Is It Ok If My Cat Eats a Palmetto Bug?

Palmetto Bugs have been the subject of many discussions lately, including if it's safe for pets to eat them. (Yuck)

Is it ok if my cat eats a palmetto bug?  The question was posed to the Carolina A.M. producing desk.  Palmetto bugs have been involved in various incidents around here lately, so we decided to look into the question.  Here’s what we found on the net, as it relates to our pets eating bugs.   Hard-bodied insects like roaches, beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers are typically non-toxic to pets.  However, their exoskeletons could cause oral irritation and gastro issues.   Roaches may carry parasites (even more reason to keep your pet on a monthly preventive.)  Even if the bug came into contact with insecticide,  one bug is unlikely to cause issues.  But it’s best to play it safe and discourage your dog or cat from eating bugs.