Can Cats Eat Bugs? Crickets, Grasshoppers and Risk
By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD ·
Cats can eat many insects, and hunting bugs is normal feline behavior. Most common insects, including crickets and grasshoppers, are not poisonous to cats on their own. The real danger usually comes from what the insect has been exposed to, such as pesticides, or from parasites the insect may carry.
This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
Quick Answer
- A cat that catches and eats an occasional cricket or grasshopper is usually fine, and this is normal predatory behavior.
- Insects are not a complete food source for cats, so they should never replace a balanced commercial diet.
- The biggest risks are pesticide and rodenticide exposure, intestinal parasites, choking on hard shells or legs, and stomach upset.
- Some insects are genuinely dangerous, including fireflies (lightning bugs), certain caterpillars, and stinging insects like bees and wasps.
- If your cat ate a bug from an area treated with chemicals, or is drooling, vomiting, or acting wobbly, call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away.
Can Cats Eat Insects? The Short Answer
Yes, cats can eat insects. Cats are obligate carnivores, and their ancestors hunted small prey, including insects, as part of a varied diet. Hunting bugs is a normal, instinctive behavior, and many indoor cats will chase and eat flies, moths, and crickets without any prompting.
That said, "can" is not the same as "should." A bug here and there is unlikely to hurt a healthy adult cat. A steady diet of insects, or an insect that has been sprayed with pesticide, is a different story. Your cat's main nutrition should come from a complete and balanced cat food, not from whatever wanders across the kitchen floor.
Do Cats Eat Bugs? Understanding the Behavior
Yes, cats eat bugs, and they do it far more often than many owners realize. Cats are predators, and small, fast-moving prey triggers their hunting drive. A cricket hopping across the floor or a moth fluttering near a lamp can look exactly like a tiny, exciting target.
Research on outdoor cats shows how much wildlife they actually catch. A large survey of 553 cats across the UK estimated that the country's pet cat population returns between 37.25 million and 140.4 million prey items per year [1]. Insects are part of that catch for many cats, even if owners only notice the larger items.
What owners see and what cats actually eat can differ. In one study using DNA analysis of cat scat, researchers found only one instance of wild prey consumption across the samples, even though owners reported prey returns in other cases where no prey DNA showed up [2]. In other words, a cat may catch a bug, play with it, eat part of it, or leave it behind, and you may never know which happened.
Personality and roaming habits also play a role. Cats with larger home ranges and more active hunting personalities tend to encounter more prey, including insects [3]. So if your cat spends time outdoors or on a screened porch, bug hunting is simply part of the routine.
Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Bugs? Which Insects Are Risky
Some insects are safe in small amounts, and some are dangerous. The table below covers the insects owners ask about most.
| Insect | Safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crickets | Usually safe | Soft-bodied and commonly eaten. Watch for hard legs and parasite risk if wild-caught. |
| Grasshoppers | Usually safe | Similar to crickets. Pesticide exposure is the main concern. |
| Moths and butterflies | Usually safe | Some caterpillars are toxic, so avoid fuzzy or brightly colored ones. |
| Flies | Usually safe | Can carry bacteria from garbage or feces. |
| Beetles | Usually safe | Hard shells can cause choking or stomach irritation. |
| Spiders | Usually safe | Most common house spiders are not dangerous to cats. |
| Fireflies (lightning bugs) | Unsafe | Toxic to cats and can cause serious illness or death. |
| Bees and wasps | Unsafe | Stings can cause swelling, pain, and allergic reactions. |
| Caterpillars | Often unsafe | Some species have irritating hairs or toxins. |
| Cockroaches | Usually safe | Carry bacteria and may have been exposed to bait or spray. |
| Centipedes | Unsafe | Can bite and cause pain or swelling. |
| Scorpions | Unsafe | Venomous and a medical emergency. |
Fireflies deserve special attention. They contain compounds that are toxic to cats, and even a single firefly can cause serious problems. If your cat eats a firefly, treat it as an emergency and contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately.
