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Can Cats Carry Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are a problem that have many people asking how they spread.

scaredy cat photo

A bed bug infestation is creepy enough by itself, and you may be wondering if the bugs are being spread by your cat.

You may be asking yourself, “Can cats carry bed bugs?” The simple answer is no, but they can feed on your pet — and you.

Bed bugs are small insects that feed solely on blood. Unfortunately, they feed on your blood, because humans are their main targets. They sneak into homes by hanging onto a piece of clothing or luggage, or they can even sneak in through tiny openings such as electric outlets.

Bed bugs have been around since our ancestors lived in caves. The bed bugs lived in the caves too, feeding on humans and later bats after people found other places to live. The last noted problem with bed bugs occurred in the 1950s, but they have returned to become a problem once again in recent years.

The video below shows a heavy bed bug infestation in a residence. If creepy crawlies give you the heebie jeebies, you might want to skip this:

YouTube player

How They Feed

Bed bugs seek out human hosts by detecting the carbon dioxide released when we exhale. Once they get closer and zero in on their targets (us), they use infrared sensors and antennae to find a good spot to drill for blood.

You won’t usually feel the bites. This is because the bed bug administers an anesthetic so you don’t wake up, followed by an anti-coagulant to keep the blood flowing freely until it is finished feeding.

Bed bugs don’t eat only at night. This simply happens to be the time when most of us are sleeping. If you have a nighttime job and sleep during the day, you’re still going to be a victim. Bed bugs spend non-feeding time digesting the blood, night or day. They are not exclusively nocturnal.

Bed bug illustration

Do Bed Bugs Bite Pets?

Bed bugs do bite pets, but only when there is not a human host nearby.

This means that as the insect senses a carbon dioxide signature, if the human is farther away (within 50 to 75 feet away) it will still migrate toward the human first.

They prefer humans as a food source, but not because humans are easier to bite. It’s the carbon dioxide signature that is more attractive to them.

Fur or hair has nothing to do with it. Bed bugs will feed on cats, dogs, birds or other animals when a human host is not present.

Bed bugs won’t use an animal as a means of transport or a nest. They feed for 3 to 5 minutes and move back to the nesting area. This is usually 5 to 10 feet away from the host.

With pets, you are more likely to find the bugs in carriers or crates, bedding, toys or other items close to where the pet sleeps. If you’re petting your cat while you are on your sofa and spot a bed bug on the cat, check the sofa — not the cat or the cat’s area of sleep. Chances are the sofa is infested.

What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs

Don’t panic, but don’t waste time either. Follow these steps:

  • Take all the bedding and wash it in hot (120-degree) water and dry in high heat.
  • Wipe down the carrier or crate generously with rubbing alcohol and vacuum the sleeping area extensively.
  • Call a qualified exterminator to get an inspection done. If the bed bugs were found on a pet, there is a strong chance they are closer to you as well and that the problem is heavier near your bedroom or the living room.

The video below provides information on identifying bed bug infestations, how they start, and where (and how often) to check your home:

YouTube player

Is Treatment Safe for Pets?

In recent years there has been a large increase in the bed bug epidemic in the United States. There has also been an increase in eradication methods. Reputable companies can treat the problem without risks to your pets. Make sure the company has all the credentials to do the job right.

Bed Bug Facts

  • One pregnant female will produce as many as 35,000 offspring in 10 weeks if left untreated. Yikes!
  • Chemicals alone will not solve the problem. The eggs are impervious and will hatch with a resistance to the chemicals just used.
  • An adult will live for up to 15 months without a blood meal.
  • Bed bugs travel using the electrical lines in your home, among other ways. They sense your carbon dioxide within 100 feet. Once within 10 to 15 feet, they use infrared sensors to find the “hot” spot for a meal.

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Can Bed Bugs Affect Cats? Understanding The Risks And Prevention

  • Last updated Jun 18, 2023
  • Difficulty Advanced

Andy Walters

  • Category Cats

can bed bugs affect cats

Bed bugs are not just a nuisance for humans; our feline companions can also fall victim to these pesky pests. These tiny creatures have a knack for hitching rides on unsuspecting hosts, making their way into our homes and causing havoc. While bed bugs are often associated with human dwellings, cats can be equally susceptible to their bites and infestations. In this article, we will explore the impact of bed bugs on our beloved feline friends, and offer some insights on how to prevent and treat these unwanted guests.

What You'll Learn

Can bed bugs affect cats and, if so, how, are cats more susceptible to bed bug bites than other animals, what are the signs that a cat has been affected by bed bugs, can cats transmit bed bugs to humans, how can you protect your cat from bed bugs and prevent infestations in your home.

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Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. While they are typically associated with infestations in homes and hotels, bed bugs can also affect cats. These pests can cause a range of problems for our feline companions, from physical discomfort to potential health issues. Understanding how bed bugs can affect cats is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

Physical discomfort is one of the primary ways bed bugs can affect cats. These insects bite animals to feed on their blood, leaving behind itchy, red welts. Cats may scratch excessively and exhibit signs of skin irritation, including redness, swelling, and even open sores. The constant scratching can also lead to secondary infections, which require veterinary intervention. It is essential to regularly check your cat's fur and skin for signs of bed bug bites.

In addition to physical discomfort, bed bugs can also cause psychological distress in cats. Cats that are bitten by bed bugs may become anxious, restless, or exhibit behavioral changes. They may start avoiding places that have been infested, such as their beds or sleeping areas. Bed bug bites can also cause cats to experience sleep disturbances, further impacting their overall well-being.

Furthermore, there is a potential for health complications associated with bed bug infestations in cats. While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases directly to cats, there is a risk of secondary infections due to excessive scratching and broken skin. These infections can range from mild bacterial infections to more severe conditions requiring antibiotics or other medications. Additionally, some cats may develop allergic reactions to bed bug bites, leading to more severe symptoms such as respiratory distress or anaphylaxis.

If you suspect your cat has been affected by bed bugs, it is crucial to take immediate action. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Inspect your cat's bedding, sleeping areas, and other favorite hiding spots for signs of bed bugs, including live bugs, shed skins, or blood stains on the fabric.
  • Thoroughly clean and vacuum your home, paying close attention to your cat's sleeping areas and any potential hiding spots for bed bugs.
  • Wash your cat's bedding and any other washable items in hot water to kill any potential bed bug infestations.
  • Consult with your veterinarian for appropriate treatment options for your cat's bites, skin irritation, or potential infections.
  • If the bed bug infestation persists or if your cat's health worsens, consider contacting a professional pest control service to address the issue effectively.

Preventing bed bugs from affecting your cat involves taking precautions to avoid infestations in your home. Regularly inspect, clean, and vacuum your home to eliminate potential hiding spots for bed bugs. Be cautious when introducing new furniture or belongings into your home, as they may carry bed bugs. Additionally, if you suspect a bed bug infestation, take immediate action to prevent it from spreading further.

In conclusion, bed bugs can affect cats and cause a range of physical and psychological discomfort. Prompt detection and treatment are essential to alleviate their impact on your cat's health and well-being. Regular monitoring, thorough cleaning, and consulting with your veterinarian are important steps in managing bed bug infestations in cats. By taking preventative measures, you can help protect your cat from the negative effects of bed bugs.

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Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are commonly found in homes, hotels, and other areas where people and animals sleep. While humans are often the preferred hosts for bed bugs, they are also known to bite other animals, including cats. However, it is important to note that cats may not be more susceptible to bed bug bites than other animals.

Bed bugs are attracted to warmth, carbon dioxide, and certain chemicals that are emitted by humans and animals. They are also attracted to the scent of blood, which is why they are drawn to feed on their hosts. Cats, like humans and other animals, produce these chemical signals, which can make them a target for bed bug bites.

However, it is also worth noting that bed bugs do not discriminate among hosts. They will feed on any warm-blooded animal that is in close proximity. This means that dogs, cats, and other animals can all be susceptible to bed bug bites.

In terms of the physical reaction to bed bug bites, cats may show different symptoms compared to humans. Humans typically develop itchy, red welts on their skin after being bitten by a bed bug. Cats, on the other hand, may not exhibit such noticeable symptoms. They may show signs of minor irritation, such as scratching or licking at the site of the bite. In some cases, cats may also develop small, red bumps on their skin.

It is worth mentioning that while bed bug bites are generally harmless, they can sometimes lead to secondary infections. This is especially true if the cat scratches at the bite, creating an open wound that can become infected. Therefore, it is important to monitor cats for any signs of excessive scratching or irritation after a suspected bed bug bite.

If you suspect that your cat has been bitten by bed bugs, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian. They can examine your cat and provide appropriate treatment, if necessary. Additionally, they can offer advice on how to prevent future infestations and protect your cat from further bites.

Preventing bed bugs from infesting your home involves maintaining cleanliness and practicing good hygiene. Regularly vacuuming and cleaning your home, particularly the sleeping areas of your cat, can help eliminate any potential bed bug hiding spots. It is also important to wash your cat's bedding regularly to remove any potential bed bugs or eggs.

In conclusion, while cats may be targeted by bed bugs, they are not necessarily more susceptible to bites than other animals. Bed bugs are attracted to warmth, carbon dioxide, and certain chemicals emitted by all warm-blooded animals. If you suspect that your cat has been bitten by bed bugs, it is important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Maintaining cleanliness and practicing good hygiene can also help prevent and eliminate bed bug infestations in your home.

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Bed bugs are a nuisance to humans, but can they affect our pets as well? When it comes to cats, there are several signs that they may have been affected by bed bugs. Understanding these signs is crucial for the health and well-being of our feline companions.

One of the most common signs that a cat has been affected by bed bugs is excessive scratching. Bed bug bites can cause itching and discomfort, leading cats to scratch the affected areas vigorously. You may notice your cat constantly licking or biting at certain spots on their body, especially around the face, neck, and belly. The skin in these areas may become red, irritated, and swollen.

Another sign to look out for is the presence of small, red bumps on your cat's skin. These bumps may appear similar to mosquito bites and are typically clustered together. Bed bug bites can cause an allergic reaction in cats, resulting in these raised, itchy bumps. It's important to note that not all cats will have a visible reaction to bed bug bites, so it's essential to remain vigilant and observe any changes in behavior or appearance.

In severe cases, bed bug infestations can lead to hair loss in cats. Cats with a high infestation may excessively groom themselves, causing their fur to become thin and patchy. This hair loss is usually localized to the areas that have been bitten by bed bugs.

Other signs that your cat may have been affected by bed bugs include restlessness, agitation, and difficulty sleeping. Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, and their activity can disturb a cat's sleep patterns. If you notice your cat being more restless at night or constantly shifting positions, it may be a sign of a bed bug infestation.

If you suspect that your cat has been affected by bed bugs, it's essential to take immediate action. Bed bugs can reproduce rapidly, and a small infestation can quickly escalate into a larger problem. It's important to consult with a veterinarian who can provide guidance on how to treat your cat and eliminate the bed bug infestation from your home.

Treating bed bug infestations in cats involves a multi-step approach. First, you'll need to eradicate the bed bugs from your home through thorough cleaning and professional extermination if necessary. It's crucial to wash your cat's bedding, toys, and any other items they regularly come into contact with to remove any bed bugs or eggs.

Next, you'll need to treat your cat's skin to alleviate the itching and discomfort caused by bed bug bites. Your veterinarian may prescribe topical ointments or oral medications to reduce inflammation and soothe your cat's skin. In severe cases, they may also administer corticosteroids to relieve itching and promote healing.

Preventing bed bug infestations in cats is challenging, but there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk. Regularly inspect your home for signs of bed bugs, such as small reddish-brown stains on your mattress or furniture, discarded bed bug shells, or a musty odor. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a professional exterminator to eliminate the problem before it affects your cat.

In conclusion, cats can be affected by bed bugs, and it's essential to be aware of the signs. Excessive scratching, red bumps on the skin, hair loss, restlessness, and agitation are all indicators that your cat may have been bitten by bed bugs. Prompt treatment and elimination of the bed bug infestation are crucial for your cat's health and well-being. Remember to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and guidance on how to proceed.

Exploring Feline Abilities: Can Cats Walk Backwards?

Bed bugs are blood-feeding insects that infest homes and other buildings, causing discomfort and distress for those affected. These tiny pests can quickly become a widespread problem, and many homeowners worry about the possibility of their pets, such as cats, being carriers of bed bugs. In this article, we will discuss the potential for cats to transmit bed bugs to humans and explore ways to prevent and eliminate bed bug infestations.

Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, but their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and secondary infections due to scratching. They are expert hitchhikers and can easily latch onto clothing, luggage, and other items to travel from place to place. However, cats are often overlooked as potential carriers of bed bugs.

According to scientific research, cats can indeed carry bed bugs on their fur, just like any other surface they come into contact with. However, it is important to note that cats are unlikely to be the primary source of a bed bug infestation in a home. Bed bugs are most commonly spread through human activities, such as travel, visiting infested areas, or bringing in used furniture or clothing. Once inside a home, they will seek out hiding spots in mattresses, furniture, and cracks and crevices in walls and floors.

If a cat or any other pet comes into contact with bed bugs, there is a small chance that the bugs can hitch a ride on their fur and be transported to other areas of the home. However, bed bugs prefer to feed on human blood, and cats are not their preferred host. They may bite a cat if no other food source is available, but they will not reproduce or establish a long-term infestation on a cat alone.

Nevertheless, it is essential to practice proper pet hygiene to minimize the risk of a bed bug infestation. Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, can help remove any potential hitchhikers from a cat's fur. Additionally, washing the cat's bedding and treating it with heat or cold treatments can kill any bugs or eggs that may be present.

To prevent and eliminate bed bug infestations in the home, it is crucial to focus on treating the areas where bed bugs hide, such as mattresses, furniture, and cracks and crevices. Vacuuming can help remove bed bugs and their eggs, but it is not entirely effective on its own. Professional pest control services may be necessary to fully eradicate a bed bug infestation.

In conclusion, while cats can carry bed bugs on their fur, they are not a significant source of infestation. Cats are unlikely to transmit bed bugs to humans unless they have been in close proximity to an infested area. It is important to focus on proper pet hygiene and take necessary steps to prevent and eliminate bed bug infestations in the home. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it is advisable to seek professional help for effective treatment.

