Palmdale Woman and Family Cat Recover After Rattlesnake Bites on Consecutive Days

A Palmdale woman and her family cat are recovering after both were bitten by the same rattlesnake on consecutive days last week.

The first incident happened Wednesday when the woman was picking up cat toys in the backyard of her Palmdale home. The snake bit her on the index finger, and a neighbor rushed her to a nearby hospital.

Her sister, Souny, said the woman began experiencing serious symptoms, including numbness in her face and legs, difficulty swallowing and a sensation that her throat was closing. She was given anti-venom after arriving at the hospital.

While the woman was receiving follow-up care, her pet cat, Magic, was bitten by the same rattlesnake the following day.

Magic was taken to a veterinarian and also received anti-venom.

Doctors say getting medical treatment quickly is critical after a rattlesnake bite because symptoms can progress rapidly.

"The bite happens, the venom gets released, and their jaw opens back up, and they go back out," said Dr. Ali Jamehdor of St. Mary's Medical Center. "We always urge people that when there is a bite in the field, to get to an emergency department very rapidly and quickly."

A snake handler was called to the home to locate the rattlesnake. Cary Quashen, owner of The Snake School in Santa Clarita, said it took him about an hour and a half to find it.

The incident also serves as a reminder for Southern California residents to be especially cautious outdoors during periods of extreme heat. Quashen advised people to watch children and pets and to be careful around brush, shaded areas and other places where snakes may hide.

"If you see a snake, don't panic. Just back away and you'll be fine," Quashen said.

Both the woman and Magic continue to recover.