Why Do Cats Like Watching Bugs?

Published Feb. 12, 2025
A longhaired calico cat watching a bug on the carpet.

Petra Richli/iStock via Getty Images

Though many house cats now rely on the can opener for nutrition, 10,000 years of domestication hasn’t seemed to soften their predatory instincts in any way. Even well-fed indoor cats relish the opportunity to chase small birds and mammals if given the chance.  

This instinctual behavior is often directed to insects that enter your home, too.  

Why Do Cats Like Watching Bugs?

Bugs don’t provide any nutritional value to cats, but they do share some traits with species that cats normally hunt.  

Like mice and birds, insects are small, fast-moving, and make high-pitched sounds. (The really exciting ones will also fly!) These qualities activate your cat’s hunting instincts.  

Cats are known to hunt for fun even when they aren’t hungry, as it releases dopamine. This neurotransmitter is responsible for feelings of happiness and excitement.   

Why Do Cats Make Weird Noises When They See Bugs?

When a cat sees a bug that is just out of reach, they will often let out a chattering or chirping noise. It’s suspected that this sound is used to express excitement. It might also voice frustration that their prey is out of reach, as cats commonly demonstrate this behavior when watching birds outside a window. 

Some theorize the high-pitched nature of the sound might be an attempt to mimic and coax birds and small rodents, a cat’s usual prey, out of hiding and make them easier to catch. This effort is likely wasted on bugs, but that doesn’t mean your kitty won’t try. 

Do Cats Eat Bugs?

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they receive their nutrients from animal meat. Eating bugs offers no benefits to kitties, and many cats will simply chase and play with bugs, losing interest when they are no longer moving. 

But some cats may choose to eat bugs once they’re caught. This isn’t reason to worry. Eating bugs doesn’t indicate a nutritional imbalance; it’s just a natural end to the hunting behavior. Many cats will eat prey even if they are not hungry.  

The vast majority of insects are not harmful for cats to eat. However, if you live in an area with venomous spiders or scorpions, be more careful about what your cat is allowed to chase. 

If you see your cat hunting a non-venomous insect, you can either allow them to safely pursue their prey or choose to distract them with a more controlled game, such as a wand toy, ball, or automated toy, if you’re concerned for their safety (or the bug’s). It’s important not to yell at or chastise your cat for this behavior—they’re just having fun! 

If your cat has already eaten a bug, there’s no need to panic. Monitor them for signs of illness and let them be. In rare cases, some cats will develop an upset stomach or diarrhea.  

If you are concerned that your cat ate a venomous insect or arachnid, or if you see vomiting, diarrhea, or facial swelling after your cat eats a bug, call an emergency veterinarian.  

Cats and Bugs FAQs

Should I let my cat play with bugs?

As long as the bug isn’t venomous, there is little harm in allowing your cat to chase and even eat insects if they so choose. It’s a fun game for them and can provide enrichment for indoor cats.  

Can cats eat spiders?

In most cases, yes. Most spiders are not dangerous to cats, even if eaten.  

Spiders that could pose a threat are those that are also dangerous to humans and should be avoided by anyone in the household. In North America, this would include the brown recluse and black widow spiders.  

If you are concerned that your cat might have interacted with one of these species, call your vet immediately, especially if you are seeing vomiting, diarrhea, or facial swelling in your cat.  

Why are cats so good at finding bugs?

Cats are extremely efficient predators with heightened senses that can easily focus on the soft sounds and sudden small movements commonly made by insects. Cats are also extremely agile and can capture fast-moving—and even flying—prey.  


Jamie Lovejoy, DVM

WRITTEN BY

Jamie Lovejoy, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Jamie Lovejoy graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012 after an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology. ...


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