Nutritional Value of Insects for Cats
Insects do contain protein, fat, and some minerals, which is part of why cats are willing to eat them. Crickets, for example, are a source of protein. But the amounts are small, and a few bugs will not meaningfully contribute to your cat's daily nutritional needs.
Commercial cat foods are formulated to meet established nutrient profiles for protein, fat, vitamins, taurine, and other essentials. Insects do not provide a balanced mix of these nutrients. Feeding insects as a treat is fine. Feeding them as a meal replacement is not.
If you want to give your cat a protein-based treat, a plain cooked egg is a better option than a wild bug. You can read more about that in Can Cats Eat Eggs.
Risks of Cats Eating Insects
Pesticides and Rodenticides
This is the single biggest danger. Bugs that have been sprayed, baited, or exposed to rodenticide can pass those chemicals to your cat. Cats are also at risk from secondary poisoning if they eat an insect that consumed poison bait. Symptoms depend on the chemical, but can include vomiting, drooling, tremors, weakness, and bleeding. If you use pest control in or around your home, keep your cat away from treated areas and ask your pest control company which products are pet-safe.
Parasites
Wild insects can carry parasites. Grasshoppers and crickets are known intermediate hosts for certain worm species, and eating an infected insect can lead to infection in your cat. Outdoor cats are already at higher risk for intestinal parasites, so routine deworming based on your veterinarian's recommendation matters. If your cat hunts bugs regularly, mention it at your next wellness visit.
Choking and GI Upset
Hard exoskeletons, spiny legs, and wings can irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach. Some cats vomit after eating a large beetle or a crunchy grasshopper. Choking is uncommon but possible with large, hard-shelled insects. Small kittens are at higher risk because of their smaller airways.
Additives and Seasonings
If a bug has been sitting in a trap, bait station, or on a sticky card, it may carry chemicals or adhesives. Never let your cat eat an insect from a trap. Sugar-free products that contain xylitol are a well-known danger for dogs, though a controlled study in cats did not find the same effects. Even so, sugar-free foods and products do not belong in a cat's diet, and you should keep them out of reach.
Stings and Bites
Bees, wasps, and centipedes can sting or bite your cat. A sting on the paw or face can cause swelling and pain. A sting inside the mouth or throat is more serious because swelling can affect breathing. If your cat is stung and shows facial swelling, trouble breathing, or repeated vomiting, seek emergency care.
Can Kittens Eat Insects?
Kittens can eat insects, but they are more vulnerable than adult cats. Their smaller size means a hard-shelled bug is more likely to cause choking, and their immune systems are still developing. A kitten that eats a pesticide-exposed bug can become sick faster than an adult cat would.
Keep kittens away from bug traps, sprayed areas, and outdoor spaces where they might catch and eat insects. If your kitten eats a bug and seems fine, watch for vomiting, drooling, or lethargy over the next few hours. If anything seems off, call your veterinarian.
Can Cats Eat Insects in the House?
Yes, cats can eat insects found in the house, and most common household bugs are not toxic on their own. The concern is what the bug has been in contact with. A house fly that landed on garbage is different from a cricket that walked across a freshly sprayed baseboard.
If you use ant baits, roach motels, or sticky traps, place them where your cat cannot reach them. Even a bug that dies in a bait station can carry the active ingredient. If your cat eats a bug from a bait station, call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline with the product name and the approximate time of exposure.
How to Offer Insects Safely
If you want to let your cat try insects as a treat, follow these guidelines.
- Choose captive-bred feeder insects from a pet store, such as crickets sold for reptiles. These are raised for feeding and are less likely to carry pesticides.
- Avoid wild-caught insects, especially from areas treated with chemicals, near roads, or in agricultural fields.
- Remove hard legs and wings from large insects before offering them.
- Offer insects plain. No salt, no garlic, no onion powder, no butter, no seasoning of any kind.
- Keep portions tiny. One or two small insects is plenty for a treat.
- Never use insects as a meal replacement. Keep your cat on a complete and balanced diet.
