Bed bugs are becoming more of a problem for pet owners, and it’s important to know how these pests affect cats to keep your home healthy. Bed bugs mostly go after people, but they also feed on cats which affects them in several ways.
Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats?
Yes, bed bugs can and will bite cats, but this happens less often than it does to people. Bed bugs prefer to feed on human blood but will bite cats and dogs when pets are present in an infested home. The dense fur that cats possess makes it more difficult for bed bugs to reach their skin, so these parasites tend to go after less hairy areas like the inside of the legs, stomach, and ears. When bed bug bites do occur on cats, they can cause intense itching, skin irritation, hair loss, and secondary infections due to the excessive scratching.
https://capcvet.org/guidelines/bed-bugs
Can Cats Carry Bed Bugs?
One of the most common misconceptions about bed bugs and cats is that cats can carry bed bugs. Cats do not carry bed bugs like they do with fleas or ticks. Bed bugs don’t live and reproduce on their hosts like fleas do. Instead, after feeding for 3 to 5 minutes, they go back to their nesting area, which is usually 5 to 10 feet away from the host. However, cats can carry bed bugs for a short time, especially if the parasites find a place to hide in the cat’s fur or bedding while they look for a new home.
https://bedbugbbq.com/can-bed-bugs-bite-cats-and-cause-harm-to-your-pet/
How Bed Bugs Affect Cat Health
Bed bugs don’t spread diseases to cats, but their bites can cause several health concerns. The most common symptoms of a bed bug bite are red, itchy bumps on the cat’s skin, which can lead to excessive scratching and secondary infections. In some cases, cats experience an allergic reaction to bed bug bites, resulting in swelling, redness, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing that requires immediate veterinary care. Very rarely, severe infestations could cause anemia due to blood loss, particularly in young or already weakened cats.
https://bedbugbbq.com/can-bed-bugs-bite-cats-and-cause-harm-to-your-pet/
Can Cats Detect Bed Bugs?
Cats have amazing sensory abilities and in theory they should be capable of detecting bed bugs. Their sharp sense of smell can pick up on the sweetish-musty odor that bed bugs make, and their sensitive hearing can detect the tiny sounds and movements these bugs make. But there are some practical problems with using cats to find bed bugs. Bed bugs are most active in the middle of the night when cats are typically sleeping. Unlike dogs, cats are not as easily trained or motivated to perform detection tasks.
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/can-a-cat-detect-bed-bugs
Prevention and Treatment Considerations
If you are dealing with a bed bug infestation, it’s important to think about how you are going to protect your cat. Many common ways to get rid of bed bug involve pesticides that can be harmful to pets. The chemical pyrethrin, commonly used in bed bug extermination, can be safe around pets when used correctly. Pet owners should talk to their exterminator or veterinarian about safety measures before beginning treatment. During professional bed bug treatments, cats should be kept away from the treated areas until the insecticide products are dry and the areas have been well-ventilated.
There are some natural ways to prevent bed bugs that are considered safe for cats. Products containing Chrysanthemum Cineraraefolium extract are considered natural and safe to use around pets. Unlike many bed bug powders that contain Permethrin, which can be very harmful or even fatal to cats. Cleaning your cat’s bedding often, vacuuming areas where your cats sleep, and keeping your home free of clutter can help reduce bed bug hiding spots.
Key Takeaways for Cat Owners
To get rid of bed bugs, you need to understand how they interact with cats. While cats aren’t very likely to bring bed bugs into your home, they can be affected by existing infestations through bites and potential health complications. Instead of treating your cat, you should focus on treating your environment because anti-flea and anti-tick products do not work against bed bugs. If you think your cat has been bitten by bed bugs or if you notice signs of too much scratching or skin irritation, see a vet right away to rule out other parasites and discuss appropriate treatment options.
https://vcahospitals.com/shop/articles/can-dogs-and-cats-carry-bed-bugs
