table of contents
- Interesting facts about shrews
- Shrew poisonous for dogs and cats?
- frequently asked Questions
Cats are very skilled hunters and love to catch shrews: however, these are poisonous and can be dangerous for some animals.
In a nutshell
- Shrew is poisonous
- Poison is not a threat to dogs or cats
- can transmit Borna Disease Virus 1 (BoDV-1)
Interesting facts about shrews
Shrews (Soricidae) are widespread all over the world and they often visit gardens in local regions as well. There they are even very useful pest fighters, because they prefer to eat insects, larvae and earthworms. They do not shy away from larger animals either, because the poisonous shrews can fight frogs, snakes, toads and others without any problems Mice species to fight back. They do this with the poison "Blarina toxin" (BLTX), which they produce in the lower jaw salivary gland. The poison mainly affects the central nervous system and can cause the following symptoms in prey:
- malaise
- Burning pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Breathing disorders
- Drop in blood pressure
- Widening of the blood vessels
- cramps
- paralysis
Shrew poisonous for dogs and cats?
Cats are extremely skilled hunters and dogs also love to hunt. Many pet owners therefore wonder whether the shrew is poisonous to their animal family member. It usually exists for both cats and dogs though no danger. Due to their height and weight, the poison does not affect them as strongly, which is why permanent damage is not to be expected.
caution is nevertheless advisable, because shrews are carriers of the "Borna Disease Virus 1" (BoDV-1). This is mainly transmitted via the excretions of field mice and is life-threatening. The likelihood of infection is very low, but should not be ignored.
frequently asked Questions
Shrews are popular prey for cats, but they do not eat them. The reason for this is presumably a secretion that the mice excrete to mark their territory. This one has a musky odor and pungent taste that cats don't like.
Despite their name, shrews are only very distantly related to "common" mice. Because in contrast to them, they are not rodents, but meat or Insect eater. Their menu includes insects and larvae, but also larger prey such as toads and snakes.
Because of Borne Disease Virus 1, dead shrews should never be touched with bare hands. Instead, the dead animals should be sprayed with cleaning agent and then disposed of with gloves in the household waste. If it is very dusty, immediately wash your used clothing, take a shower, and wash your hair.
If a person is bitten by a shrew, there is no need to worry. Normally, only local symptoms at the bite site (e. E.g. pain).