Cats are natural hunters, equipped with sharp claws, stealthy movements, and lightning-fast reflexes that make them adept predators. As pet owners, we often catch our furry friends proudly bringing home their latest catches as “gifts” – which may sometimes include live or dead lizards! But is it safe for cats to snack on lizards? Are lizards good for cats or could they cause harm? This comprehensive article dives into all you need to know about cats and lizards.

Cats as Predators and Lizards as Prey

As obligate carnivores, cats need a diet rich in animal proteins and fats to thrive. Their bodies are adapted to derive nutrition from hunting and eating small animals. Lizards make natural prey for cats due to their similar sizes and shared habitats. It’s no surprise a curious cat may try to pounce on or snack on a lizard crossing its path!

While cats may naturally hunt lizards, however, that doesn’t necessarily make lizards appropriate food. We need to consider whether lizards offer balanced nutrition for cats and if they pose any health risks from parasites, toxins, or infection. This article will cover all of these questions in detail – read on to learn whether it’s safe for cats to eat lizards!

Are Lizards Safe and Nutritious for Cats?

Lizards can provide an adequate source of protein and fat to meet part of a cat’s dietary needs. However, lizards alone would not offer complete and balanced nutrition. Additionally, the risks posed by potential parasites, toxins, and other hazards mean lizards are not an ideal meal.

Nutritional Value of Lizards for Cats

Lizards are a good source of protein and fat when eaten whole as a prey animal. The exact nutrient composition will vary by lizard species and size.

• Small lizards like green anoles may offer 10-15% protein and 5-10% fat
• Large lizards like monitors contain about 20% protein and 10-15% fat

These nutrient levels help meet some of an obligate carnivore’s needs – but lizards alone would not provide ideal nutrition. Cats also require adequate vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Whole prey like mice, chicks, or small birds are more nutritionally complete if cats hunt live prey.

Potential Health Risks of Cats Eating Lizards

While lizards can contribute protein and fat, they also pose health hazards including:

Parasites: Lizards may harbor parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, or protozoa which can infect cats who eat them. Over 50% of wild-caught lizards may carry parasites.

Salmonella: Like all reptiles, lizards may carry Salmonella bacteria that can sicken cats if ingested. Estimates show over 90% of reptiles harbor salmonella species.

Toxins: Some lizards secrete toxic compounds in their skin and tails for defense. These may poison cats if lizards are eaten. Examples include Gila monsters, beaded lizards, and blue-tailed skinks.

So while lizards contain beneficial nutrients, those benefits may not outweigh the potential parasitic, bacterial, and toxic risks. It’s safer to avoid feeding lizards to cats as regular fare.

Do Cats Naturally Hunt and Eat Lizards?

The question remains – if lizards pose risks, why are cats so determined to snack on them? Understanding cats’ natural hunting drives and instincts helps explain their motivation to chase lizards. Domestic cats retain the strong prey drive of wild feline ancestors.

Cats Have Strong Hunting Instincts

Cats are predators, plain and simple. Their ancestry traces back to wild cats like the African wildcat, who honed their hunting skills over millennia to catch prey and survive. This instinct remains strong in our domestic tabbies!

Kittens begin stalking and pouncing early on. Catching prey like insects, lizards, and rodents helps develop coordination and gives cats an outlet for natural hunting behaviors.

So for cats, chasing lizards isn’t just about getting a snack – it satisfies inborn physical and mental stimulation needs. A cat tree by the window gives them a prime spot to scan for potential prey like lizards venturing into their territory.

Lizards Make Tempting Prey for Hunting Cats

Lizards make convenient targets for prowling cats. Their small size, stealthy movements, and dashing speeds trigger cats’ pounce reflexes. And since many lizards inhabit similar outdoor areas to cats, these reptiles inevitably cross paths with curious kitties.

Common lizards like green anoles or fence lizards frequently end up in cats’ crosshairs. Unfortunately for the reptiles, cats have significant advantages in these close-quarters encounters thanks to their lightning reflexes and sharp claws for grasping prey. It’s no contest – the lizard rarely comes out ahead in these meetings!

So when lizards have the misfortune to catch the attention of a bored, hungry cat, more often than not they end up becoming the cat’s next victim. While lizards may not offer balanced nutrition, cats can’t resist indulging their primal urges by hunting these tiny reptiles.

Can Cats Eat Lizards? The Short Answer

In moderation, fully cooked lizard meat minus all bones, organs, skin, and the head can make an acceptable high-protein treat for cats a few times a month. Both wild-caught lizards and farmed feeder lizards carry risks of parasites, bacterial infections, and toxins if eaten raw. But well-prepared, lean lizard meat is not necessarily unsafe. However, lizards should never exceed 10% of a cat’s total diet. The physical and disease hazards make whole lizards hazardous as everyday cat food.

Lizards as Prey vs Pet

To understand the risks of modern lizard consumption, it helps to first examine the natural role of lizards in the feline diet.

Cats’ Natural Instinct to Hunt Lizards

Cats have hunted lizards for millennia. According to fossils, small proto-felines co-evolved to prey on early reptiles over 30 million years ago after the demise of the dinosaurs.

Today, feral and outdoor domestic cats routinely hunt smaller lizard species across warm habitats worldwide. Lizards make up a higher portion of feline diets in tropical climates like the Galapagos Islands and Australia. But even suburban gardens in North America attract sleek fence lizards, skinks, swifts, geckos, and anoles that tempt neighborhood cats.

Cats are drawn to reptiles due to their hardwired predatory sequence:

1. Observe and stalk prey
2. Chase prey at explosive speed
3. Catch prey by pouncing with claws outstretched
4. Bite down on the neck to kill prey
5. Consume prey whole or carry it home to eat

This engrained hunting ritual kicks in when cats encounter small, scurrying lizards in the yard or even through a glass terrarium. Given the chance, most felines eagerly catch, kill, and ingest lizards as a natural food source.

Dangers of Eating Pet Lizards

However, the risks of eating reptiles today far exceed those of ancient lizard hunting. Wild reptiles likely carried fewer diseases. But poor sanitation and antibiotic overuse enable modern captive lizards to harbor a cocktail of infections:

• Salmonella – Lizards may carry Salmonella bacteria that can infect cats who eat them and cause vomiting or diarrhea. Reptile-associated salmonellosis has a 5-10% mortality rate in cats.
• Tapeworms – Lizards serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms like Spirometra that cats could become infected with. Watch for worm segments around your cat’s hindquarters if they eat lizards.
• Campylobacter – Also spreads via contaminated water and feces.
• Pinworms – Parasites that embed in the intestinal tract.
• Cryptosporidia – Dangerous for immunocompromised cats.
• Chlamydia – Can cause respiratory and eye issues.
• Other parasites – Lizards potentially carry protozoans like Giardia that may infect cats who prey on them

Consuming undercooked or raw lizards puts cats at high risk of contracting these parasites, bacteria, or viruses.

Additionally, the unnatural proximity of overcrowded reptile tanks allows rapid disease transmission. And chemical pesticides and other toxins accumulate in captive lizards lacking range to hunt natural prey.

So while an occasional wild-caught lizard may pose less hazard, exercise caution with store-bought reptiles as routine cat food.

What Kinds of Lizards Do Cats Like to Eat?

Not all lizards make ideal meals for cats – some species pose greater risks than others or are equipped with better defenses. What types of lizards are cats most likely to munch on?

Small Lizards Are More Vulnerable Prey

Tiny, quick lizards like green anoles, brown anoles, fence lizards, alligator lizards, and some skinks are most likely to end up as cat food. Their bite-sized bodies are just the right size for cats to easily overpower and swallow.

Unfortunately for these pint-sized reptiles, they lack good defenses against feline predators. Small lizards may attempt to flee or drop their tails, but cats quickly run them down or snatch them up in a pounce before they can escape. Their lightweight bodies also pose minimal risk if ingested by cats.

However, frequent snacking on lizards is still not recommended due to concerns over parasites and bacteria.

