The cat snake or the European cat snake is as their name suggests found in Europe where they are still considered common.

These animals are carnivores. They seek out lizards, blind snakes and rodents on which to feed. Cat snakes are equipped with a mild venom which can be used to subdue prey but has little effect on humans.

They are named for the cat like eye which is a result of the vertical pupil. This helps to regulate the amount of light entering the eye so they can see at night when they are active.

This species is under threat from habitat loss and vehicle strikes. They are also prosecuted due to a view that they are harmful to humans.

Learn more about these radical reptiles by reading on below.

Appearance

What does the cat snake look like?

Their is variation in their appearance across their range. They have gray, tan or brownish shades as a background. This is patterned with darker crossbands or blotches running down the body.

Cats snakes have a pupil which is vertical. This can be opened more widely than a round pupil allowing more light in at night when they are active. These eyes give rise to their common name.

An average cat snake will measure 1m (3.25ft) long.

Diet

What does the cat snake eat?

These animals are carnivores. Their diet includes reptiles such as lizards and slow worms along with small mammals such as rodents. Prey is swallowed whole.

Cat snakes are considered venomous and possess a mild venom. Their fangs are located at the rear of their mouth.

While their venom is not considered medically significant to humans you should always be careful when around snakes and seek medical treatment if bitten.

Credit: Benny Trapp, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons