Q & A: Bee stings in cats

Q: What should I do if a bee stings my cat in her mouth?

A: If your cat gets stung in her mouth there is a very high risk of severe swelling, resulting in difficulty breathing.

Also, if she gets stung by multiple bees, she may develop a fatal anaphylactic reaction, so it is advisable to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible after the stinging incident.

There are no over-the-counter medications that will work in these situations, and the medication will need to be given intravenously – her mouth will be very sore, so you will not be able to administer medication orally – which can only be done by a veterinarian.

Dr Vanessa Mcclure, veterinarian