Cats Should Avoid Large, Toxic Lizards

Savvy cats learn to steer clear of larger lizards over 12 inches long that may fight back or be venomous. Lizards to avoid include:

• Monitors: Large monitors can use their tails, teeth, and claws to fend off attackers. Their powerful jaws also deliver painful bites that teach most cats to look elsewhere for easier prey.
• Iguanas: Like monitors, bigger iguana species wield whip-like tails and sharp teeth capable of inflicting injury to deter predators.
• Gila monsters: These slow-moving but venomous lizards carry neurotoxic and cyotoxic venom and have toxic bites that can seriously sicken a cat.
• Beaded lizards: Similar to Gila monsters with an equally toxic bite carrying venom that can be lethal in high doses. Their contrasting black and yellow bead-like scales also serve as warning coloration to caution predators.

So when it comes to predatory cats, little brown skinks and green anoles face the biggest threat. Larger armored lizards with defensive venom and weaponry provide more intimidating adversaries for hungry felines.

Nutritional Value of Lizards for Cats

Now that we’ve covered the risks, let’s discuss the potential nutritional upside of feeding lizards to cats.

Protein Content

Lizard meat provides high-quality, digestible protein for cats on par with eating poultry or red meat. The abundant amino acids support growth, muscle maintenance, and tissue repair in cats.

For example, the common Western fence lizard is over 80% protein by dry weight. Comparatively, chicken breast contains around 31% protein. The tails of fat-tailed geckos are 60-70% protein. Cats require high protein levels to thrive, so lizard meat can provide supplemental protein nutrition.

Vitamin/Mineral Content

Certain lizard organs offer concentrated vitamins and dietary minerals:

• The liver contains vitamin A, B vitamins, phosphorus, and iron. This supports red blood cell health and immune function.
• The heart provides B vitamins, zinc, selenium, and other nutrients beneficial in trace amounts.

Lizard bones are also rich in calcium and phosphorus critical for bone strength. Overall, the organs and bones can supplement feline nutrition when included occasionally. But take care to avoid overfeeding.

Fat and Calories

Lizard meat tends to be high in saturated fats and calories compared to poultry:

• The long tails of geckos and skinks are over 50% fat by weight.
• Leg muscles also store significant fat reserves, similar to dark chicken meat.

These rich deposits provide a concentrated source of energy from fat and calories. But they also mean lizards can quickly lead to obesity if overfed. Stick to small portions the size of a one-inch cube.

Health Risks of Feeding Lizards

Now that we’ve weighed the potential benefits, let’s outline the safety considerations and health hazards of feeding lizard meat, organs, bones, and skin to cats:

Physical Hazards

The bones, scales, and skin of lizards pose digestion and obstruction risks including:

• Fractured bones splintering into shards that lacerate the throat, gums, or intestines.
• Blocked intestines from bone fragments, scales, or other indigestibles. This can cut off blood flow or perforate the intestinal tract.
• Choking on large chunks of meat, bones, or scales.

Always remove all bones and skin before feeding lizards to cats. Monitor your cat’s stools for evidence of remaining scales passing through.

Exposure to Parasites and Bacteria

Raw or undercooked lizard meat exposes cats to foodborne illnesses:

• Salmonella – Can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and anorexia in cats according to veterinary studies.
• Campylobacter – Causes inflammation of the intestinal lining marked by bloody diarrhea.
• Pinworms – Mature in the cat’s digestive tract causing intestinal obstructions.
• E. coli and Listeria have also been isolated from reptiles.

The safest approach is always cooking lizard meat to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill potential pathogens. Never feed raw.

Toxicity Risks

Certain large lizard species contain venom or toxins in their bite or head that can sicken cats:

• The Gila monster’s bite delivers dangerous venom.
• Beaded lizards also produce toxin in their saliva.
• Monitor lizards contain neurotoxic proteins.
• Iguanas and chameleons may retain salmonella in oral cavities.

Also be cautious of lizards that feed on poisonous insects and accumulate those toxins in their flesh. Identify the exact species before feeding.

Allergic Reactions

As a novel protein source, lizards may trigger new food allergies or intolerances in some felines. Monitor for itching, ear inflammation, vomiting, or diarrhea after feeding lizard meat. These are signs to discontinue feeding.

Can Kittens or Pregnant Cats Eat Lizards?

Certain vulnerable cat populations face higher risks from eating lizards:

Not Recommended for Kittens

Kittens under 12 weeks old have a fragile immune system and GI tract still developing. Their immature bodies have difficulty fighting off pathogens from reptiles.

According to veterinarians, kittens are also prone to intestinal obstructions from small bones. It’s safest to avoid feeding lizards to kittens altogether until at least 6 months old.

Caution Advised for Pregnant/Nursing Cats

The parasites and toxins potentially present in lizards may be passed to developing fetuses or kittens through the placenta or milk.

One study found over 50% of cats fed a raw meat diet shed salmonella in their stool, posing risks to nursing newborns. It’s recommended pregnant and nursing mother cats do not eat lizards to avoid compromising litters.

Parts of Lizards Safe for Cats

Now that we’ve covered the hazards, let’s discuss which parts of a lizard are safest to feed cats in moderation:

Cooked Flesh/Muscle Meat

The flesh or muscle meat minus all bones, organs, scales and skin provides lean protein and amino acids with lower risks. Cook thoroughly to at least 165°F internal temperature to neutralize bacteria.

Organs (Liver, Heart)

These organs provide concentrated nutrition when included occasionally. Just take care to avoid overfeeding. And never eat the organs of venomous lizard species.

Tail

The tail contains the most abundant fat and protein reserves. But the vertebrae still pose a bone hazard. Remove the tail bones before feeding.

Parts of Lizards to Avoid

Here are the body parts of lizards that must always be removed and avoided when preparing lizard for cats:

Bones

No matter how thoroughly cooked, the bones still splinter easily and pose significant choking and obstruction risks. Never feed bone-in lizard meat.

Skin and Scales

The leathery skin and tough scales provide no nutritional value and can cause lacerations or obstructions when swallowed. Always skin and descale lizards before feeding to cats.

Head and Eyes

The heads of venomous lizard species may still contain toxins harmful to cats even after cooking. And bites to the mouth introduce bacteria. Discard the head when preparing lizard.

Safe Preparation Tips

Follow these precautions when preparing lizards at home to maximize safety:

Remove All Hazardous Parts First

Before cooking, use a sharp knife to remove the head, tail, all loose skin, scales, and bones. Double check no bone fragments remain.

Cook Thoroughly to 165°F

Cooking lizard meat to an internal temperature of 165°F neutralizes parasites, bacteria, and surface pathogens. This is the safest preparation method.

Feed Only Occasionally in Small Portions

Aim for just 1-2 ounces of cooked lizard meat at a time. This equates to one or two bites. Lizard should never become a large part of your cat’s diet.

Healthy Feeding Guidelines

If feeding lizard meat, follow these veterinarian-recommended guidelines:

Give as an Occasional Treat

Think of cooked lizard as a supplemental protein source like fish or beef. Feed tiny portions a couple times per month at most, not routinely.

Mix with Cat’s Regular Food

For easier digestion and to discourage overeating, try chopping cooked lizard into pea-sized pieces over wet food.

Watch for Adverse Reactions

Monitor litter box habits and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after eating lizards. These are signs to discontinue feeding immediately.

Dangers of Overeating and What to Do

Consuming excessive lizard meat can lead to acute symptoms:

Symptoms of Overeating

• Persistent diarrhea or bloody stool from too much organ meat or bone fragments irritating the colon.
• Dehydration from fluid losses due to vomiting and diarrhea. Check if your cat’s gums are tacky.
• Loss of appetite or nausea from gastrointestinal upset.
• Abdominal pain from lizard bones splintering internally.

Withhold all food for 24 hours to allow rest if symptoms occur. Then slowly reintroduce a bland diet in tiny portions. Seek immediate vet care if you suspect intestinal perforation from bones or a toxin reaction.

First Aid Tips

For minor cases of indigestion or diarrhea, try these home remedies:

• Withhold food for 12-24 hours then reintroduce small portions of boiled chicken and rice.
• Supplement probiotics to restore digestive bacterial balance.
• Hydrate with low-sodium broths if dehydrated. Avoid dairy products.
• Massage the abdomen to stimulate bowel movements.

Should I Worry if My Cat Brings Me Lizards?