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Bed bugs can be a nuisance and can cause distressing health issues for both humans and pets. Cats, being inquisitive creatures, can easily come into contact with bed bugs and become carriers of these pesky insects. Therefore, it’s important to take preventive measures to protect your cat from bed bugs and prevent infestations in your home.

One of the first steps in protecting your cat from bed bugs is to maintain a clean and clutter-free environment. Bed bugs tend to thrive in areas with a lot of clutter, such as piles of clothes, old furniture, or even pet bedding. Regularly inspect your cat’s bedding and keep it clean by washing it in hot water. Vacuum your home frequently, paying extra attention to your cat’s favorite resting spots. Cleaning regularly helps to eliminate any potential hiding places for bed bugs.

Another preventive measure is to regularly groom your cat. Regular brushing not only helps to keep your cat’s fur clean and free from any potential bed bugs, but it also allows you to keep an eye out for any signs of infestation. Look for small, dark spots on your cat’s fur, as these could be bed bug droppings. If you notice any signs of an infestation, contact a professional pest control company immediately.

Bed bugs can easily hitch a ride into your home on your clothing or personal belongings. If you suspect that you may have come into contact with bed bugs, it’s essential to take precautions to prevent their spread. Change your clothes and store them in a sealed plastic bag until they can be washed in hot water. Inspect your belongings for any signs of bed bugs and take necessary steps to treat or discard any infested items.

To further protect your cat from bed bugs, consider using bed bug traps or interceptor devices. These devices are designed to capture and prevent bed bugs from reaching your cat’s resting area. Place these traps or interceptors under your cat’s bed or near their sleeping area to help ensure their protection.

If you live in an apartment building or have neighbors who have dealt with bed bug infestations, it’s important to be cautious and proactive. Bed bugs can easily spread between units, so communicating with your neighbors and building management about any bed bug issues is crucial. Taking preventive measures such as sealing cracks and crevices in walls or floors can help prevent the spread of bed bugs.

In conclusion, protecting your cat from bed bugs and preventing infestations in your home requires a combination of cleaning, grooming, and taking preventive measures. By maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment, regularly inspecting your cat’s bedding and grooming them, and taking precautions when coming into contact with bed bugs, you can help keep your feline friend safe from these pesky insects. Remember, if you suspect an infestation, it’s important to contact a professional pest control company for immediate assistance.

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Frequently asked questions.

Yes, bed bugs can affect cats. Cats are just as susceptible to bed bug bites as humans are. They can be bitten by bed bugs and experience itching, redness, and irritation at the bite site.

Yes, cats can become infested with bed bugs. Bed bugs can hide in the fur of cats and lay their eggs, leading to an infestation. It is important to regularly inspect your cat's bedding and fur for any signs of bed bugs.

Cats may show signs of bed bug bites such as scratching excessively, redness or swelling on their skin, or small raised bumps or welts. If you suspect your cat has been bitten by bed bugs, it is best to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

While it is rare for cats to spread bed bugs to humans, it is still possible. Bed bugs can hitch a ride on a cat and transfer to humans when they come into contact with infested areas. It is important to thoroughly clean and treat your home if you suspect a bed bug infestation to prevent the spread to both humans and pets.

To protect your cat from bed bugs, it is important to regularly inspect their bedding and living areas for any signs of infestation. Keep your home clean and clutter-free to minimize hiding places for bed bugs. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a professional pest control service to properly treat your home and eliminate the problem.

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Can a Cat Carry Bed Bugs & Get Bitten? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

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Vet approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

Veterinarian, MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

If you know someone who’s dealt with a bedbug infestation, you know what an itchy, infuriating situation it can become. Of course, you want to avoid this happening to you, which may lead you to wonder if your cat can carry bed bugs. Cats don’t serve as hosts for the insects and can’t spread them like they do fleas, although the pests could hitch a ride on a kitty’s fur as they do with human clothing.

In this article, we’ll tell you a little about bedbugs, how they impact your cat, and signs you have an infestation. We’ll also examine how to keep your cat safe if your house must be treated for bedbugs.

  • What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat-bodied, flightless insects that survive on the blood of humans and animals. They don’t build nests but live in large groups in hiding spots. One of their favorite places to hide is in mattresses and box springs, as you might have guessed from their name.

Bed bugs feed at night, which is another reason they like to live in beds with easy access to sleeping humans. They reproduce and develop quickly, which is one reason that an infestation is hard to eradicate.

  • Do Cats Carry Bed Bugs?

Unlike fleas or lice, bed bugs don’t live on animals but in the environment. Because of this, cats don’t technically carry or spread the insects .

Bed bugs spread to a new environment because they hide in furniture, luggage, or clothing and hitch a ride to a new location. Used mattresses and furniture are major culprits for spreading the pests.

In theory, bed bugs could hide in a cat’s fur long enough to infest a previously pest-free house. However, this is not considered a primary source of spread.

  • Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats?

Bed bugs feed on anything with circulating blood, and they bite cats. You probably won’t spot the actual bugs on your kitty like you would fleas because bed bugs only feed for 3–10 minutes before dropping off.

Bed bug bites are similar in size to flea bites but don’t have a red spot in the center. Flea preventatives won’t have an impact on bed bugs either unless they’re designed to combat them. If your cat is up-to-date on preventative treatments and suddenly has itchy bites with no sign of fleas on their body, check their bedding for signs of a bed bug infestation.

  • Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Unexplained insect bites are generally one of the first signs people notice of a bedbug infestation. Other key indicators include:

  • Blood spots on human or pet bedding
  • Dark bed bug poop spots on walls or sheets
  • Debris from bed bug molting or egg hatching near hiding spots
  • Unexplained musty odor

Be especially suspicious that you have bed bugs if you’ve recently traveled, had guests, or added used furniture to your house. Check your mattress, bed frame, box spring, and near bedroom walls for signs the pests have taken up residence.

  • Related read: Will Cats Keep Bugs Away? The Surprising Answer!
  • Keeping Your Cat Safe During Bed Bug Treatment

If you have bed bugs, you’ll need the help of a pest control company to deal with them, probably over multiple visits. To keep your cat safe, make sure the company knows that you have pets and only use an EPA-approved product to kill the bugs. Ask if there are any precautions you should take even with pet-safe products.

If your cat’s bed or stuffed toys can be safely machine-washed and dried, you don’t necessarily need to toss them to get rid of the bedbugs. Washing in the hottest water and drying at medium-high heat should kill the pests. If you can’t wash them, put them in the dryer for 10–20 minutes on high heat.

If you prefer to buy new items for your cat once bedbug treatment is complete, seal the bed bug-infested toys or beds in a trash bag and make sure they’re labeled as such before tossing them.

While your cat probably won’t carry bed bugs into your house, they can certainly fall victim to the bite of the parasites. Buying used furniture or clothing is an excellent way to save money and minimize your environmental impact, but it can also bring bed bugs into your house. Familiarize yourself with the signs of bedbug infestation we discussed, and carefully check your new furniture. If you find bedbugs in your house, they can be treated. Unlike other parasites like mosquitos and fleas, bed bugs don’t carry diseases, and you won’t have to worry about you and your feline getting sick from the bites.

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Can Cats Bring in Bed Bugs? A Comprehensive Guide

Can Cats Bring in Bed Bugs? A Comprehensive Guide

The thought of bed bugs creeping around your home is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. They’re tiny, blood-sucking insects that are notoriously difficult to get rid of once they infest a space. But what about cats? Can they bring bed bugs into your home? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at these pesky critters, the way they spread, and their connection with cats.

Understanding Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a common household pest that can cause a lot of distress and discomfort. Understanding their behavior and habits can help you prevent and control infestations in your home.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals, including cats. They are nocturnal creatures that are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, which is why they often bite people while they sleep. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, and their brownish-red bodies become more rounded after they feed. Despite their name, bed bugs are not limited to beds and can be found in various locations around a home, including furniture, cracks in walls, and even electronics.

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to spot because they are excellent at hiding. They can squeeze into incredibly small spaces, making it hard to detect an infestation until it’s too late.

The Life Cycle of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs go through a life cycle that consists of egg, nymph, and adult stages. Eggs are laid in batches and take about ten days to hatch into nymphs. Nymphs are small and translucent and need to feed on blood to molt and grow. They molt five times before reaching adulthood. Adult bed bugs can live for several months and survive without feeding for up to a year.

Female bed bugs can lay up to five eggs in a day and up to 500 eggs in their lifetime. This means that a small infestation can quickly turn into a large one if left untreated.

How Bed Bugs Spread

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily be transported from one location to another on clothing, luggage, and other belongings. They are also known to crawl from one room or apartment to another through openings in walls or electrical outlets. In multi-unit buildings, bed bugs can easily spread from one unit to another through shared walls or pipes.

Once bed bugs have infested a home, they can be incredibly difficult to get rid of. They can survive for long periods without feeding and are resistant to many common pesticides. Treatment often requires a combination of methods, including heat treatments, chemical treatments, and vacuuming.

To prevent bed bug infestations, it’s important to be vigilant when traveling and to inspect secondhand furniture and clothing before bringing them into your home. If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it’s important to contact a pest control professional right away to prevent the infestation from spreading.

Cats and Bed Bugs: The Connection

Bed bugs are a common household pest that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are small, reddish-brown insects that can be difficult to spot due to their size and nocturnal habits. While bed bugs are known to hitch a ride on clothing or other items that have been in contact with an infested area, many people wonder if cats can also carry these pests.

Can Cats Carry Bed Bugs?

The answer is yes, cats can carry bed bugs. However, they are not a common form of transportation for these pests. Bed bugs prefer to hitch a ride on clothing or other items that have been in contact with an infested area. Cats are more likely to pick up fleas or ticks, which are another type of blood-sucking pest.

While it is possible for bed bugs to crawl onto a cat’s fur and hitch a ride to another location, this is rare. Bed bugs are more likely to spread through human activities, such as travel or bringing infested items into a home.

How Bed Bugs May Hitch a Ride on Cats

If bed bugs are present in a cat’s environment, they may crawl onto the cat’s fur and hitch a ride to another location. This is because bed bugs are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, which are both emitted by animals and humans. However, it’s important to note that bed bugs don’t live on pets or in their bedding like fleas or ticks.

Bed bugs are also known to hide in cracks and crevices, such as in furniture or bedding. This means that even if a cat does pick up bed bugs, they could also be present in other areas of the home.

Cats’ Grooming Habits and Bed Bugs

Even if a cat picks up a bed bug, it’s unlikely that the insect will stay on the cat’s fur for long. Cats are fastidious groomers, and they’ll often lick and bite at any foreign object on their fur. This means that bed bugs are unlikely to infest a cat’s fur or use it as a mode of transportation.

It’s also important to note that while cats can carry bed bugs, they are not a significant source of infestation. Bed bugs are more likely to spread through human activities, such as travel or bringing infested items into a home. If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it’s important to contact a pest control professional to properly identify and treat the problem.

Signs of Bed Bugs in Your Home

Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are most active at night and can be difficult to spot. If you suspect that bed bugs have taken up residence in your home, there are several signs to look out for.

Physical Evidence of Bed Bugs

One of the most common signs of a bed bug infestation is physical evidence. Bed bugs leave behind small, rust-colored stains on sheets or mattress seams. These stains are actually the bugs’ fecal matter and may also contain blood. You may also find shed skins or eggshells near their hiding spots. Bed bugs molt several times as they mature, leaving behind their old exoskeletons.

It’s important to note that bed bugs can hide in a variety of places, not just your mattress. They may also be found in the seams of chairs and couches, behind baseboards, and in electrical outlets.

Bed Bug Bites on Humans and Cats

Bed bug bites are another surefire sign of an infestation. They typically appear as small, red welts often in a line or cluster on the skin. These bites can be itchy and uncomfortable, but they don’t spread disease to humans or cats. It’s important to note that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, so you may not notice any physical symptoms.

Unusual Cat Behavior as a Sign of Bed Bugs

Cats may exhibit unusual behavior if they’re being bitten by bed bugs. They may be restless, meow excessively, or seem agitated. If you notice these behaviors, check your cat’s fur and bedding for signs of bed bugs. It’s important to treat your cat for any bites they may have received, as excessive scratching can lead to infection.

If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Bed bugs reproduce quickly and can spread to other areas of your home. Contact a pest control professional to help you identify and treat the problem.

Preventing Bed Bugs from Entering Your Home

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are notoriously difficult to get rid of once they infest a home, so prevention is key. Here are some additional tips to help prevent bed bugs from entering your home:

Regularly Inspect Your Home for Bed Bugs

In addition to checking your bedding, furniture, and items brought into your home, it’s important to inspect other areas as well. Bed bugs can hide in cracks and crevices, so be sure to check baseboards, electrical outlets, and behind picture frames. If you suspect an infestation, contact a pest control professional right away.

Keep Your Cat’s Bedding Clean

While bed bugs prefer to feed on humans, they will also feed on pets if necessary. Keeping your cat’s bedding clean is important not only for your cat’s health, but also for preventing bed bugs from taking up residence. Vacuum your cat’s bedding regularly and wash it in hot water to kill any potential bed bugs or eggs.

Use Bed Bug-Proof Encasements for Mattresses and Pillows

Bed bug-proof encasements are a great investment for preventing bed bugs from entering your home. In addition to using them on your mattress and pillows, consider using them on any other furniture that could potentially harbor bed bugs, such as couches and chairs. Be sure to choose encasements that are specifically designed to keep bed bugs out.

Be Cautious When Traveling

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily be picked up while traveling. When staying in a hotel or other lodging, inspect the bed, furniture, and luggage rack for signs of bed bugs. Keep your luggage off the floor and consider storing it in a plastic bag to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride home with you.

By following these tips and regularly inspecting your home, you can help prevent bed bugs from entering your home and avoid the hassle and expense of an infestation.

In conclusion, while cats can carry bed bugs, they’re not a common form of transportation for these pests. Bed bugs are more likely to spread through human activities, and it’s important to regularly check for signs of an infestation to prevent their spread. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can keep your home and your furry friends free from bed bugs.

