First steps for a 5 kg cat stung 15 minutes ago
Time matters—wasp venom spreads faster than bee venom due to its alkalinity. Check the paw now: wasps rarely leave stingers, but look for a red puncture. If you see swelling starting, wrap an ice cube in a tea towel and hold it gently against the pad for 30 seconds at a time to slow venom diffusion.
Confine your cat to a small room to monitor them closely. Stress worsens reactions, so dim lights and avoid loud noises. Offer a shallow dish of water—some cats drool after stings due to nausea, and hydration helps flush toxins.
Critical signs in the next hour
Swelling that migrates up the leg or reaches the wrist joint within 30 minutes signals a progressing reaction. For a 5 kg cat, even moderate facial puffiness can compromise breathing—check if their meow sounds muffled or nostrils flare excessively.
Lethargy or stumbling are red flags at this weight. Gently lift the lip to check gum colour: pale or bluish gums mean oxygen issues. Such systemic reactions require immediate vet intervention—don’t wait for vomiting or collapse.
Why indoor cats react unpredictably
Indoor cats lack prior venom exposure that could build tolerance. Your cat’s first-ever sting at 5 kg is a wild card—some have severe responses despite no history of allergies. The paw’s thin skin also absorbs venom faster than furred areas would.
Watch for compulsive licking at the sting site, which introduces bacteria. If swelling peaks around the 2-hour mark but doesn’t spread further, the worst has likely passed. Persistent lameness beyond 8 hours may indicate nerve irritation from venom.
Post-sting care for the next 24 hours
If initial swelling subsides without spreading, offer wet food to maintain hydration. Refrigerate a spoon for 5 minutes, then press its cool back against the paw if residual swelling bothers your cat—many find this soothing.
Next-day concerns include abscesses if the sting pierced deeply. Gently press around the site—heat or firm lumps mean infection. Most wasp stings heal uneventfully, but indoor cats may need an e-collar to prevent excessive grooming of the tender area.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Bee, Wasp & Hornet Stings emergency guide.