We all know that cats are curious animals, so it’s not strange that many of us wondered: Do cats eat flies or not?
The answer to this question is Yes! Cats do eat flies. As cats are natural predators, they might eat flies and other small insects as part of their hunting instinct.
However, it is important to note that not all cats eat flies because some cats may not be interested in hunting insects.
Therefore, you might consider whether it is okay for cats to eat flies or if cats can get sick from eating them.
Well, let’s go to the point.
Why Do Cats Eat Flies? Is It Normal?
Yes, it is normal for cats to eat flies.
Most cats like to eat flies and other insects because cats are natural hunters. Cats are instinctively drawn to small insects and moving items.
In the wild, cats hunt small prey like mice, birds, flies, and insects as part of their natural behavior and they will eat those insects to reward their success.
Cats might also be attracted to the taste of flies and other insects because they are full of protein.
Some Domestic cats have the same instance as wild cats, they will stalk and consume insects even if they aren’t hungry.
However, not all cats will eat flies or other insects. Some cats have the instinct to kill or attack small insects but they do not prefer to eat them. It means they hunt for enjoyment and exercise.
Are Flies Tasty to Cats?
Yes, flies may be tasty to cats. They contain a source of protein, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Some cats might enjoy hunting and eating flies.
Flies are also not toxic to your cat in a small amount, but they may carry some health issues for your cat, so it is not a good idea to let your cat eat flies.
Anyway, some cats might try to catch and consume a fly, but it’s unlikely that they are enjoying the taste of it.
Can Cats Get Sick from Eating Flies?
Yes, cats can get sick from eating flies. As we know flies carry a variety of diseases and bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli that can lead your cat to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In addition, your cat is most harmful if they are eating flies that have been exposed to harmful substances like pesticides.
While a small number of flies are not toxic to your cat immediately, but if they try to consume flies every day or very often can be a cause of their health problem.
However, if you notice any symptoms of issues in your cats after they have eaten flies or another insect, you should consult with your vet for advice.
How to Stop Your Cat from Eating Flies?
It is hard and challenging to stop your cat from eating flies because it is their natural behavior.
However, there are some tips that could prevent your cat from eating flies:
Keep your house clean
As we know flies like to live in dirty or messy environments, so if your home is clean, it can help to reduce the number of flies in your home too.
While your home has no flies, your cat also might not have an opportunity to catch and eat them.
Give them a balanced diet
You should provide your cat with a nutritionally balanced and healthy diet. It can help full and meet their nutritional needs. It also can reduce their interest in hunting flies if they are full enough.
Make fun with your cat
You should spend some time with them to make fun by providing them with toys and playing games with them. It can help your cat to forget about hunting and it also can build a good relationship between them and their owner.
Train them
Our cats are clever, so we can teach them to focus their attention away from hunting flies by providing them with more attractive toys and giving them awards if they did a great job.
Anyway, please keep in mind that your cat is a natural hunter, so it might be difficult to totally stop them from pursuing flies or other small prey. But you should try your best. You might be successful with it.
Do Eats Flies? Final Thought:
Yes, cats do eat flies because they are natural predators. It is normal for cats interested in hunting and eating flies and other instincts.
A small number of flies may not be harmful to your cat but they can carry diseases, especially for flies that are exposed to harmful substances like pesticides.
In some cases, your cat may cause digestive upset such as diarrhea or vomiting after they have eaten flies.
You can stop your cat from eating flies by keeping your home clean, giving them enough food, making some fun with them, and teaching them to redirect their attention away from hunting flies.