Bed Bug Detected

Demystifying Bed Bugs on Cats: Risks, Prevention, and Identification:

In the realm of curious connections, one might not immediately associate bed bugs with cats. Yet, a fascinating interplay exists between these seemingly unrelated creatures, revealing an intricate web of behaviors and implications. Delving into the enigmatic world of bed bugs sheds light on more than their nocturnal nuisances; it unravels a hidden dimension that intersects with our feline companions.

This exploration into the correlation between bed bugs and cats delves beyond the surface, offering insights into the behaviors that drive both species. As we unravel this mysterious thread, we uncover the science behind their interactions and why comprehending bed bug behavior holds significance beyond our homes.

By understanding these tiny terrors and their unexpected connections , we glean knowledge that can lead to more effective pest control strategies and a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystems under our noses. Join us as we embark on a journey that unveils the captivating interplay between the minuscule world of bed bugs and the enchanting realm of our beloved cats.

Table of Contents

Bed Bugs on Cats – Fact or Fiction?

Debunking the myth: can bed bugs live on cats – clarifying the misconception – exploring the possibility and realities.

Dispelling myths is an essential endeavor, and one persistent misconception involves the potential cohabitation of bed bugs and cats. In this pursuit of truth, we delve into the question: Can bed bugs truly thrive on feline hosts? By dissecting this widely circulated belief, we aim to shed light on the accuracy of such claims and uncover the genuine dynamics at play.

Exploring the feasibility of bed bugs living on cats requires examining the biological and environmental factors involved. We aim to clarify the realities behind this notion through rigorous analysis and scientific insight. Beyond the surface, we uncover the complexities of bed bug behavior and their preferred habitats .

Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of this myth, evaluating its origins, dispelling the misinformation, and gaining a clearer understanding of the potential interaction between these two distinct species. By debunking the myth and embracing accurate knowledge, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions and foster a more objective perspective on the intricate relationships that shape our natural world.

The Complex Relationship between Bed Bugs and Cats – Bed Bug Feeding Habits and Host Preferences – How Cats React to Bed Bug Infestations

The intricate interplay between bed bugs and cats unveils a captivating narrative within the realm of entomology. Bed bug feeding habits and their discerning host preferences are central to this dynamic. Understanding the nuances of how bed bugs seek out hosts illuminates the complex relationship they share with cats.

As bed bug infestations raise concerns, exploring how cats react to these unwelcome guests becomes paramount. Their reactions, ranging from indifference to vigilance, offer a glimpse into the adaptive nature of feline behavior.

By delving into these facets, we unlock a deeper comprehension of the subtle connections between these two seemingly disparate worlds, revealing the intricate symphony that unfolds when the paths of bed bugs and cats cross.

Risks and Health Implications:

Hidden dangers: health risks of bed bugs on cats – potential allergic reactions and irritation – transmitting diseases: myth or concern.

Beneath the surface of the bed bug and cat relationship lies a concern often overlooked: the potential health risks these tiny pests pose to our feline companions. Unveiling this hidden danger reveals a panorama of possible issues, including allergic reactions and skin irritation that can arise from bed bug bites on cats.

Delving deeper, the question emerges: Can these pests transmit diseases to our beloved pets? Separating fact from fiction, we explore the reality of disease transmission through bed bugs. By understanding these health risks, we equip ourselves with the knowledge needed to protect our cats from the often unseen perils that dwell within the intricate tapestry of their environment.

Impact on Cat Well-being: Stress and Discomfort – Behavioral Changes in Infested Cats – Effects on Sleep and Daily Activities

The presence of bed bugs isn’t merely a physical nuisance; it can cast a shadow over the overall well-being of our cherished feline companions. Unraveling this impact reveals a spectrum of stress and discomfort that can adversely affect our cats.

Infestations can trigger a range of behavioral changes in cats. The incessant itching and discomfort caused by bed bug bites can lead to heightened stress levels, manifesting in altered behavior patterns. Cats might become more irritable, anxious, or withdrawn as a result.

The repercussions extend beyond emotions, influencing their daily lives. Sleep disruptions, another consequence of bed bug bites, can impede their restorative rest, leading to fatigue and further exacerbating their stress. Everyday activities, from grooming to play, may need to be improved, affecting their overall quality of life.

Recognizing the multifaceted impact on our feline friends highlights the importance of prompt action against bed bug infestations. By safeguarding their environment, we shield them from physical discomfort and nurture their mental and emotional well-being.

Identifying Bed Bug Infestations:

Telltale signs: how to spot bed bugs on cats – visual clues: visible bed bug presence – bites, scratching, and skin reactions:.

Detecting the presence of bed bugs on cats requires a keen eye attuned to telltale signs. Visual cues play a pivotal role in identifying these elusive pests. Watch for any visible bed bug activity on your feline companion’s fur or surroundings.

Beyond sight, be attuned to behavioral signals . Watch for excessive scratching or nibbling, as these actions can indicate the unwelcome presence of bed bugs. Furthermore, watch for skin reactions, such as redness or irritation, potentially caused by bites.

Vigilance is key in the quest to spot bed bugs on cats. By recognizing these signs, we empower ourselves to take swift action, ensuring the comfort and well-being of our furry friends in the face of this minuscule yet impactful threat.

Inspecting Your Cat for Bed Bugs – Step-by-Step Inspection Guide – Using a Magnifying Glass and Natural Light:

Safeguarding your cat from the perils of bed bugs begins with a meticulous inspection. Follow this step-by-step guide to thoroughly examine your feline friend and ensure their well-being.

Preparation:

Find a calm and quiet space where your cat feels at ease. Prepare a well-lit area near a window to utilize natural light.

Gentle Handling:

Approach your cat with care, ensuring they are relaxed. Gently pet and soothe them to establish a sense of comfort.

Fur Examination:

Work down from the head, parting the fur to expose the skin beneath. Pay close attention to areas where bed bugs might seek refuge, such as behind the ears, along the neck, and under the belly.

Visual Inspection:

Use a magnifying glass to examine the exposed skin closely. Look for any signs of tiny, reddish-brown insects or their oval-shaped eggs. Be thorough but gentle, maintaining your cat’s comfort throughout.

Behavioral Clues:

Observe your cat’s behavior. Excessive scratching, biting, or restlessness can indicate the presence of bed bugs.

Skin Reactions:

Check for unusual redness, bumps, or irritation on your cat’s skin. Bed bug bites can cause localized reactions.

Paws and Claws:

Examine the spaces between your cat’s toes and under their claws, as bed bugs can sometimes take refuge there.

Post-Inspection Comfort:

After the inspection, offer your cat treats or playtime as a reassuring reward for their cooperation.

Regularly inspecting your cat using this guide empowers you to catch any potential bed bug infestations early, ensuring your feline companion’s health and happiness. Remember, a thorough examination and your cat’s comfort are crucial to maintaining a pest-free environment for your beloved pet.

Prevention and Treatment:

Protecting your feline friend: preventing bed bug infestations – cat bedding hygiene and regular cleaning – creating a bed bug-free living environment.

Safeguarding your cherished cat from bed bug infestations involves proactive measures . Start by maintaining impeccable hygiene in their bedding and washing it regularly using hot water. Vacuuming cat-friendly spaces, including carpets and nooks, minimizes potential hiding spots. Seal any cracks or crevices where bed bugs might lurk, creating an inhospitable environment. Vigilance is critical when introducing new items into your home, ensuring they are bed bug-free. By upholding these practices, you provide your feline friend with a haven, shielding them from these persistent pests’ discomfort and health risks.

Nipping It in the Bud: Treating Bed Bugs on Cats – Safely Removing Bed Bugs from Cats – Working with a Veterinarian for Effective Solutions:

Swift action is imperative when dealing with bed bugs on cats. Safely addressing the issue requires a systematic approach. Begin by isolating the affected cat to prevent further infestation.

Veterinarian Consultation:

Seek guidance from a veterinarian experienced in pest-related issues. Their expertise ensures the safety of your cat throughout the treatment process.

Cat-Friendly Solutions:

Avoid using harsh chemicals or products not approved for feline use. Your veterinarian can recommend safe and effective treatments, such as topical solutions, that cater to your cat’s well-being.

Thorough Cleaning:

Wash your cat’s bedding and living areas thoroughly—vacuum to eliminate any remaining pests.

Collaborating with a veterinarian guarantees a tailored and humane solution, prioritizing your cat’s health. You can bid adieu to bed bugs by acting swiftly and wisely, ensuring your feline friend’s comfort and a pest-free environment.

Busting Bed Bug Myths:

Dispelling common misconceptions – bed bugs vs. fleas: the distinct differences – can cats repel bed bugs.

Clarifying misconceptions surrounding bed bugs and their interactions with cats is essential for accurate understanding.

Bed Bugs vs. Fleas:

Distinguishing bed bugs from fleas is crucial. Bed bugs are nocturnal, hitchhiking pests that primarily infest sleeping areas, while fleas are parasitic insects that thrive on the blood of pets like cats and dogs. Understanding these differences is pivotal for effective management .

Repelling Bed Bugs:

The notion that cats naturally repel bed bugs is a common myth. While cats may groom themselves extensively, bed bugs can still infest their environment. Cats can exhibit behavioral changes in response to bed bugs, but relying solely on this is inadequate for pest control.

It’s vital to debunk misconceptions and embrace accurate information. Proper identification and treatment strategies, guided by professionals, help in effectively managing both pests and ensuring the well-being of our beloved feline companions.

Facts and Fiction: Separating Truth from Speculation – Are Bed Bugs Harmful to Cats’ Health? – Understanding Bed Bug Behavior on Cats:

Distinguishing between facts and speculation is crucial regarding the impact of bed bugs on cats.

Health Impact:

Bed bugs are primarily nuisance pests for humans, but their effects on cats can differ. While bed bugs generally prefer human hosts, they can bite cats, causing discomfort and itching. However, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to cats.

Behavioral Impact:

Bed bug behavior in cats can vary. Some cats may show heightened agitation due to the discomfort of bites, while others might not exhibit noticeable changes. Scratching and restlessness could indicate bed bug bites, but these signs can also be linked to other factors.

Understanding the nuanced interplay between bed bugs and cats is crucial for accurate assessment. While bed bugs might not pose severe health risks to cats, their presence can lead to discomfort. Prompt action, guided by professionals, ensures the well-being of both feline companions and their human counterparts.

Cat Bedding Hygiene and Beyond:

Maintaining cat bedding hygiene – regular cleaning and washing tips – using cat-friendly bedding materials.

Maintaining impeccable hygiene in your cat’s bedding is paramount for their comfort and health.

Regular Cleaning:

Wash your cat’s bedding routinely, ideally every one to two weeks. Use hot water and mild detergent to effectively remove dirt, dander, and potential pests.

Thorough Drying:

Ensure the bedding is completely dry before reintroducing it to your cat’s space. Damp bedding can lead to mold growth and discomfort.

Cat-Friendly Materials:

Opt for bedding materials that are easy to clean and resistant to harboring pests. Avoid overly plush fabrics that might hide debris.

Have a spare bedding set to use while the other is being cleaned. This prevents disruptions to your cat’s comfort routine.

Adhering to these hygiene practices provides your feline friend with a clean and cozy resting place, promoting their well-being and ensuring a healthier living environment .

Creating a Comfort Zone for Your Cat – Optimal Resting Spots and Temperature – Ensuring a Stress-Free Sleeping Environment:

Crafting a serene and stress-free haven for your cat involves thoughtful consideration of their resting spaces.

Optimal Resting Spots:

Designate quiet and cozy corners where your cat can unwind undisturbed. Elevated perches, soft beds, and quiet nooks are ideal choices.

Temperature Control:

Cats are sensitive to temperature changes. Ensure their chosen spots are comfortably warm in winter and cool in summer, away from drafts.

Tranquil Atmosphere:

Minimize loud noises and disruptions in their resting areas. Creating a tranquil ambiance helps foster relaxation.

Familiar Scents:

Place items with familiar scents, like bedding or toys, in their resting spots. This reassures your cat and enhances their sense of security.

Crafting a serene environment tailored to your cat’s preferences ensures their well-being, providing a comforting retreat where they can recharge and thrive.

Taking Action for Your Cat’s Well-being:

Prioritizing your cat’s health and comfort – understanding the importance of vigilance – how proactive measures benefit your feline friend:.

Your cat’s health and comfort are paramount, and remaining vigilant is essential to ensuring their well-being.

Early Detection:

Regularly monitoring your cat’s behavior, physical condition, and surroundings allows you to spot any changes or potential issues promptly.

Swift Action:

Addressing concerns promptly prevents minor issues from escalating into significant health challenges. Regular veterinary check-ups further contribute to your cat’s overall health.

Proactive Measures:

Employ preventive measures, such as maintaining cleanliness and proper nutrition, to bolster your cat’s immune system and resilience.

Emotional Well-being:

A stress-free and enriched environment positively impacts your cat’s emotional health, contributing to their overall quality of life.

Prioritizing your cat’s health requires vigilance and proactive care. You create an environment that promotes their health, happiness, and lasting companionship by staying attuned to their needs and promptly addressing concerns.

Collaborating with Professionals – Seeking Veterinary Guidance for Infestations – Consulting Experts in Pest Control:

When facing infestations that could affect your cat’s health and well-being, seeking professional guidance is crucial.

Veterinary Expertise:

Consult a veterinarian if your cat is affected by pests or related issues. Their specialized knowledge ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Pest Control Specialists:

Engaging experts in pest control helps in eradicating infestations safely and efficiently. They employ methods tailored to your specific situation while prioritizing your pet’s safety.

Preventive Measures:

Professionals can offer insights into preventive strategies , helping you create a pest-resistant environment for your cat.

Collaborating with veterinary and pest control professionals ensures comprehensive care for your feline companion. By leveraging their expertise, you safeguard your cat’s health, comfort, and overall well-being.

Conclusion: In safeguarding the well-being of your cherished feline friend, knowledge becomes your most potent weapon. Armed with understanding, you can navigate the intricate tapestry of your cat’s environment confidently. By being attuned to the signs, proactive in prevention, and swift in action, you create a resilient shield against potential threats like bed bugs. Embracing this newfound awareness fosters a bug-free haven where your cat can thrive, free from discomfort and health risks. As you embark on this path of empowerment, remember that your commitment to your cat’s health is a testament to your unwavering bond. Together, you forge a future where your beloved companion can bask in the comfort, security, and joy they deserve.

