INSECT STINGS, SPIDERS, SCORPIONS, LIZARDS
The stings of bees, wasps, yellow jackets and antscause painful swelling at the site of the sting. If an animal is stung many times, it could go into shock as the result of absorbed toxins. Rarely, a hypersensitivityreaction (anaphylactic shock) can occur if the cat was exposed in the past (see page 396).

The stings of Black widow and Missouri brown spiders and tarantulas also are toxic to animals. The signs are sharp pain at the sting site. Later, the cat can develop chills, fever, labored breathing. Shock can occur.

The stings of centipedes and scorpions cause local reaction and at times severe illness. These bites heal slowly. Poisonous scorpions are found only in southern Arizona (two species).

Two species of poisonous lizard are found in the United States, both in southwestern states (Gila Monster and Mexican Bearded Lizard).