If you are looking for safe, protein-rich treats, options like plain cooked egg or a small piece of cooked, deboned meat are better choices. For more on what cats can and cannot eat, see Can Cats Eat Crab? Shell Hazards and Sodium and Can Cats Eat Strawberries? Nutritional Benefits and Risks.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate a Dangerous Bug
If your cat ate a firefly, a stinging insect, a caterpillar, or a bug from a treated area, act quickly.
- Call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Have the type of insect, the time of exposure, and any product names ready.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to.
- Save the insect or a photo of it if you can. This helps identify the species.
- Watch for drooling, vomiting, tremors, weakness, wobbliness, difficulty breathing, or collapse.
- If your cat is having trouble breathing, seizures, or is unresponsive, go to an emergency clinic immediately.
If your cat ate a common cricket or moth and seems completely normal, you can monitor at home for a few hours. Call your veterinarian if any symptoms appear.
Safer Alternatives to Bugs
If your cat enjoys the chase more than the meal, you can meet that need without the risks.
- Use wand toys, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders to satisfy the hunting drive.
- Offer commercial cat treats formulated for cats.
- Try small pieces of plain cooked chicken, turkey, or egg.
- Provide indoor enrichment like cat trees, window perches, and rotating toys.
- If your cat likes to chew plants, offer cat grass or a catnip toy. Catnip is generally safe for cats, and you can read more in Can Cats Eat Catnip? Nepetalactone and Safe Use Guide.
Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian
This article covers general information, not your cat's specific situation. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your cat, ask about exposure details, and decide on treatment.
Contact your veterinarian the same day if your cat ate a bug from a treated area, ate a firefly or caterpillar, or is showing mild symptoms like one episode of vomiting or mild drooling.
Go to an emergency clinic now if your cat has repeated vomiting, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, collapse, or unresponsiveness.
Schedule a routine visit if your cat hunts insects often and has not been dewormed recently, or if you have noticed weight loss, diarrhea, or a change in appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat grasshoppers and crickets?
Yes, cats can eat grasshoppers and crickets, and these are among the safer insects. The main risks are pesticide exposure and parasites, so avoid wild-caught insects from treated areas. Remove hard legs and wings before offering them as an occasional treat.
Is it safe for cats to eat bugs?
It depends on the bug. Most common insects are not toxic to cats, but fireflies, stinging insects, some caterpillars, and centipedes are dangerous. Pesticide-exposed insects are a serious risk regardless of species.
Can cats eat insects in the house?
Yes, most household insects are not toxic on their own. The concern is what the insect has touched, such as bait stations, sprays, or sticky traps. Keep pest control products out of your cat's reach.
Do cats eat bugs on purpose?
Yes, cats eat bugs as part of their natural hunting behavior. Insects are small, fast-moving prey that trigger a cat's predatory drive. Some cats eat them, some just play with them, and some ignore them entirely.
Can kittens eat insects?
Kittens can eat insects, but they are more vulnerable to choking and to pesticide exposure because of their small size. Keep kittens away from bug traps and treated areas, and call your veterinarian if a kitten eats a potentially dangerous insect.
Related Articles
- Can Cats Eat Venison? Wild Game Parasite Testing
- Can Cats Eat Eggs
- Can Cats Eat Crab? Shell Hazards and Sodium
- Can Cats Eat Strawberries? Nutritional Benefits and Risks
- Can Cats Eat Catnip? Nepetalactone and Safe Use Guide
- Cat Ate a Bee or Wasp: Signs of Allergic Reaction and Emergency Steps
References
- What the Cat Dragged in: Quantifying Prey Return Rates of Pet Cats (Felis catus) With Outdoor Access in the UK. Ecology and evolution, 2025.
- Using DNA Metabarcoding and Citizen Science to Assess the Diet of Owned Domestic Cats. Ecology and evolution, 2026.
- Personality Matters: Owner-Ascribed Personality Predicts Range Size Tendencies and Predation Behavior in Domestic Cats. Ecology and evolution, 2026.