DorkyCats

CAN CATS CARRY BED BUGS? 5+ REMEDIES

can bed bugs travel on cats

Can cats carry bed bugs? If you suspect bed bug problems, you might wonder if your cat is at risk too. Fortunately, your cat is not necessarily carrying those small animals.

While bed bugs can feed on cats and people, they usually are not residing on your cat fur. Thus, it is unusual for cats to carry them. However, while it is uncommon for cats to carry bed bugs, it is still possible in some rare circumstances.

Let’s see how to deal with bed bugs when cats are around.

can bed bugs travel on cats

Table of Contents

WHAT IS A BED BUG?

A bed bug is a tiny, wingless insect that feeds on the blood of animals and humans. Adult bed bugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed, with flat, reddish-brown bodies that are roughly oval.

They are typically active at night when they emerge from hiding places to feed on sleeping humans or animals.

Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, but they can cause skin irritation, itching, and allergic reactions in some people. In addition, infestations can be difficult to detect and even more challenging to get rid of, as bed bugs can hide in cracks and crevices in walls, furniture, and bedding.

can bed bugs travel on cats

Bed bugs can spread through human and animal transport, such as clothing, luggage, or pets. They can also be introduced into homes and buildings on used furniture, bedding, or other household items.

Suppose you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation in your home. In that case, contacting a pest control professional is essential to help eliminate the infestation and prevent it from spreading.

CAN CATS CARRY BED BUGS?

Cats can carry bed bugs just like any other animal or human, but it is unlikely that a bed bug will reside on cats or other pets. They leave their hiding to look for food, and once they bite, they return to the usual place.

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that can easily hitch a ride on clothing, bedding, and pets. While bed bugs don’t typically live on pets, they can hide in their fur and be transported from one location to another.

If you suspect that your cat may have been in contact with bed bugs, it’s important to immediately prevent an infestation from spreading. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Inspect your cat’s bedding and sleeping areas for signs of bed bugs, such as small bloodstains, molted skins, or tiny black fecal spots.
  • Give your cat a thorough bath using a pet-friendly shampoo to help remove any bed bugs hiding in their fur.
  • Vacuum your home thoroughly, paying close attention to areas where your cat spends a lot of time, such as carpets, rugs, and furniture.
  • Wash your cat’s bedding and any other linens or clothing that may have come into contact with bed bugs in hot water and dry on high heat.
  • Consider contacting a professional pest control company to help eliminate bed bug infestations in your home.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your cat and your home from bed bugs and prevent the spread of an infestation.

Some ideas of shampoo you can use:

HYPONIC Hypoallergenic Premium Shampoo for All Cats...

CAN BED BUGS LIVE IN CAT LITTER?

Bed bugs are not known to infest cat litter, as they typically prefer to hide in cracks and crevices near where humans sleep, such as mattresses, bed frames, and headboards. Bed bugs are also unknown to live on or inside animals, including cats.

However, bed bugs can be transported in or on cat litter near an infested area. In addition, bed bugs can hitch a ride on clothing, bedding, or other materials and be carried from one location to another.

If you suspect your home has a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to eliminate the problem as soon as possible. This may involve hiring a pest control professional to treat the affected areas with insecticides or other methods.

When handling cat litter or other pet-related items, wearing gloves and taking precautions to avoid spreading any potential bed bugs is a good idea.

Washing pet bedding and other items in hot water and drying them on high heat can also help kill any bed bugs that may be present.

WHERE DO BED BUGS COME FROM?

Bed bugs are believed to have originated in the Middle East, but they can now be found worldwide. They are often associated with unsanitary living conditions, but bed bugs can infest even the cleanest of homes and hotels.

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can be transported from one location to another on clothing, luggage, bedding, and other materials. They can also be introduced into homes and buildings on used furniture or other household items.

In recent years, bed bug infestations have become more common, and it’s believed that increased international travel and the decreased use of certain insecticides have contributed to their resurgence.

Bed bugs are notorious for being difficult to detect and even more challenging to eliminate, making them a persistent problem for many homeowners and renters.

HOW TO GET RID OF BED BUGS ON CATS?

CAN CATS CARRY BED BUGS? 5+ REMEDIES

Bed bugs do not typically infest cats or other pets, as they prefer to feed on human blood. However, bed bugs can be transported on a cat’s fur or bedding, and they may bite the cat if they cannot find a human host.

If you suspect that bed bugs may have bitten your cat, it’s essential to take steps to eliminate the infestation in your home. In the meantime, you can take the following steps to help protect your cat:

  • Bathing your cat with a mild pet shampoo can help remove any bed bugs hiding in their fur.
  • Vacuum your home thoroughly.
  • Wash your cat’s bedding and any other pet-related items in hot water and dry on high heat to help kill any bed bugs that may be present.
  • Use a flea comb to remove bed bugs in your cat’s fur.
  • Consult with your veterinarian: If your cat is experiencing skin irritation or other symptoms due to bed bug bites, you may want to consult your veterinarian for additional treatment options.

It’s important to note that while bed bugs can bite cats and other pets, they cannot infest them like they infest homes and furniture.

Eliminating bed bugs from your home is the most effective way to protect your cat and your family from these pests.

CAN CATS CARRY BED BUG EGGS?

Cats can carry bed bug eggs on their fur, bedding, or other items. Bed bug eggs are tiny and white and are often found in the crevices and seams of furniture, bedding, and other items in the home.

If a cat comes into contact with bed bug-infested items, it may pick up bed bug eggs on its fur, which can then be transferred to other areas of the home.

It’s important to note that bed bug eggs are less likely to be found on cats than on other items in the home, such as clothing, bedding, and furniture. This is because bed bugs prefer to lay their eggs in areas where they can easily access a blood meal, such as in the seams of a mattress or upholstered furniture.

CAN CATS KILL BED BUGS?

Cats are natural hunters and may be able to catch and kill individual bed bugs, especially if they are active at night when bed bugs are most active. However, cats are unlikely to be an effective method of controlling a bed bug infestation.

Bed bugs can quickly spread throughout a home and hide in cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas, making it difficult for even the most skilled hunter to eliminate the infestation.

CAN BED BIGS BITE CATS?

Bed bugs can bite cats, although they generally prefer to feed on humans. Bed bugs feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including cats, dogs, and humans.

They typically feed at night, when their hosts are sleeping, and their bites can cause itching, redness, and other skin reactions.

HOW TO GET RID OF BED BUGS?

Getting rid of bed bugs can be a difficult and time-consuming process and may require the help of a professional pest control company. However, here are some steps you can take to help eliminate a bed bug infestation:

  • Identify the infested areas: Look for signs of bed bugs, such as live bugs, shed skins, bloodstains, and fecal matter on your bedding, furniture, or other items in your home.
  • Vacuum thoroughly : Vacuum your home thoroughly, paying special attention to areas where bed bugs are likely to hide, such as the seams of mattresses, box springs, and furniture.
  • Launder-infested items: Wash bedding, clothing, and other washable items in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
  • Use bed bug traps: Bed bug traps can help detect and trap bed bugs, making monitoring and controlling the infestation easier.
  • Treat infested areas with insecticides: Insecticides can effectively kill bed bugs and their eggs but should be used cautiously and only according to the instructions on the label.
  • Consider professional treatment: If the infestation is severe, you may need to hire a professional pest control company to treat your home with specialized insecticides and other methods.

It’s important to be persistent and thorough in eliminating a bed bug infestation, as even a few surviving bed bugs can quickly re-infest your home.

WHAT TO DO WITH PETS DURING BED BUG TREATMENT?

During bed bug treatment, it’s important to take steps to protect your pets from exposure to insecticides and other chemicals.

Here are some tips for managing your pets during bed bug treatment:

  • First, remove your pets from the treatment area: If possible, remove your pets from the treatment area for the duration of the treatment. This may involve temporarily relocating them to another room or a friend’s house.
  • Follow instructions from the pest control company: If you’re using a professional pest control company, follow their instructions for pet safety during the treatment. This may involve removing food and water bowls, toys, and bedding from the treatment area and covering aquariums or cages with plastic sheeting.
  • Keep pets away from treated areas: After the treatment is complete, keep your pets away from treated areas until the insecticides have had a chance to dry and the room has been thoroughly ventilated.
  • Consult with your veterinarian: If you have concerns about your pet’s safety during bed bug treatment, consult with your veterinarian for advice on protecting your pet.

It’s important to remember that different types of insecticides may have different toxicity levels for pets. Hence, following instructions carefully and using caution when using these products in your home is essential.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can stray cats carry bed bugs.

It is doubtful that stray cats carry bed bugs. This is because bed bugs used to reside inside the house. However, stray cats can have other types of fleas or bugs.

Can cats smell bed bugs?

Cats can smell the very distinctive odor of bed bugs. In addition, cats have very refined senses and can perceive the presence of those small animals even before humans do.

can bed bugs travel on cats

Vittoria is a full-time blogger with a passion for cats and pets in general. She has many furry friends and loves to talk about them and share curiosities, tips, and funny stories. She created Dorkycats.com to help cat owners learn more about their furry feline friends! As a passionate fan of everything about cats, she is is more than happy to be the editor and provide content on what she is passionate about.

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Pet Care Advisors

Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats or Live on them?

What are they.

Bed bugs are a type of insects that feed on human and animal blood. They are small, about the size of an apple seed, oval-shaped and brown in color with a musty, or moldy smell.

On humans, their bites often result in skin redness, bleeding, blistering, and itchiness. Too many bites can lead to urticaria. Some people may have a fever, feel tired in case of many bites. However, they are not known to transmit any infectious diseases.

These bloodsuckers often hide in cracks, crevices, folds or hollow on bed rails or stands, in headboards footboard and end seams. They can also hide in furniture cabinet, drawers, boxes especially sides or bottom areas, on carpet edges, in cracks or hollows on walls, floor, or any other isolated, dark place.

Bed bugs on cats picture

Dried blood spots, their feces (dark and rusty), their smell and their shells may be a way to detect them. You can also see them while looking at the various place they hide.

Finally, when they detect either a heartbeat or carbon dioxide emission, these insects know that there is a potential host. This is how they are attracted to cats, dogs, human beings, or other animals.

Do they bite kitties?

Yes. Bed bugs can bite cats, dogs, and other animals. Usually, they will target or feed on areas where there is less fur and easier to access. However, they will prefer humans that other animals.

In case they bite your fluffy friend, you are likely to find their bites on areas such as their belly, ears, and some areas of their legs or any other place that has lesser fur and easy to access.

Usually, cats that have a dense coat or long fur will be less affected as these parasites will have lesser places to bite. As they attack your cat, they are unlikely to dig deep into their fur to find spots they can bite.

If you suspect that your feline pal has been bitten by these bugs, check on areas that are more exposed and easier to access where you may notice symptoms like those they cause when they bite human beings.

Bed bug bites on cats will result in pink welts or skin redness. Your feline may begin scratching or excessively grooming the affected area after a few days. Scratching may break the skin, cause bleeding, and open a gateway for possible secondly skin infections.

However, such bites may also be caused by mosquito bites. If there is a heavy infestation, you will these pink welts in a line since they can detect scents of other bed bugs and will want to be near them.

Some kitties may not show any evident signs of bites just as in the case of human beings and allergic reactions may also occur in rare cases.

Finally, unless they are severely bitten, in most cases, no treatment is required besides getting rid of these bloodsuckers.

Can bed bugs live on cats?

No. They do not live on kitties. These parasites are not engineered to crawl on animal fur and they do not nest or lay eggs on animals. They are not like fleas, ticks, or mites which may live on your felines or canines.

This is further affirmed by PetMD who notes that “a bed bug will attach to its host to feed for about five minutes and then detach, meaning it is very unlikely that you will find an actual bed bug on a person or pet.”

Can cats carry bed bugs

The next big concern is whether cats can bring bed bugs, i.e., spread them or if they can travel through them from one place to another?

To begin with, the main way in which they are transmitted is through infested (having eggs or bugs) items such as clothing, bedding, language, furniture, bags, and so on in homes, hotel, airplanes, vehicles and so on.

Also, they can crawl to nearby areas and some species may be spread by wild animals such as bats and birds to whom they are parasites.

Your cat cannot carry, spread or help bedbugs to travel from one place to another. In fact, we have already mentioned they do not live on them. Therefore, it is unlikely that your feline or dog brought these creepy-crawly blood-sucking critters to your home.

Finally, it is not impossible for them to be on your feline’s fur especially if they wake up while still sucking them. However, they cannot carry them far since they will hear them moving and get rid of them.

 can cats detect bed bugs or kill them?

No. They can’t. Ordinarily, they will not detect, pursue, or chase them because they are always hiding unless they are trained to do so. However, if they are on them, they may bite them or kill them. Also, if they spot them, they may try hunting them as they do to other bugs.

Don’t be carried by the April Fools Hoax by Zappbug.com , that claims cats be trained to kill these bedbugs. It goes on to note that usually, they are trained and rewarded with a potent catnip. Initially, they are trained to chase laser dots then the laser dots are used to show them where these parasites are. Once they see them, they smash them with their paws.

Eventually, they can be able to kill them without being guided by lasers to get their rewards. Once trained and owning their great sense of smell, they can be used at home to find and kill these parasites, i.e., such cats can smell bed bugs, find and kill them. The whole story is a hoax!

Do cats eat bed bugs?

While they may be trained to kill them using their paws or bite them, they will not eat them. They are not among the bugs that these pets often pursue such as crickets, grasshoppers and so on.

Bed bugs and cat litter

Is it possible for these blood-sucking insects to be hiding or living inside your cat litter? No. They cannot live in your feline friend’s litter since they are not burrowers.

However, they might hide under litter trays or if it has cracks or hollows especially on the outer surface and it is placed in a dark place.

Secondly, if the litter is made from silica, it will dehydrate and kill them. In fact, the use of ground silica is one of the ways to kill these parasites. You need to grind it and sprinkle it on areas that are infested.

