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Spider Bite
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Spiders are usually reclusive but will bite a pet if they feel threatened. Virtually all spiders are poisonous however most of them don't have deep enough fangs to penetrate skin or enough venom to cause any harm. There are a few spiders that can do damage and first aid can help to control the poison until you get your pet to the vet. Signs of distress can show up in 30 min to 6 hours.

Symptoms

Steps
1   Make sure to try and identify the type of spider that bit your cat so that you can describe it to the vet Black Widow Spider - black spider, with a black shiny back and a red hourglass underneath it, 1-1/2" in size Brown Widow Spider - brown to gray color, yellow/orange hourglass underneath, 1-1/2" in size Red Widow Spider - orange colored head with a black abdomen, top of the abdomen usually has a row of red spots with yellow borders 1- 1/2" in size Brown Recluse - light tan to deep reddish brown color, with a distinctive dark violin-shaped mark located on the head and thorax and is ¼ to 1/2 in size Tarantula - brown hairy spiders with a 4 inch leg span
2   Locate the location of the bite and be advised that symptoms sometimes don't show up for 30 min - 6 hours
3   Keep your cat as calm and still as possible and avoid any movement
4   Try to lower the bitten area under the level of his heart to slow circulation of venom
5   Rinse the bite wound with cold water and soap to get rid of any bacteria
6   Place a cold pack (wrapped in a towel) on the wound to numb any pain and reduce swelling and prevent spread of poison for 15 min on and 15 min off
7   Get your cat to a vet as soon as possible
Warnings
DO NOT allow your cat to move around a lot as moving around will cause the venom to spread
DO NOT put a cold pack directly on the skin, instead make sure to place it in a washcloth first
Take your cat to the vet immediately for medical attention
Tips
Try to identify the spider that bit your cat so you can describe it to the vet
Unless you saw that it wasn't a poisonous spider that bit your cat do not take any chances, get your cat to the vet

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