Despite your best efforts, you may still encounter the occasional lizard bundle deposited on your doorstep as a prize from your cat. Before panicking, assess a few factors:

It’s Natural Cat Behavior

While you may not appreciate the live offerings, remember catching lizards fulfills an innate drive. Unless the lizard poses harm, try not to scold or punish your cat since that could damage your bond or cause stress.

Check Safety of Lizards in Your Area

Not all lizards are created equal when it comes to risks. Ideally identify what species your cat catches. If harmless little skinks or anoles make up the gifts, simply release them outside unharmed. But if catching toxic Gila monsters or venomous species, deterring hunting becomes more crucial.

As long as your cat’s preferred lizards seem fairly innocuous, try tolerating this natural behavior. Block any toxic species before they become prey for your cat. And if symptoms ever result from lizard snacking, call your vet.

Training Cats Not To Hunt Lizards

Redirecting a cat’s natural hunting instincts away from lizards requires patience and a variety of strategies. Engaging your cat with alternative activities can help satisfy their predatory behaviors in a safe and controlled environment. Here are some methods to train your cat not to hunt lizards:

• Interactive Play: Use toys that mimic the movement of prey, such as feather wands or laser pointers, to engage your cat’s hunting drive.
• Environmental Enrichment: Create a stimulating indoor environment with cat trees, scratching posts, and hiding spots to keep your cat entertained.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat with treats or praise when they play with toys instead of chasing lizards.
• Outdoor Supervision: Monitor your cat’s outdoor activities and gently redirect their attention if they show interest in hunting lizards.
• Enclosures: Consider a ‘catio’ or similar enclosure that allows your cat to enjoy the outdoors without the risk of hunting wildlife.

Remember, consistency is key. Over time, your cat will learn that toys and playtime with you are more rewarding than hunting lizards.

When to Call the Vet After Eating Lizards

While many cats will hunt and occasionally eat lizards without apparent ill effects, there are times when you should seek veterinary assistance:

• Persistent Gastrointestinal Upset: If your cat continues to vomit or have diarrhea for more than 24 hours after eating a lizard, it’s time to call the vet.
• Signs of Poisoning: If you suspect the lizard may have been toxic (such as a Gila monster or beaded lizard), seek immediate veterinary care.
• Behavioral Changes: Lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior following the ingestion of a lizard warrants a vet visit.
• Physical Symptoms: Any signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or excessive salivation, should be treated as an emergency.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s health after they have eaten a lizard.

Outdoor Cats Catching Wild Lizards

Outdoor and feral cats will likely eat small lizards they come across while roaming and hunting. Here’s how to reduce ecological impact:

Supervise Outdoor Time

Try to prevent cats from roaming unsupervised for long periods where they may hunt reptiles and other small wildlife indiscriminately.

Research Local Species

Determine which lizard species are present in your area and if any are endangered or pose toxins if eaten. Native wildlife databases can help identify local reptiles.

Limit Predation of At-Risk Species

Avoid allowing cats to deplete threatened or vulnerable lizard populations in your region. This negatively impacts the ecosystem.

Provide Indoor Hunting Outlets

Set up indoor “hunting stations” with toys, perches, and tunnels to satisfy your cat’s predatory instincts so they hunt less outside.

How Can I Stop My Cat Catching Wild Lizards?

Prey comes naturally to cats, but lizards don’t make ideal playthings or meals. Is there any way to curb your cat’s enthusiasm for these quick reptiles? A few tactics may help.

Provide a Nutritious Diet

Well-fed cats feel less motivated to hunt. Provide a complete and balanced commercial cat food diet suited for your cat’s needs. This removes the drive to catch live prey to supplement nutrition. Wet and dry food also keeps cats occupied and distracted from outdoor lizard surveillance.

Engage With Interactive Toys

Bored cats get into trouble – so keep them engaged indoors with interactive wand toys, puzzle feeders, and treat balls to stimulate their brains and fulfill hunting needs. Rotating a variety of toys keeps things exciting and tires cats out.

Supervise Outdoor Time

While impossible to monitor constantly, accompany cats while they’re outside to intervene with lizard stalking. Provide outdoor enclosures for your cat to enjoy fresh air while keeping local lizards safe!

