Community Corner
Your Cat Can Choke On a Cicada Leg!
Pets gorge themselves on these creatures, but it turns out, parts of the cicada is not only in-digestable but potentially harmful. I'm sorry. Gross.
As cicadas emerge from the ground after years and years, you may find your dog (or cat) beginning to gorge themselves on the creatures. It turns out, that's not such a good idea.
The Humane Society warns that cicadas’ exoskeletons are not digestible, so eating too many could cause constipation or vomiting. Animals could also choke on cicadas’ legs and wings.The Humane Society also noted that cicadas are like little flying toys to dogs and cats — they’re small (but not too small), they fly slowly and usually stay pretty low to the ground.
And, the exoskeletons of cicadas contain chitin, and some pets may have an allergic reaction. Chitin may affect some humans, too, according to Science Daily.If your dog or cat vomits more than twice or seems particularly uncomfortable after gorging on cicadas, take him or her to the vet.
For humans, cicadas can be safe to eat in relatively limited quantities.
Not for this human.
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