However, they can hide in their toys, bedding or areas where your cat lives if it has hollows and crevices.

How to get rid of bed bugs on cats

We have noted that these vermin do not live on cats. Therefore, there is no special way to get rid of them that applies to these pets.

Getting rid of them will involve things such as cleaning your bedding, curtain, clothing, etc., with hot water, vacuuming everywhere they may hide, sealing any cracks, brushing your mattress with a stiff brush to get rid of their eggs or extermination by a pet-safe chemical.

Quick facts on bedbugs

  • When they bite you, you are unlike to feel much pain because as they pierce your skin, they leave anesthesia and a blood anticoagulant to help blood flow easily.
  • They can live for up to 5 months without a blood meal and still survive
  • They quickly multiply as one female can lay up to 200 to 500 eggs in her lifetime.
  • They can sense carbon dioxide about 100 feet far and infrared signal to detect their host.

2 thoughts on “Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats or Live on them?”

“According to Zappbug.com, cats be trained to kill these bedbugs.”

I looked at that article earlier. I got to the last paragraph which stated the cats got addicted to the catnip (never happens as far as I know). At the bottom of the article, it says “April Fools”. That whole article is a gag. If you’re researching and quoting that article, how can I trust your research on everything else here?

Thank you for your helpful contribution. We get content from a number of people. It takes time to fact check. We currently doing that. Ordinarily, we only retain links to authority sources and studies.

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How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Cats in 7 Easy Ways

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Bed bugs are nasty blood-sucking pests that are easy to spread and difficult to eradicate. Controlling and eradicating bed bugs is one of the most challenging pest problems. They create infestation so quickly and irritate us and our pets. They live and feed on our feline blood and lead to severe itching and ugly spots on the skin. So how to get rid of bed bugs on cats?

Do you want to know how to get rid of bed bugs on cats in easy ways? So you landed on the right site. 

This article is a comprehensive guide about bed bugs in cats. Reading this article means that you are learning a perfect and easy solution to get rid of bed bugs on your feline. You can also use the quick navigation from the table of content.

Table of Contents

How Cats Get Bed bugs?

bed bugs on bed

Bed bugs are one of the most challenging pest problems to eradicate. Before solving the problem, this is essential to let you know that Bed bugs don’t live in your cat fur. Usually, these nasty parasites live near your bed, in-home furniture, living rooms, bedrooms, other resting places, and even in your travel luggage and laundry, etc. 

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Cats?

To safely and efficiently eradicate cat bed bugs, the first step is determining where the bed bugs are located. Then, you can follow the techniques such as Wash all of your and cat Beds in hot water, steaming bedding and rest places, cleaning bed frames by vacuuming, using a chemical treatment to kill the bugs eggs, putting the bedding and mattresses at temperature, or hiring experienced pest control company to get rid of bed bugs on cats. 

Let’s now discuss these tips in detail. 

Easy ways to Get rid of Bed bugs on cats

1 . kill the bugs on your cat fur.

Bed bugs don’t like to stay in your cat’s fur. Instead, they will visit your feline skin to suck the blood. However, there are still chances that these parasites lay eggs in your feline fur or stay there. The ideal way is to thoroughly bath your feline with lukewarm water with a recommended cat shampoo and then flush the water immediately to prevent the reattack.

2. Hire an experienced Pest control Company

bed bugs under bed cover

Controlling and eradicating bed bugs is one of the most challenging pest problems. Before going into the self-control solution, the very best and ideal way to eliminate these nasty parasites from your home and pets is to hire an experienced and professional pest control company.

These companies keep professional personnel and all the necessary types of equipment that will clean your whole house from pests.

3. Wash all bedding in Hot water

Bed bugs don’t live in your feline skin. Instead, they mostly live in the bedding and suck your kitty blood. So the very first step to treat the bed bugs infestation is to clean all your and your feline beddings in hot water. 

Washing the beddings in hot water will help to kill all the bugs present there. To prevent re-infestation, Ensure to flush the contaminated water outside of the house if some bugs remain life.

Replacing the feline bed will be the best option. Buy a best and comfortable cat bed for your cute friend.

4. Using Steamers to Control Bed Bugs

Steaming is considered another effective way to kill bed bugs. Take a recommended steamer and then all you need is just to put the steamer on your feline bedding and steam the whole area. Steaming will suffocate the bugs and will kill them. Streaming also helps to reach those places for the pests treatment when you can’t approach such tiny areas, holes, walls, corners, fixed furniture, etc. 

5. Clean Bed Frames by vacuuming

Throwing your infected beddings and furniture can cost you a lot, and we don’t recommend you to throw it. Instead, make sure to clean all your bed frames and other furniture with out bedding with vacuuming. Please try to vacuum any tiny and narrow holes in the frames. 

6. Chemical treatment to kill the bugs and Eggs

Many Bugs killing chemical products are available that help kill the bugs and even the eggs. But before using the product, make sure to keep away the kids and other food products in the house and kitchen. 

7. Put the Bedding and Mattresses in Temperature

Many household members use this technique to eliminate parasites, including ticks, fleas, and bed bugs. However, putting the bedding and mattresses in the temperature, especially in the sun, suffocate the pests and leave the bedding.

But make sure to put the bedding in a place far away from yours and other houses. You can also kill the bugs directly when you see them. 

Symptoms of Bed Bugs in Cats

Common symptoms of Beg bugs in cats are pink welts or red spots on the skin, itching, scratching, licking fur, and rubbing with paws.  

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Final Thoughts:

Bed bugs can be difficult to eradicate because of their small numbers and dispersion in hard-to-reach places. The ideal and safe way for the bugs treatment on cats is to get rid of all bed bugs from your house to eliminate the possibility of them biting your cat. This includes all the bed bugs in your bedroom, the front room, the hallway, and anywhere else you see them. They’ll return within days if they don’t get rid of them. 

70% of bed bug infestations are found around the beds. This is why so much of the treatment is focused on those areas. 

A pest-care professional can help you achieve the best results. First, determine where the bedbugs are located. Bed bugs are most commonly found in bedrooms, but they can also be found in living rooms. Bed bugs can infest one room and spread to other rooms over time.

Hot water is used to wash bedding, and Bed frames are treated using both vacuuming and chemical treatment to eliminate the more significant adults and nymphs. 

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Bed Bugs Insider

How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Cats

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Bed bugs are an incredibly common pest. Aside from human hosts, bed bugs can also feed on the blood of cats. This can make life miserable for your feline friend.

Bed bugs don’t live in cat fur. They live near your cat’s bed or resting places. You can remove bed bugs by using heat treatment, pesticides, or home remedies like diatomaceous earth. But make sure to tackle the whole infestation in your home, not just your cat.

Cats may also be able to transfer bed bugs from one house to another, or lure them in, especially in apartment blocks. That’s because cats are warm and breathe out carbon dioxide just like humans, which is what bed bugs love the most. So, let’s look at how to stop luring in bed bugs, and how to kill an existing infestation in your property.

Can Bed Bugs Live on Cats?

No, bed bugs can’t live on cats. Bed bugs don’t live on their hosts like other parasites, e.g., fleas. However, that doesn’t mean that bed bugs will leave cats alone.

If your cat has a bed, then this is the likely source of the infestation. Inspect it to see if you can see any fecal spots, and dried blood, any old shells and any live bed bugs.

Whatever you find, launder the bed at a high heat to kill any that might be there. If symptoms persist, the problem may be more widespread.

Can Bed Bugs Bite Cats?

Bed bugs can bite people or pets, or even wild animals that make their way into abandoned houses (although this is less common, for obvious reasons). This is why bed bug infestations in uninhabited houses can keep going for so long, without anybody around.

The only problem is that bed bugs don’t like fur or hair. So, they’ll find it a little more difficult to bite your pet than it would be for them to bite you.

Do Cats Attract Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are attracted to two main lures: body heat and carbon dioxide.

By following signs of carbon dioxide and finding places that are warmer than usual, they can easily find their way to their host. People, cats, and other pets all give off these signs, which is why bed bugs can find cats just as easily as they can find you.

That being said, cats can’t attract bed bugs if there isn’t already an infestation somewhere nearby. A bed bug infestation can’t just come from nowhere. Bed bugs can usually find a new host from within about six feet, but they can explore around in an attempt to find somebody.

So, if your neighbor has bed bugs, then a cat could help lure them in. But if nobody nearby has bed bugs, then there’s no way to attract them.

Where Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats?

Bed bugs prefer to bite areas that don’t have a lot of hair and fur. That’s why when you wake up with bed bug bites, they’re more likely to be along your back or legs than your scalp.

When it comes to biting pets, bed bugs will pick places where they have easier access to the skin. They can’t go digging around in fur, because they’re not the right shape—they’re too big and too wide. Instead, they’ll pick more open areas such as:

  • Parts of their legs

It depends on the cat. Check your cat to see where they have less fur, and whether they have bites there, if you think they’re affected by bed bugs. Cats that have thicker fur or longer fur than others are less likely to be affected, because there’s less area for the bed bugs to latch onto.

where do bed bugs bite cats?

Why Do Cats Carry Bed Bugs?

Even though bed bugs can bite cats, that doesn’t mean that cats carry them. No animal can really ‘carry’ bed bugs.

Bed bugs are an ectoparasite, which means that they live outside the host. But unlike most other ectoparasites such as fleas and mites, they also don’t live on their host’s skin. Bed bugs live in places called harborages, like underneath your mattress, where they’re safe while they digest their food.

Because they live in harborages, they haven’t developed the means to cling onto a host. A flea has tiny legs and claws that are designed to wrap around a hair, so that they can hold on for dear life when you try and comb them out. Mites and lice are the same. Bed bugs can’t do that. They’re also too big to comfortably burrow their way through hair, and they don’t bite and stay attached like ticks do. So, no, cats can’t carry bed bugs.

Can Bed Bugs Be Transferred by Cats?

Despite the fact that cats can’t easily carry bed bugs, that doesn’t mean cats can’t transfer bed bugs from place to place.

First of all, since bed bugs are attracted to all animals, that means that cats can act as a sort of lure for bed bugs. In apartment blocks, it’s common for bed bugs to go from one apartment to the other—either through cracks in the walls , or just by scuttling across the hall.

They’re attracted by lures, i.e., warmth and carbon dioxide. If your cat has their bed next to the door, or next to a crack in the wall, then it’s possible for the bed bugs to be attracted in.

Aside from that, it’s hypothetically possible that a bed bug could hide underneath a cat’s collar. This is unlikely, since the collar would be moving around a lot, so the bed bug wouldn’t exactly be comfortable. But when they hitch a ride, bed bugs like to pick places that are underneath things—so a collar is unlikely but possible.

Can Bed Bugs Be Brought in from Outside?

No, cats can’t bring in bed bugs from outside. There’s a straightforward reason why it’s impossible: because bed bugs don’t live outside. Bed bugs only live indoors, in people’s homes, or second to that perhaps in the walls of inhabited buildings.

While bed bugs share many similarities with ticks, they don’t find hosts in the same way that ticks do. Ticks sit on blades of long grass waiting for people or animals to pass by, before hitching a ride. Bed bugs don’t—they can only go from house to house by hiding somewhere safe, like in somebody’s bag, in public transport/taxis/rental cars, or discarded clothing.

So, if bed bugs can’t live outside, where did they come from? What did they do before we came along? Well, bed bugs are descended from ‘bat bugs.’ These are insects that used to live in caves and feed on bats while they slept. When humans started living in caves, we offered much more food (blood) than bats did, so these insects tagged along with us. When we moved out of our caves, they came with us, living in our bedding.

After so many thousands of years, these bed bugs aren’t that different to bat bugs, and they still don’t like living out in the open. According to PLOS One , bat bugs still regularly bite people who work in mines where there are bat populations.

To be clear, your cat won’t bring in bed bugs from the outside by visiting a cave. All bed bug infestations occur after bed bugs travel from one house to another.

Can Bed Bugs Live in Cat Litter?

No, bed bugs can’t live in cat litter, for many reasons.

First of all, bed bugs don’t like to burrow under things. Their bodies are too wide and cumbersome for them to burrow into loose things like cat litter. It just wouldn’t occur to them. But more importantly than that, cat litter is made from silica gel crystals, which are famed for keeping things dry (which is why you find silica gel packets in packaging). When bed bugs come into contact with things like this, it can dry them out.

That’s how diatomaceous earth works. It’s small enough and sharp enough that it can scrape away at the lining of their shell. Once the lining is gone, they can’t conserve moisture anymore, and they very quickly dry out and die. As for whether cat litter can do the same, it’s not clear—but bed bugs don’t like overly dry places anyway.

As for whether bed bugs can live in or under the cat litter tray itself, they definitely can. They could easily squeeze under it, or hide under a plastic handle on the side. But this would only happen in the most serious of infestations.

Symptoms of Bed Bugs in Cats

The symptoms of bed bug bites in cats are the same as those in people. Bed bugs cause pink welts or spots to occur in the location of the bite. These often appear in clusters or lines, where many bed bugs have fed at once. That’s because bed bugs are attracted to the smell of other bed bugs (which is how they find their way home after they feed).

You’ll notice your cat scratching themselves and grooming more than usual. Excessive grooming is common in cats, but excessive scratching isn’t; it’s usually a sign of parasites.

can bed bugs be transferred by cats?

How Do Bed Bugs Affect Cats?

The most obvious way that bed bugs affect cats is that the cat will be scratching the bite marks constantly. Just like the bites affect us, they can get very itchy.

As they keep scratching, they can open up little scratch wounds and maybe even bleed a little. These open wounds could potentially become infected if the cat doesn’t let them heal, and they’re infected with bacteria. Try to keep them clean if this is the case.

That being said, bear in mind that no two people or pets have the exact same reaction to bed bugs. Some people get a rash when they’re bitten, whereas others don’t. Some people’s bites are quite itchy, whereas other people’s bites aren’t. Some people don’t even get spots at all. The same applies to other animals too, so your cat may or may not display these symptoms.

Allergic Reaction to Bed Bugs in Cats

Even worse, though, is that the bed bug bites can cause an allergic reaction for your cat. According to a paper in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology , bed bugs can cause an IgE antibody response like the one that causes asthma.

