Can Cats Carry Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs. Can cats carry bed bugs? Well, these little creatures are an infamous nuisance. Known for hiding in small crevices and most commonly found in beds and couches, these small insects are notorious for their blood-sucking habits.

Not only are humans at risk but our beloved pets are too, including cats.

The thing about cats is that they have a passion for adventure. Even for indoor cats, exploring and roaming around the house is part of their nature.

What is the relationship between bed bugs and cats, then? Considering bed bugs tend to spread around quite easily, perhaps cats are helping them do this in a way.

Do cats carry bed bugs? That is the question this article aims to answer. First, it’s important to understand more about bed bugs.

Getting To Know More About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat insects, usually reddish or brownish. They belong to Cimicidae, a family of parasitic insects that feed on blood animals and have over 100 species to their name.

Although bed bugs are often known for living specifically in beds, these insects are more versatile than people give them credit for and can infest a wide range of locations, which is the main reason they are easily spread. These locations include places that are frequently visited, included:

• Public vehicles like buses, taxis, and subways
• College dormitories and other similarly shared facilities
• Hotel rooms
• And of course, regular households 

Bed bugs’ ability to hide in various locations makes them particularly challenging to get rid of. Since they are nocturnal and prey only on their victims as they sleep, it makes it even harder.

While bed bugs prefer to feed on humans, they can also feed on pets like dogs and cats. The way they do it’s very simple.

• First, they use their mouths to pierce through the skin.
• Then, they inject saliva, which has anesthetic and anticoagulant properties. 
• This, combined with the fact that the prey is most likely asleep, allows the injury to go unnoticed.

Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be an overwhelming task. Not only they are hard to catch, but bed bugs can also survive months without consuming any blood and reproduce relatively fast. They can spread to multiple locations inside a household.

How Bed Bugs Interact With Cats

We previously mentioned how cats might interact with bed bugs. Because cats are known for being explorers, they may accidentally walk near a bed bug nest. Which may have you wondering: Can cats carry bed bugs?

The short answer is: Yes. They definitely can. Although cats are not the preferred host of bed bugs, they can still work as a carrier, and become the host of several of these small parasites. Here are some of the key points to keep in mind:

• Influence of Pets in Spreading Bed Bugs. So can cats carry bed bugs? Yes, cats, dogs, and other similar furry friends can unwillingly become carriers for bed bugs, spreading them around the house. Bed bugs will normally not turn them into hosts but may benefit from the ride and spread themselves around the house, multiplying the locations where they are hidden.
• Bed Bugs Preference for Fur and Cloth. Because of their physiology, bed bugs prefer to stick around fur and cloth. Their legs make it easy for them to cling onto a cat’s fur, and if the cat has a bed, a blanket, or similar items, the bed bugs may stick to them.
• Bed Bugs Prefer Human Blood. A cat’s blood may be a good occasional meal, but most likely, the cat will be used as a means of transportation to find a more suitable location to find human blood.

A good way to know if a cat is a carrier is to check for bites and regular scratching. Bite marks might not be too noticeable, as bed bugs won’t bite cats as often as they will bite humans, but there’s a chance you might find some.

If your cat does have bite marks, or you find a bed bug in their fur, congratulations! You might be dealing with a bed bug infestation. Definitely consider taking a look around your house or hiring a professional. Remember that the longer you wait to solve the situation, the worse the outcome will be.

Potential Risks: Why Dealing With Bed Bugs Is Important

Now that you understand more about bed bugs and their relation to cats, it’s important to understand what are the potential risks and why it’s so important to deal with them.

We can start by saying that there are several health risks involved with bed bug infestations, not only surrounding ourselves but our pets as well.

• Human Health Implications. As bed bugs primarily feed on human blood, humans are the most likely to suffer the consequences of a bed bug infestation. The main symptoms one might deal with include:
• Health Risks in Cats. The aforementioned symptoms can also affect cats. Skin irritation, especially, might be worse as cats usually have problems controlling their scratching habits. Excessive scratching can lead to skin infections, which should be treated as soon as possible.

Identifying and treating bed bug infestations when you have a cat can be much more complex than dealing with human-infested areas.

Cats may not showcase visible signs of bites or discomfort if the case is not severe, which makes it harder to detect the presence of bed bugs. Also, bed bugs frequently hide in the cat's bedding, resting areas, or other parts of the home where the cat may spend time, requiring thorough inspection.

Preventive Measures

The best way to deal with bed bugs is by taking a proactive approach. Some of the things you can do include:

• Promptly Address Infestation Signs. Act as soon as possible if you find any sign of bed bugs in your household. Consider hiring a professional. Some of the signs to be on the lookout for are:
• Regularly Clean Your House. Keeping your house clean and clutter-free is an excellent way of avoiding bed bug infestations. Some spots you should pay special attention to, include:
• Pay Special Attention to Sleeping Areas. As bed bugs are nocturnal parasites, they prey on humans during the night while they sleep. Regularly clean sheets, pillows, blankets, and the cat’s bed. The best way to do so is to use hot water and hot air to dry them.
• Be Cautious of Secondhand Purchased Items. Secondhand items, especially things like clothes, furniture, rugs, and carpets, are potential bed bug nests. Make sure they are bug-free.
• Regularly Groom Your Cat. Although cats often groom themselves, they lack the capacity to identify and deal with bed bugs, so grooming your cat once or twice a week and inspecting their skin for bites or bloodstains, will help stop bed bug infestations from spreading.

Remember, early detection is key in preventing an infestation. If you believe there’s a bed bug problem despite preventive measures, seek professional assistance. Bed bugs are resilient pests, and DIY methods tend to be not enough to eradicate them.

Photo by Krysten Merriman/Pexels

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