With vigilance, tempting toys, and proper nutrition, you can curb (but likely not completely eliminate) your cat’s fascination with scurrying lizards. Just don’t be surprised if an occasional reptile still ends up as a gift on your doorstep now and then!

Healthy Alternatives to Feeding Lizards

We’ve established lizards don’t equal optimal nutrition sources for cats – but what healthy alternatives can responsible cat owners offer instead? Check out these options:

High-Quality Commercial Cat Food

Complete and balanced cat food provides all the nutrition cats require without the hazards of raw prey. Choose reputable brands offering age-appropriate formulas to cover all life stages.

Both wet and dry foods play important dietary roles – pair them for comprehensive nutrition in line with feline biology.

Appropriate Treats and Mixers

While commercial diets should form the bulk of nutrition, occasional treats add enrichment. Consider small pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, beef, or fish for supplemental protein. Just avoid over-treating, which can lead to obesity or malnutrition.

Enrichment Feeding Methods

Make your cat work for food the way nature intended! Puzzle feeders and food dispensing toys add mental stimulation. Place portions of their daily diet inside and make cats “hunt” for their cuisine. This taps into their natural foraging behaviors without resorting to actual prey like lizards.

Answering Common Pet Owner FAQs

Let’s wrap up by addressing some frequently asked questions:

Are pet store lizards safer than wild ones?

Commercially bred feeder lizards and captive reptiles pose less parasite risk than random wild lizards. But always cook them thoroughly before feeding to cats.

What if my cat already ate a lizard?

Monitor closely for signs of intestinal distress or obstruction over the next 48 hours. Avoid feeding more lizards until cleared by the vet. Call the vet if you notice concerning symptoms.

Can cats eat canned insects too?

Yes, cats can eat insects like crickets, larvae, and mealworms to supplement their diet in moderation. Introduce new proteins slowly.

Are lizard droppings toxic?

Yes, reptile feces contain salmonella and other pathogens. Ensure litter boxes are cleaned frequently and kept far from lizard tanks.

The Bottom Line

Lizards make an occasional high-protein treat for cats but require rigorous safety precautions. Thorough cooking, portion limits under 2 ounces, and removal of all bones and skin is critical. Also supervise outdoor cats to minimize predation of at-risk lizard species. Speak to your vet before introducing new meat sources like lizards into your cat’s diet. With prudent preparation, small amounts of cooked lizard meat can provide nutritional variety without endangering your cat’s health.

Key Takeaways

To summarize key points:

• Cats instinctively hunt lizards but they may not provide balanced nutrition compared to commercial cat foods.
• Lizards can transmit parasites, bacteria like salmonella, or toxins that may sicken cats who eat them.
• Small, quick lizards are most vulnerable to cats while bigger armored or venomous species are riskier prey.
• Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy after eating lizards necessitate veterinary care.
• Deter lizard stalking by engaging cats with toys, restricting outdoor access, or building enclosed catio spaces.

So while the occasional lizard nibbling may not cause catastrophe, lizards do not equal optimal nutrition sources or safe prey for cats. With vigilance and training, keep your curious hunter satisfied and healthy while keeping local lizard populations intact!

FAQ

Q: Can kittens eat lizards?

A: No, kittens should not eat lizards until at least 6 months old due to high risks of infection and intestinal blockages from small bones. Their immune systems cannot safely handle reptiles.

Q: What is the safest way to prepare lizard for cats?

A: Remove the head, organs, bones, skin/scales, and tail first. Then cook the meat to an internal temperature of 165°F to neutralize bacteria before feeding in small amounts.

Q: How much cooked lizard can I feed my cat?

A: Only feed 1-2 ounces of cooked lizard meat occasionally as a treat. Overfeeding risks nutritional imbalance, obesity, and intestinal upset. Moderation is key.

Q: Are wild lizards or farmed ones safer?

A: Commercially bred feeder lizards have lower parasite risks than wild-caught ones. But always cook thoroughly and check for safe species before feeding either type.

Q: Can cats eat the bones, skin, or organs of lizards?

A: No. Bones and skin pose choking, blockage, and perforation risks. Certain organs may be toxic. Only feed the cooked flesh/muscle meat in tiny portions.