Parasites of all kinds can cause allergic reactions, whether the parasites are internal or external. This results in the usual symptoms of an allergic reaction, including:

  • Pink skin especially around the bite marks
  • Swelling, either local or throughout the whole body in the worst case scenario
  • A runny nose

It’s vital that you rule out other potential causes of this inflammation/allergic reaction before blaming bed bugs. The problem could be a different parasite, or something else altogether. Either way, take them to the vet, and they should be able to identify the problem.

How To Check Cats for Bed Bugs

You should make sure that the problem is bed bugs before you try and treat it. Try the following examination to see what’s affecting your cat:

  • Check the cat all over for bite marks and welts, like the ones described above.
  • If they have a bed, check it to see if there are bed bugs on, in or around it. Also look for fecal spots (small black spots), red dots (old blood from bite marks) and discarded shells that the bed bugs leave behind when they shed them. Whether you see them or not, wash the bed at a high heat or buy them a new one. There may be eggs that you can’t spot.
  • Check around the area where your cat sleeps. Are there bed bugs underneath or inside the furniture nearby? Turn the chairs or couch over and see if there are bed bugs there. And if there are any cracks in the wall, or gaps in the sideboard nearby, check those too.

Bed Bugs vs. Fleas vs. Ticks on Cats

Cats can get ticks just like dogs can. And they can get fleas too. But there are two significant ways that bed bugs are different to fleas and ticks: appearance and behavior.

  • Regarding behavior, bed bugs don’t stay in your cat’s fur. They stay in their bed/near their bed, and wait for the cat to go to sleep. Then they come out, usually at night, because they don’t like the light. They’ll feed for twenty minutes before hiding again. Fleas stay in the cat’s fur permanently, and ticks attach themselves for days on end, daylight hours or not.
  • In terms of appearance, bed bugs are the size of a small apple seed. They have two distinctive antennae poking at angles from the front of their head, and they’re a mid-brown color. Fleas are the size of a grain of sand, and are black. Ticks look like bed bugs, but they have more obvious legs, and don’t scuttle around as fast as bed bugs.

Bed bugs also leave larger bite marks than fleas.

What Kills Bed Bugs on Cats?

To get rid of the bed bugs that are biting your cat, you have to get rid of every single one in the house. That includes the ones in your room, in the front room, in the hallway—anywhere that you find them. Because if you don’t, they’ll spread back again within a matter of days. Here’s a brief step by step guide to getting rid of bed bugs on cats.

  • Start by cleaning your cat’s bed. If your cat has a regular bed that they sleep in all the time, then the odds are that there are some bed bugs underneath or around it. You can either wash and dry the bed, or buy them a new one.
  • Do the same around your house. Any furniture, furnishings or similar has to be cleaned or replaced. It’s a big job but if you don’t do it, the bed bugs will be back, and quick.
  • Buy a mattress encasement (and if necessary, a box spring encasement) to get rid of the bed bugs at the source.

This should be enough to get rid of most of the bed bugs. The source of the vast majority of bed bugs is your bed, so by isolating these bed bugs with an encasement, you’re taking a big step towards dealing with the problem. Then, kill the remainder in your furniture by using a spray or a steam cleaner.

Use Bed Bug Lures

Cats do attract bed bugs. That’s because they breathe out carbon dioxide and give off heat just like we do. That’s why bed bug lures are such an effective way to kill bed bugs.

Bed bug lures usually give off carbon dioxide, but can also give off a cocktail of other chemicals as well as heat to attract bed bugs. Put a lure near your bed, and near your cat’s bed, and it will draw in plenty of bed bugs. This won’t kill every single bed bug in the house, but it will make the infestation more manageable.

What Not to Use to Remove Bed Bugs

Don’t use tea tree oil or other essential oils to kill bed bugs on cats. Cats and other animals are allergic to tea tree oil. So, we would recommend trying something else like a steam cleaner.

Some people choose to use pyrethrins and pyrethroids to kill bed bugs. These two pesticides are highly effective, but are poisonous to cats, dogs, and even other pets like snakes. Pyrethrins were invented not as a pesticide, but as a chemical that could kill brown tree snakes—and they’re highly toxic to most animals. According to Public Health Reports , people who work with them are regularly poisoned. Avoid using them if you have any pets whatsoever.

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  • Bed Bugs in Bedding (Blankets, Sheets, Comforters) Detection + Removal

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Do Beg Bugs Bite Cats?

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Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius , are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Although bed bugs primarily target humans for their blood meals, cats can also become victims of their bites, especially in the presence of a significant infestation. While not as common as flea or tick infestations, bed bug encounters can cause discomfort and skin reactions in cats.

The following AnimalWised article delves into whether cats can be bitten by bed bugs , how to identify the symptoms, and when and how to take preventive actions to protect your cat and your home free from bed bugs.

Can cats have bed bugs?

Symptoms of bed bugs bites in cats, what should i do if my cat has bed bugs, how to prevent bed bugs in cats.

Cimex lectularius , commonly known as bed bugs, are nocturnal blood-feeding parasites that lurk in the crevices of mattresses, sofas, and furniture, emerging at night to feed on their unsuspecting hosts.

Although bed bugs typically favor human hosts, their adaptability can lead them to target cats under certain circumstances, particularly those with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. However, due to the challenges of navigating through dense fur, cats are less likely to experience full-blown infestations compared to humans.

Can bed bugs live on cats?

While bed bugs may occasionally venture onto pets like cats in their quest for a blood meal, they typically seek refuge in their preferred hiding spots , such as cracks in walls, crevices, or furniture, after feeding. Cats and other pets are not the favored targets of bed bugs, and infestations on animals are uncommon.

Expand your knowledge on bed bugs and their impact on pets with our comprehensive guide on bed bugs and dogs .

While bed bugs are not inherently life-threatening to cats, their bites can cause discomfort and skin reactions . However, the risk of serious health complications from bed bug bites is relatively low in cats compared to humans.

The primary concern with bed bug bites in cats is the intense itching and irritation they can cause. This can lead to excessive scratching, which can result in skin abrasions, hair loss, and secondary infections if left untreated. However, in most cases, these symptoms are more of a nuisance than a direct threat to a cat's health.

In rare cases, bed bug bites can trigger allergic reactions in cats, leading to more severe symptoms such as hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

Are bed bugs harmful to cats?

Bed bugs pose a relatively low health risk to cats compared to other parasites like fleas and ticks. However, it's essential to monitor your cat for any signs of discomfort or skin irritation and consult a veterinarian if necessary.

If you're concerned about your cat's skin health, enrich your understanding with our insightful article on cat skin conditions .

Do Beg Bugs Bite Cats? - Symptoms of bed bugs bites in cats

If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to bed bugs, it's an indication of a potential infestation within your home. Timely action is crucial to address the issue and safeguard your cat's well-being.

The first step is to contact a reputable pest control service with experience in bed bug eradication. They can effectively eliminate the infestation from your home.

Then, conduct a thorough inspection of your cat's fur, particularly around the abdomen, armpits, and groin area. Look for signs of bed bug bites, which typically appear as small red bumps or clusters of bites.

Finally, schedule a veterinary appointmen t to confirm the cause of the skin irritation and rule out other potential culprits, such as fleas or allergies. The veterinarian can prescribe appropriate treatment to alleviate itching and prevent complications.

To ease your cat's discomfort and prevent excessive scratching, your veterinarian may recommend topical treatments , such as anti-itch creams or medicated shampoos. Elizabethan collars may be used to prevent further scratching and allow the skin to heal.

In order to protect your beloved cat from the inconvenience of bed bugs, it's crucial to take proactive steps to prevent these pests from infesting your home . Below is a detailed guide on how to establish a bed bug-free environment:

  • Regular cleaning and inspection : maintain a clean and clutter-free home. Vacuum regularly, paying particular attention to areas where bed bugs tend to hide, such as mattresses, bed frames, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Inspect these areas frequently for signs of bed bugs, such as shed skin, blood spots, or tiny black fecal matter.
  • Be cautious when traveling : when staying in hotels or other accommodations, thoroughly inspect the bed and surrounding areas for signs of bed bugs. Avoid placing luggage on beds or upholstered furniture. Upon returning home, unpack luggage in a designated area, preferably a bathroom or laundry room, and inspect clothing and belongings for bed bugs before storing them.
  • Second-hand furniture vigilance : when acquiring second-hand furniture, thoroughly inspect it for signs of bed bugs before bringing it into your home. Consider professional steam cleaning or heat treatment to eliminate any potential bed bugs or their eggs.
  • Seal cracks and crevices : bed bugs often hide in cracks and crevices around baseboards, walls, and furniture. Seal these openings with caulk or sealant to reduce their hiding spots.

Remember that cats are not the primary target of bed bugs, but they can still serve as carriers if bed bugs are present in your home. This is why it is important to:

  • Regularly groom your cat to check for any signs of bed bug bites, such as small red bumps or clusters of bites.
  • Wash your cat's bedding, blankets, and any soft furnishings regularly in hot water to eliminate any potential bed bugs or their eggs.
  • Observe your cat's behavior for excessive scratching or signs of skin irritation. If you notice any unusual scratching or skin lesions, consult your veterinarian to rule out bed bugs or other potential causes.

If you found this article on bed bugs in cats informative, delve deeper into the world of feline parasites with our comprehensive guide on mites in cats .

Do Beg Bugs Bite Cats? - How to prevent bed bugs in cats?

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Do Beg Bugs Bite Cats? , we recommend you visit our De-worming category.

  • Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Cimex lectularius. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia . Available at: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimex_lectularius
  • ASFAE. (2023). Are your cats in danger? Find out if bed bugs attack them . Available at: https://www.asfae.es/las-chinches-muerden-a-los-gatos-sintomas-comunes-y-consejos-de-prevencion/
  • Vixège, I. (2023). Bed bugs: a danger for dogs and cats? Wamiz. Available at: https://wamiz.es/noticias/173098/chinches-un-peligro-para-perros-y-gatos

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Will Bed Bug Spray Hurt My Cat? What You Should Know!

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Image Credit: T.TATSU, Shutterstock

Last Updated on February 15, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

VET APPROVED

Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Bed bugs can cause a troubling infestation in any home, and while they rarely bother cats, they can use pets as a form of transportation to spread throughout the house. You will want to get rid of them as soon as possible, but will bed bug spray hurt your pets? Because bed bug sprays are pesticides, they can cause severe harm to your cat if they aren’t used safely. You can take precautions when using store-bought sprays or pest control services to protect your home from infestation and keep your feline safe.

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  • What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs, like fleas, love to feast on blood. They usually live on mattresses but may also find the carpet, bed frames, and other nearby locations an enjoyable and cozy environment. Because they are attracted to body heat, and you are stationary throughout the night, your bed and bedroom are an ideal location to settle down.

Bed bugs are most prevalent in apartments and single-family homes. Still, many of these residents unknowingly bring them home while traveling in hotel rooms or even from public transportation and while visiting hospitals or nursing homes.

bed bug close up

  • How Do You Spot Them?

These bugs only feed off a host for about five minutes and then retreat into a cozy place in your mattress, carpeting, or other suitable location. Because they do not need very long to get the nutrients they need and will then go into hiding, it can be challenging to know you have a bed bug infestation in your home. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. You will likely know you have bed bugs when you see traces of their droppings and molted skins.

  • Can My Cat Get Bed Bugs?

While bed bugs are like fleas in many ways, they are also different. For example, bed bugs prefer a human host over a pet and may hitch a ride on your cat or dog to reach another area of your home but rarely bite them.

If your cat is getting bit by bed bugs, it is likely because the bed bugs are being forced away from their natural habitat or hosts, such as when pesticides or cleaners have been used.

cat scratching ear

  • Can You Use Bed Bug Spray?

Pesticides can be tricky around pets. Many homemade and natural remedies may not be made specifically for bed bugs or could make matters worse. You could also be inadvertently poisoning your pets. Store-bought pesticides could be labeled as non-toxic and safe for people and pets, but if misused, they could also cause problems.

If you will be using a store-bought pesticide spray, here are some tips to ensure that you and your pet remain safe:

  • Place pets in a separate room
  • Remove their beds, toys, and other objects
  • Read and follow all label instructions and warnings
  • Allow the product to dry completely
  • Open windows before allowing pets into the room
  • Pest Control Services

Pest control technicians are trained to spot bed bug infestations and treat them appropriately with pesticides formulated explicitly for them. These products are safe for people, pets, and even the environment. If you are unsure how to use pesticides in your home, you may want to contact a local company to ask questions about their products and process. They can usually come to your home to provide an estimate and give you more information about how their pesticides work in your home and around pets. This is likely the safest option to make you feel better about getting rid of the bugs without endangering you or your cats.

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  • Signs of Pesticide Poisoning

Whether you use homemade formulas, store-bought pesticides, or pest control services, you should be aware of the signs of pesticide poisoning in cats. Anytime pesticides are used in your home, you should watch for any changes in behavior. When used safely, your pets should not be harmed, but noticing the signs as soon as possible and seeking treatment is the best way to prevent any long-term or severe reactions.

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If you’ve found a bed bug infestation in your home, you will need to create a plan for tackling it. Be sure to consider your pet’s safety when using pesticides. If you choose a pest control service, ask questions about the pesticides they use and any steps you should take to keep your cat safe. Getting rid of bed bugs can be challenging, but you can do it while keeping the whole family healthy, including the kitties!

  • Should I Spray My Cat With Water?
  • Can a Cat Detect Bed Bugs? The Surprising Answer!

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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster. Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.

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Do Bed Bugs Affect Cats? Explained (Updated)

Last Updated on February 21, 2024 by Alene Schill

Can bed bugs harm your pets, despite commonly being linked to humans and furniture? These tiny pests are adept at travelling and hiding, making it difficult to pinpoint their location.

Our team researched and created an in-depth guide to help you answer the question, “do bed bugs affect cats?”

Table of Contents

How Do Bed Bugs Affect Your Cat?

There are various ways to know if your cat is affected by bed bugs, and some of them include the presence of bite marks and fecal or small red spots on their bed [ 1 ].

If your house is infested by bed bugs, then you can expect that your cats may get affected too.

