are the major clinical signs of toxicity in your cat:
- Pale mucous membrane
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain
Your cat will experience nervous signs if the toxicity is not treated in time. Following are the major nervous signs your cat will experience:
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Abnormal gait
Conclusion
This cat blog will answer the question, “Do cats eat chipmunks?” we also discussed the major reasons why your cat eats chipmunks, whether chipmunks are poisonous for your cat, and the possible threats of consuming wild chipmunks for your cat.
References
https://www.animalfate.com/do-cats-eat-chipmunks/
https://www.petassure.com/maxscorner/worming-schedule-for-kittens-and-cats/
