Though no scientific evidence states definitively that blue-tailed skinks are toxic to cats, it’s best to discourage Missy from snacking on these critters.
Little whirly lizards with black and cream stripes fascinate most cats, if not all of them, and many of them exhibit a strong desire to chase them, just like they would any small, swiftly moving object. Although it’s been observed that cats can catch and consume lizards without any obvious negative effects, the Southern stereotype that “poor as a lizard-eating cat” implies that lizards aren’t at the top of the cat’s food chain. Some cats steer clear of adult skinks, most likely because they were nipped by lizards defending themselves.
A number of symptoms, such as hypersalivation, vomiting, fever, appetite loss, loss of coordination, and even death, are commonly associated with eating lizards. However, Platynosomum concinnum, a liver fluke, is blamed for a severe infestation of “lizard poisoning” syndrome according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Before making any changes to your pet’s diet, medication, or exercise regimen, always consult your veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
As a hatchling, the five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) has a vivid blue tail. Most people assume that this brightly colored appendage is poisonous or at the very least toxic. Some people mistakenly think that the tail’s blue hue indicates that it is poisonous, while others mistakenly think that it has a stinger. Some believers claim that lizards are poisoned in both their skin and flesh, while detractors laugh at the idea altogether and claim that their pets regularly eat lizards without suffering any negative consequences. There are other reasons why a cat might exhibit neurological symptoms like drooling and excitability besides consuming lizard tails.
In the Southeast of the United States, there is a persistent public belief that the five-lined skink, also known as the “blue-tailed lizard,” is poisonous to cats. Meanwhile, opinions on this matter continue to differ among the veterinary and scientific communities. Don’t say nuffin to the lizard resembling the Tar Baby with its vivid blue tail.
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I always thought it was a myth. The vet said she must have gotten a skink. She keeps falling and her eyes are constantly moving back and forth. She is now receiving medication at the vet for two days. Is this a temporary issue for cats, or is it a lifelong issue? Sponsored
FAQ
Is a blue tail lizard poisonous?
Are lizards poisonous for cats?
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Why don’t cats eat lizard tails?