These bugs may feed on your pets, especially at night when they are most active in looking for hosts to feed on. But what causes bed bugs?

How to Know If Your Cat is Affected?

Existing bite marks.

Bed bug bites on your pets may be visible on the stomach and limb area. These bite marks are usually small red bumps on the skin. If you often see your pets scratch, itch, and sometimes bite or lick the irritated part of their skin, then chances are, they have bed bug bites.

Live Bed Bugs On Fur

If you check your cat’s fur and notice a small bumpy insect attached directly to their skin, it may be a feeding bed bug that has made its home in your feline friend’s fur. Remove it carefully to avoid hurting your pet in the process. But what really attracts bed bugs into your home ?

Fecal or Red Spots on Their Bed

After seeing bite marks and some live bed bugs on their fur, check their bed to know if there are any signs of bed bug infestations like fecal or red spots on their bed. This is almost the same as finding fecal or red spots on your mattress or pillows. 

Is It Dangerous?

Yes, bed bug infestation in your cats or pets can lead to severe cases or reactions. Bed bugs can’t transfer any diseases to your pet, but if your pet is allergic to bites, it may not only feel discomfort but also develop some severe reaction to it. So can your pets carry bed bugs ?

Can Your Cat Carry Bed Bugs?

No, cats cannot carry bed bugs as these nasty critters do not live on their hosts and only feeds on them. Bed bugs live anywhere, be it under the beddings, in crevices, and in other warm and dark areas.

You may sometimes see bed bugs on your cat’s fur and feeding on their skin, but they certainly do not live there [ 2 ].

How to kill bed bugs on cats?

You can manually pick these little bugs off your cat’s skin and apply heat treatments and pesticides to eliminate their eggs on your cat’s bedding. If the infestation in your cat’s skin is worse than expected, it would be best to bring your cat to a vet to get the medical attention it needs.

Do cat attracts bed bugs?

Yes, bed bugs may be attracted to cats since these pests are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. Hence, they can feed both on humans and other animals, including your feline friend. 

Cats can also get affected by bed bugs, and once your cat shows signs of bed bug bites, you should locate their hiding place and get rid of them immediately. Technically, bed bugs do not bring any diseases. 

However, if your cat is allergic to bites, your feline friend may suffer from severe reactions that pose a serious risk to their health or, worse, their lives.

Once you see signs of a bed bug infestation, it is best to contact a professional exterminator immediately to avoid making your problems any worse. 

References:

  • https://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-provides-guidance-pet-owners-during-bedbug-epidemic
  • https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef636

Alene Schill is a property manager from Columbus, Ohio, who has dealt with numerous pest control agencies. She helps families find the perfect homes and knows very well that bed bugs are an ultimate deal-breaker. She enjoys cycling around Scioto Mile during her spare time.

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Bed Bugs FAQs

What are bed bugs, where are bed bugs found, do bed bugs spread disease, what health risks do bed bugs pose, what are the signs and symptoms of a bed bug infestation.

  • How are bed bug bites diagnosed?

How did I get bed bugs?

Who is at risk for getting bed bugs, how are bed bugs treated and prevented.

Bed bugs ( Cimex lectularius ) are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm (roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny), and can live several months without a blood meal.

Bed bugs are found across the globe from North and South America, to Africa, Asia and Europe. Although the presence of bed bugs has traditionally been seen as a problem in developing countries, it has recently been spreading rapidly in parts of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe. Bed bugs have been found in five-star hotels and resorts and their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found.

Bed bug infestations usually occur around or near the areas where people sleep. These areas include apartments, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, cruise ships, buses, trains, and dorm rooms. They hide during the day in places such as seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, or any other clutter or objects around a bed. Bed bugs have been shown to be able to travel over 100 feet in a night but tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep.

Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.

A bed bug bite affects each person differently. Bite responses can range from an absence of any physical signs of the bite, to a small bite mark, to a serious allergic reaction. Bed bugs are not considered to be dangerous; however, an allergic reaction to several bites may need medical attention.

One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by the tell-tale bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts while sleeping. However, these bite marks may take as long as 14 days to develop in some people so it is important to look for other clues when determining if bed bugs have infested an area. These signs include:

  • the bed bugs’ exoskeletons after molting,
  • bed bugs in the fold of mattresses and sheets,
  • rusty–colored blood spots due to their blood-filled fecal material that they excrete on the mattress or nearby furniture, and
  • a sweet musty odor.

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How do I know if I’ve been bitten by a bed bug?

It is hard to tell if you’ve been bitten by a bed bug unless you find bed bugs or signs of infestation. When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten. Most people do not realize they have been bitten until bite marks appear anywhere from one to several days after the initial bite. The bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito or a flea — a slightly swollen and red area that may itch and be irritating. The bite marks may be random or appear in a straight line. Other symptoms of bed bug bites include insomnia, anxiety, and skin problems that arise from profuse scratching of the bites.

Because bed bug bites affect everyone differently, some people may have no reaction and will not develop bite marks or any other visible signs of being bitten. Other people may be allergic to the bed bugs and can react adversely to the bites. These allergic symptoms can include enlarged bite marks, painful swellings at the bite site, and, on rare occasions, anaphylaxis.

Bed bugs are experts at hiding. Their slim flat bodies allow them to fit into the smallest of spaces and stay there for long periods of time, even without a blood meal. Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. The bed bugs travel in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. Most people do not realize they are transporting stow-away bed bugs as they travel from location to location, infecting areas as they travel.

Everyone is at risk for getting bed bugs when visiting an infected area. However, anyone who travels frequently and shares living and sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept has a higher risk of being bitten and or spreading a bed bug infestation.

Bed bug bites usually do not pose a serious medical threat. The best way to treat a bite is to avoid scratching the area and apply antiseptic creams or lotions and take an antihistamine. Bed bug infestations are commonly treated by insecticide spraying. If you suspect that you have an infestation, contact your landlord or professional pest control company that is experienced with treating bed bugs. The best way to prevent bed bugs is regular inspection for the signs of an infestation.

This information is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the parasites described above or think that you may have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider.

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Pets and Bedbugs: How to Safely Get Rid of the Bedbugs

Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

by Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

Once considered the bastion of shady motels in crowded cities, an indicator of poor housekeeping or dirt, bed bugs have quickly become a ubiquitous pest affecting even the most steadfast lodgings and homes. After a decrease in appearances after WWII, bed bugs have come back with a vengeance since the 1990s and are again considered a major public health pest. Cleanliness or the cost of the lodging are no deterrent to these bugs, which are found in all 50 states.

What Are Bed Bugs, Exactly?

Bed bugs, also known by their scientific name Cimex lectularius L. , are parasitic creatures that use blood as their sole source of nutrition. They feed on warm-blooded animals. According to the California Department of Public Health , while bed bugs prefer humans, they will feed on dogs and cats as well. Adults are 5-7 mm long, about the length of an apple seed, and are flat—a shape that is ideal for hiding in bed frames, molding, and box springs. Most bed bug bites happen at night. A bed bug will attach to its host to feed for about five minutes and then detach, meaning it is very unlikely that you will find an actual bed bug on a person or pet.

Can a Bed Bug Make Me or My Pet Ill?

Fortunately for both people and pets, bed bugs are not known to transmit disease. Some people or animals develop red welts or itchy lesions, which are often mistaken for flea or mosquito bites. So while they can cause discomfort and significant mental distress, bed bugs won’t give you or your pets diseases, though in severe cases scratching can lead to secondary skin infections. Many times people don’t notice bites at all.

How Do You Get Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are hardy hitchhikers. Many unsuspecting travelers pick one up on the road and bring it home in their luggage, unwittingly setting up an infestation. A fed female bed bug can lay between 2-5 eggs a day, meaning one single bug in your roller-bag, gym bag, or even in your pants cuff, can lead to an infestation at home. Once an infestation is established, their propensity to hide in nooks and crannies can make them very difficult to eradicate.

According to the 2015 Bugs Without Borders Survey , the top three places where bed bugs are found are apartments, single family homes, and hotels/motels, though they are also found in dorms, nursing homes, modes of public transport, and even hospitals. They can survive temperatures from freezing to 122°F and make it several months without eating, making them good survivors in a world that doesn’t want them around.

What Are the Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation?

While it is possible to find a live bed bug on yourself or your pet, most of the time people notice secondary signs of infestation before locating a live bug. In the house, you may notice any of the following: translucent shed exoskeletons, black spots of bug droppings, or red blood stains on your bed sheets. On people or pets, you may not notice bites at all, or you may see red welts, oftentimes in a line.

Live bugs range in color from rust to bright red depending on whether or not they have recently fed. They aggregate around wood features but can hide in bed frames, box springs, papers on the floor, curtain rods, even small wallpaper creases that have pulled away from the wall. In one instance, bed bugs were even located in a man’s prosthetic leg!

How Do You Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Because it takes so few to create an infestation, and also because they are so well dispersed in hard-to-reach places, bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate. Generally, the best outcomes happen when treatment is assisted by a pest-care professional. The first step is determining where the bed bugs are located. While the bedroom is most common, bed bugs also frequently found in living rooms. Infestations can begin in one room and move to others over time.

Seventy percent of infestations are located around beds, so much of the process focuses on treating those areas. Bedding is washed in hot water, mattresses are encased in bed bug-proof covers, and bed frames are treated with both vacuuming to remove the larger adults and nymphs, and chemical treatment to kill the eggs. If bed bugs are found in other areas, such as dressers, the same process is repeated there. If it sounds time consuming or difficult, that’s because, unfortunately, it is.

Many different products are labeled for use in eradicating bed bugs. In general, foggers are not effective as they do not penetrate the areas bed bugs like to hide. Sprays that are applied directly to affected areas have the advantage of striking exactly where they need to go. Because of the variety of products on the market, it is vital to read both the label and the safety data sheet for the product, which can be found online. None of the products should be applied directly to pets. Again, professional assistance can save you a lot of headaches in that regard.

We Have Bed Bugs! Will Treating Them Hurt My Pet?

I spoke to the professionals at Corky’s Pest Control , who have lots of experience in safely eradicating bed bugs in family homes. There are many options available, depending on the severity of the infestation and the needs of the owners, from heat treatments to fumigations to chemical applications. The suggested course of treatment can vary from household to household and from company to company.

For households with dogs and cats, Corky’s most commonly uses a chemical application to affected areas, which necessitates about 4-6 hours of keeping the pet away from the house. A severe case requiring fumigation would require the entire family to be out of the home for three days. They also stressed that certain pets, such as birds and reptiles, can have different sensitivities to environmental pesticides, so it’s vital to ensure the treatment you select is safe for your specific menagerie.

If you are dealing with bed bugs, take a deep breath; you’re not alone. With a little elbow grease, you can return your house to being in a bed bug-free state.

Additional Resources:

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

National Pest Management Association

Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

Veterinarian

Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, is a person who loves too many topics to be able to stick to one descriptor: writing, dogs, communication, cats,...

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How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Cats?

How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Cats

You may have experienced being bitten by bed bugs at one point in your life. They feed on your blood and leave itchy and ugly red welts and marks on your skin. Our furry pets are no exception and can be similarly attacked by these critters. 

How to get rid of bed bugs on cats?

Bed bugs are small, blood-sucking parasitic insects that primarily feed on human blood. However, they are also known to feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals like cats and dogs. Bed bug infestation in your cat and home can be a nightmare and should be addressed promptly.  

These are some of the ways on how to get rid of bed bugs on cats:

1. Check your cat for signs of bed bugs and if possible bathe her. 

Your cat can spread bed bugs from one room to another although she may not be infested. This is possible when she sleeps in her bed which has bed bugs and moves to another room or part of the house.  What you can do to get rid of bed bugs is to brush your cat with a flea comb and check for signs of bugs or bites. If there are no signs you may skip bathing her. If you notice bites in your cat’s skin,  consult your vet for the best treatment options. 

These are the signs that your cat has bed bugs:

  • your cat is constantly scratching 
  • excessive grooming 
  • the appearance of pink welts or spots that appear in clusters or lines 

Bed bugs will usually attack or bite areas that do not have hair and fur and where they have easier access to skin. They cannot easily dig around fur. These critters will usually bite your cat in the belly, ears and certain parts of their legs. Cats with less fur are more prone to be bitten by bed bugs compared to long-haired ones. 

2. Thoroughly clean your cat’s bed if it was the source of bed bugs. 

Your cat’s bed is a probable source of bed bugs so be sure to thoroughly clean it. Wash it well in the washing machine preferably in high heat settings that should be above 120 degrees. Be sure to dry at high heat for at least 20 minutes. Cat toys should be sprayed with isopropyl alcohol to kill adult bed bugs and eggs. 

Use a bed bug spray to get rid not only of bugs but the eggs and nymphs as well. Spray the cat bed and furniture like the sofa where your cat usually hangs out. Be sure to use only sprays that are odorless and non-toxic. 

3. Use bed bug lures to draw them out of their hiding places. 

Bed bugs are naturally attracted to carbon dioxide. You can buy bed bug lures or traps which release carbon dioxide and other chemicals to attract bed bugs away from sofas, beds and furniture.

Pros and cons of bed bug lures

  • it may reduce the number of bites more than passive monitors 
  • it works on both tropical and common bed bugs especially if they are glue traps
  • it can be placed anywhere in the home 
  • it runs out after some time and you have to buy more 
  • it does not always kill all the bed bugs like most regular bed bug traps
  • it is usually more pricey than the passive monitor traps 

4. Place and encase cat beds, mattresses and furniture inside tight plastic covers. 

Encasing these things will keep bed bugs from invading them or if the bugs are inside these items they will not be able to escape. However, these bed bugs can survive for up to a year despite being trapped inside so make sure to use other measures as well aside from encasing furniture with plastic covers.

The use of pesticides like pyrethrins and pyrethroids are also known to kill bugs and other indoor pests. These pesticides flush bed bugs out of hiding places and eradicate them instantly. However, these may be toxic for cats and other animals so it should be used with supervision or better yet, seek the help of a bug exterminator company. 

One common home treatment for bed bugs is diatomaceous earth . It is a non-toxic and all-natural barrier to bed bugs that kills and prevents them from spreading around the home. Be sure to wear a mask when using it for bed bug termination to avoid eye irritation.

