Cats are very skilled hunters and like to catch shrews: However, these are poisonous and can be quite dangerous for some animals.
In a nutshell
- Shrew is poisonous
- Poison is not dangerous for dogs and cats
- can transmit Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1).
Interesting facts about shrews
Shrews (Soricidae) are distributed all over the world and they often visit gardens in local regions. There they are even very useful pest controllers, because they prefer to eat insects, larvae and earthworms. They don't even shy away from larger animals, because the poisonous shrews can easily defend themselves against frogs, snakes, toads and other types of mice. They do this with the poison "Blarina toxin" (BLTX), which they produce in the submandibular salivary gland. The poison mainly affects the central nervous system and can cause the following symptoms in the prey:
Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus)
- malaise
- Burning pain
- swelling
- redness
- disorders of breathing
- drop in blood pressure
- widening of the blood vessels
- cramps
- paralysis
Shrew poisonous to dogs and cats?
Cats are extremely skilled hunters, and dogs like to hunt, too. Many pet owners therefore wonder whether the shrew is poisonous to their animal family member. Usually exists for both cats and dogs though no danger. Due to their size and weight, the poison does not have such a strong effect on them, which is why permanent damage is not to be expected.
Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus)
caution is nevertheless necessary, because shrews are carriers of the "Borna Disease Virus 1" (BoDV-1). This is mainly transmitted via the excrement of field mice and is life-threatening. Although the probability of infection is very low, it should not be ignored.
frequently asked Questions
Why don't cats eat shrews?Although shrews are popular prey for cats, they do not eat them. The reason for this is probably a secretion that the mice secrete to mark their territory. This has a musky odor and a strong taste that cats dislike.
Are shrews rodents or carnivores?Despite their name, shrews are only very distantly related to "common" mice. Because unlike them, they are not rodents, but carnivores or insect eaters. Their diet includes insects and larvae, but also larger prey such as toads and snakes.
What to do with a dead shrew?Dead shrews should never be handled with bare hands due to Borne Disease Virus 1. Instead, the dead animals should be sprayed with detergent and then disposed of in the household waste with gloves on. If it is very dusty, wash your used clothes immediately, take a shower and wash your hair.
Is the shrew poisonous to humans?If a human is bitten by a shrew, there is no cause for concern. Normally, only local symptoms at the site of the bite (e.g. pain) are to be expected.