These are the benefits of diatomaceous earth as bed bug treatment:

  • it is all-natural as it is derived from fossilized sea creatures called diatoms 
  • it is non-toxic and safe to handle 
  • it works great with heat treatment
  • it safely kills bed bugs by dehydration 
  • it acts as a mechanical barrier 
  • it is non-resistant and bed bugs cannot develop a resistance to it 
  • it has a long-lasting and slow-acting effect 

Can bed bugs live on cats?

No, bed bugs do not thrive on a cat’s body and they do not live on their hosts unlike fleas and other parasites. However, they can still pester and bite cats just as they would feed on human blood. The result is the appearance of pink welts or spots around the bitten area. 

Do cats attract bed bugs?

Yes, cats can attract bed bugs if there is an infestation nearby since a bed bug infestation cannot just happen out of nowhere. Bed bugs are usually attracted to two main lures which are carbon dioxide and body heat. They can find their way to a host by finding warmer places and following signs of carbon dioxide. 

Cats as well as people and other animals give off or emit carbon dioxide which is why bed bugs can easily detect and find them as hosts. Needless to say, cats can help lure in bed bugs if there is an infestation in the neighborhood but if there is none there is no way to attract these bugs.

Also, cats do not carry bed bugs since these bugs are ectoparasites and live outside the host and do not thrive on the host’s skin. These critters prefer to live in harborages or places such as under the mattress and on crevices. They cannot cling to fur or hair and cannot burrow their way through it, thus, cats are not very good at carrying them. 

Can cats transfer bed bugs from one place to another?

Yes, it is probable for cats to transfer bed bugs from one place to another although they cannot easily carry these critters.  felines may act as lures especially if they have access or if their beds are near doors and wall cracks where bed bugs may be present. these bed bugs may also hitch a ride on your cat’s collar..

Eliminating bed bugs can be very challenging since these bugs can survive up to a year without feeding. They can adapt to various temperatures and can exist in the smallest of cracks on walls, floors and furniture. While vacuuming and washing beddings and carpets may reduce infestation, most experts would vouch on extermination with the use of pesticides to totally eradicate the bugs. 

Final thoughts 

Bed bugs can be pesky and annoying and cats are prone to be attacked by these critters. Protect your furry pets from being bitten by keeping them well-groomed and bathing them if necessary.  Wash and vacuum her cat bed and other things thoroughly and use heat treatment to kill the bugs. The use of diatomaceous earth and bed bug lures are also helpful although pesticides are known to effectively eradicate these bugs. 

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Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats? Science-Based Facts & FAQ

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Updated on Jan 15, 2024

bed bug

Ugh, bed bugs. They’re tiny, they bite, and they’re incredibly difficult to get rid of once they’ve infested your home. And unfortunately for your furry friends like cats and dogs, bed bugs can bite them as well .

Most bed bugs don’t carry additional parasites like fleas and mites do; however, their bites can cause serious itching, rashes, and skin irritation for you and your cats. Keep reading to learn more about how bed bugs can bother your cat and how to get rid of them.

Cats and Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are pesky little creatures that feed on the blood of warm-blooded creatures. While they’re typically known for feasting on people, they’ll happily feed on your pets too.

Cats are convenient creatures for bed bugs to hop on and hitch a ride because they move everywhere in your house. Cats like to nestle on your couch, armchair, bed, and in other dark, soft places. These spots are also ideal for bed bugs.

The good news is that bed bugs don’t typically spread diseases when they bite. That being said, their bites can still cause pain and discomfort.

How Do You Know if Bed Bugs Are Bothering Your Cat?

Unfortunately, bed bugs typically feed at night when it’s too dark to see them. They attach to their host, feed for a few minutes, then leave. This makes it very difficult to actually spot a bed bug on your cat. Instead, you’ll need to look for other signs. These include:

  • Shed exoskeletons of the bugs (they’re translucent)
  • Tiny black spots on your bedding (which are bug droppings)
  • Red blood stains on your bedsheets
  • Welts on your skin or your cat’s skin

If you notice any of these signs or see your cat itching more frequently, you’ll want to investigate more closely to see if bed bugs are the culprit.

Once they’re in your home, bed bugs can reproduce and become a full-blown infestation rather quickly. Females lay up to five eggs per day, so you can see how two bed bugs can quickly become 20, then 50, then more.

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Eliminating bed bugs from your home is a time-consuming and costly process. To completely eradicate them, you’ll likely need to hire a professional.

Bed bugs act like little hitchhikers and travel from place to place in your luggage, on your clothing, and even on your pets. Once they’re in your home, they can easily move from the bedroom to other rooms with comfortable hiding spots, such as your living room. A professional will be able to determine which areas of your home have bed bug infestations.

Once you bring in a professional exterminator, they’ll advise you to clean any fabric materials, such as your bedding, with hot, soapy water. They’ll encase the mattress in bug-proof covers. Then every surrounding surface will be cleaned. The insecticides used can be harmful to your pets, so you’ll need to keep your cats and dogs away while your home is being treated.

Don’t forget to include any bedding your cat uses in the cleaning process. Ask your veterinarian what the best procedure to use is to reduce the risk to your pet.

Other Common Causes of Skin Irritation in Cats

Bed bugs aren’t the only thing that can cause red welts or skin irritation in cats. Insect bites can cause severe itching and redness. These insects might bite your cat , especially if your cat is outdoors:

Other signs of skin irritation that may or may not be caused by insect bites include hair loss, scabs, dry skin, or sores. Cats often have sensitive skin and are prone to allergies . Some causes of skin problems in cats include:

  • Fungal or bacterial infection
  • Over-grooming
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Food allergies
  • Inflammation
  • Nutritional imbalances
  • Thyroid disorders

Typically, your veterinarian can diagnose the problem causing your cat’s skin problems by looking at it or taking a small sample for testing. Depending on the cause of the problem, treatments can range from medication, a change in diet, removal of allergens from the home, or other procedures.

Final Thoughts

If you think you have a bed bug infestation, don’t wait. Call in a professional right away. It’s also a good idea to contact your veterinarian to see what the best approach is for eliminating them from your cat’s lounging areas. Finally, if your cat is itching excessively or has red welts on their body, it might be bed bugs or another common skin irritant. It’s best to have your veterinarian take a look.

Featured Image Credit: Pavel Krasensky, Shutterstyock

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IMAGES

  1. Can Bed Bugs Travel On Cats And Spread Throughout Your Home?

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  2. Do Bed Bugs Affect Cats? Explained (2023 Updated)

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  3. How to get rid of bed bugs on cats

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  4. Bed Bugs and Pets: Answers to Your Questions

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  5. Quick Tips To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Cat

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  6. Can Cats Carry and Spread Bed Bugs in Their Fur?

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COMMENTS

  1. Can a Cat Carry Bed Bugs? Risks & Facts

    If the materials can't be washed but can be put in the dryer, dry them on medium to high heat for 10-20 minutes. This will help kill any bed bugs that made your cat's bed their home. If ...

  2. Can Cats Carry Bed Bugs?

    A bed bug infestation is creepy enough by itself, and you may be wondering if the bugs are being spread by your cat. You may be asking yourself, "Can cats carry bed bugs?". The simple answer is no, but they can feed on your pet — and you. Bed bugs are small insects that feed solely on blood. Unfortunately, they feed on your blood, because ...

  3. Do Cats, Dogs, and Pets Carry Bed Bugs?

    False. Pets can carry bed bugs around on them. Bed bugs do not physically attach themselves to cats and dogs like ticks do, but they can take a ride and are willing to travel for their meal. If they are hungry and cannot find a human, they will find a pet, such as your beloved cat.

  4. Can Bed Bugs Affect Cats? Understanding The Risks And Prevention

    In conclusion, cats can be affected by bed bugs, and it's essential to be aware of the signs. Excessive scratching, red bumps on the skin, hair loss, restlessness, and agitation are all indicators that your cat may have been bitten by bed bugs. Prompt treatment and elimination of the bed bug infestation are crucial for your cat's health and ...

  5. Can a Cat Carry Bed Bugs & Get Bitten? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

    Bed bugs feed on anything with circulating blood, and they bite cats. You probably won't spot the actual bugs on your kitty like you would fleas because bed bugs only feed for 3-10 minutes before dropping off. Bed bug bites are similar in size to flea bites but don't have a red spot in the center. Flea preventatives won't have an impact ...

  6. Cats, Bed Bugs, Bites & When to Bug Out

    Wash your cat's bedding, toys, and any other items in hot water, then dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Luckily, bed bug bites won't harm your cat, but their skin could be irritated as the bites heal, and it's possible some cats might have an allergic reaction. You may also see some temporary fur loss near the bites.

  7. Can Cats Bring in Bed Bugs? A Comprehensive Guide

    The answer is yes, cats can carry bed bugs. However, they are not a common form of transportation for these pests. Bed bugs prefer to hitch a ride on clothing or other items that have been in contact with an infested area. Cats are more likely to pick up fleas or ticks, which are another type of blood-sucking pest.

  8. Demystifying Bed Bugs on Cats: Risks, Prevention, and Identification:

    August 17, 2023 by John Marcus. In the realm of curious connections, one might not immediately associate bed bugs with cats. Yet, a fascinating interplay exists between these seemingly unrelated creatures, revealing an intricate web of behaviors and implications. Delving into the enigmatic world of bed bugs sheds light on more than their ...

  9. CAN CATS CARRY BED BUGS? 5+ REMEDIES

    In recent years, bed bug infestations have become more common, and it's believed that increased international travel and the decreased use of certain insecticides have contributed to their resurgence. ... Cats can carry bed bug eggs on their fur, bedding, or other items. Bed bug eggs are tiny and white and are often found in the crevices and ...

  10. Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats or Live on them?

    Can cats carry bed bugs The next big concern is whether cats can bring bed bugs, i.e., spread them or if they can travel through them from one place to another? To begin with, the main way in which they are transmitted is through infested (having eggs or bugs) items such as clothing, bedding, language, furniture, bags, and so on in homes, hotel ...

  11. Can Pets Carry Bed Bugs? Check for Bed Bugs on Your Pet

    Preventing bed bugs on dogs and cats. Even the cleanest homes in America can harbor bed bugs; all they need to thrive is blood and hiding spots. Homeowners are the intended targets for bed bugs, but unfortunately, our pets can suffer the consequences. To keep your family and furry friends safe from bed bugs, call Ehrlich at 888 984 0186.

  12. Can a Cat Detect Bed Bugs? Facts & FAQ

    Probably! The nature of the typical cat makes this a difficult question to answer. A cat's senses are acute enough to detect bed bugs, and it is conceivable that cats can hear, smell, sense, and ...

  13. How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Cats in 7 Easy Ways

    Using Steamers to Control Bed Bugs. 5. Clean Bed Frames by vacuuming. 6. Chemical treatment to kill the bugs and Eggs. 7. Put the Bedding and Mattresses in Temperature. Symptoms of Bed Bugs in Cats. Final Thoughts:

  14. How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Cats

    Cats do attract bed bugs. That's because they breathe out carbon dioxide and give off heat just like we do. That's why bed bug lures are such an effective way to kill bed bugs. Bed bug lures usually give off carbon dioxide, but can also give off a cocktail of other chemicals as well as heat to attract bed bugs.

  15. Bed Bug Bite in Cats

    Cimex lectularius, commonly known as bed bugs, are nocturnal blood-feeding parasites that lurk in the crevices of mattresses, sofas, and furniture, emerging at night to feed on their unsuspecting hosts.. Although bed bugs typically favor human hosts, their adaptability can lead them to target cats under certain circumstances, particularly those with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.

  16. Will Bed Bug Spray Hurt My Cat? What You Should Know!

    Bed bugs can cause a troubling infestation in any home, and while they rarely bother cats, they can use pets as a form of transportation to spread throughout the house.

  17. Can Pets Carry Bed Bugs? Don't Miss Out (Updated)

    Can cats sense bed bugs? Yes, ... They are also known as hitchhikers, and they can cling onto your pet to travel from one location to another, so if you go to a location that houses them, your pet can bring bed bugs home. If your home does have an infestation, it would be best to contact licensed professionals and exterminations to treat bed ...

  18. Do Bed Bugs Affect Cats? Explained (Updated)

    Do cat attracts bed bugs? Yes, bed bugs may be attracted to cats since these pests are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. Hence, they can feed both on humans and other animals, including your feline friend. Summary. Cats can also get affected by bed bugs, and once your cat shows signs of bed bug bites, you should locate their hiding ...

  19. CDC

    Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. The bed bugs travel in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. Most people do not realize they are transporting stow-away bed bugs as they travel from location to location, infecting areas as ...

  20. Getting Rid of Bedbugs When You Have Pets in the Home

    What Are Bed Bugs, Exactly? Bed bugs, also known by their scientific name Cimex lectularius L., are parasitic creatures that use blood as their sole source of nutrition. They feed on warm-blooded animals. According to the California Department of Public Health, while bed bugs prefer humans, they will feed on dogs and cats as well. Adults are 5 ...

  21. How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Cats?

    Learn how to prevent and treat bed bug infestation on your cat and home. Find out if cats can attract, carry or transfer bed bugs and what are the signs of bed bug bites on cats.

  22. Can Pets Spread Bed Bugs?

    Although bed bugs prefer human hosts, they can bite dogs, cats, rodents, and even birds! Even if they bite a cat or dog, bed bugs will not live on or in your pet's fur. If your pet is bitten, the bites will look like tiny red bumps on their belly or limbs, typically in areas with less hair. If you notice your pet itch, bite, or show ...

  23. Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats? Science-Based Facts & FAQ

    Science-Based Facts & FAQ. Ugh, bed bugs. They're tiny, they bite, and they're incredibly difficult to get rid of once they've infested your home. And unfortunately for your furry friends like cats and dogs, bed bugs can bite them as well. Most bed bugs don't carry additional parasites like fleas and mites do; however, their bites can ...

  24. How to avoid cockroaches and bed bugs during travel in KY

    In the case of bed bugs, start by checking the seams and crevices of the mattress, box spring and bed frame. You're looking for any live bugs, shed skins or dark spots (bed bug poop).