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How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Cats?

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Do you think your cat is carrying bed bugs? If yes, then you must go throw the content of this article wherein we discuss how to get of bed bugs on cats.

Can Bed Bugs Live on Cats?

Bed bugs cannot live on cats. They are not able to feed on the blood of cats and thus will die if they try to live on them. However, this does not imply that bed bugs cannot infest a home with cats in it.

In fact, bed bugs can travel between different rooms in a house and can hitch a ride on clothing or other items.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Cats

First and foremost, an infestation must be spotted early on itself. For that, one must inspect the bed for any signs of an infestation. This includes fecal spots, dried blood, old shells, and live bed bugs.

If any of these are found, then it is likely that there is an infestation, and professional help should be sought.

Can Bed Bugs Bite Cats?

Bed bugs are not choosy when it comes to biting their hosts. They will bite any warm-blooded creature, including people and pets.

Cats are particularly susceptible to bed bug bites because they like to rest in tight spaces where bed bugs thrive.

Though bed bugs cannot live on cats as they do on human blood, they may bite them if the opportunity arises.

Cats’ fur and hair make it more difficult for the bed bugs to attach themselves and feed, so there is a lesser chance of being bitten by a bed bug on a cat. Nonetheless, the possibility is still there.

Do Cats Attract Bed Bugs?

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Body heat and carbon dioxide are the two key attractants for bed bugs.

They may readily discover their host by following carbon dioxide indications and looking for regions that are warmer than normal. People, cats, and other pets all emit these signals, which is why bed bugs can just as readily detect cats as they can detect you.

Having said that, cats cannot attract bed bugs if there isn’t already an infestation anywhere nearby.

This means that if your neighbor has bed bugs, a cat might help entice them. However, if no one nearby has bed bugs, there is no way to attract them.

Where Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats?

Bed bugs generally bite humans, but they will also bite other animals, including cats. They prefer to bite areas that don’t have a lot of hair and fur, so the areas around the head and neck are common targets.

In fact, bed bugs cannot go digging around in fur because they are not in the right shape. They are too big and too wide. Instead, they will pick more open areas such as the neck, face, and arms.

They will usually bite around the cat’s belly, inside of their ears, and on different parts of their legs. If you notice your cat scratching or biting these areas excessively, it is possible that they have bed bugs, and you should take them to a vet for treatment.

Why Do Cats Carry Bed Bugs?

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Even while bed bugs may bite cats, this does not imply that cats are carriers of them. Bed bugs cannot be ‘carried’ by any animal.

Bed bugs are ectoparasites, which means they live outside of their hosts. However, unlike most other ectoparasites such as fleas and mites, they do not reside on the skin of their hosts.

This pest resides in locations known as harborages, such as below your mattress, where they may be safe while digesting their meal.

They haven’t gained the ability to adhere to a host since they dwell in harborages. A flea has tiny legs and claws that are intended to coil around a hair and grab on for dear life when it is combed out.

Lice and mites are the same things. Bed bugs are incapable of doing so. They’re also too large to burrow easily through hair, and they don’t bite and remain attached as ticks do. Cats, therefore, cannot carry bed bugs.

Can Bed Bugs Be Transferred by Cats?

Despite the fact that cats cannot readily transport bed bugs, this does not indicate that cats cannot spread bed bugs from one location to another.

To begin with, since bed bugs are attracted to all animals, cats may operate as a type of bed bug bait. Bed bugs are known to move from one apartment to the next in apartment buildings, either via fractures in the walls or by scuttling across the corridor.

They are drawn to lures such as warmth and carbon dioxide. If your cat sleeps near the door or next to a gap in the wall, bed bugs may be drawn in.

Aside from that, it’s feasible that a bed bug may lurk under a cat’s collar. This is improbable since the collar would be moving around a lot, making the bed insect uncomfortable.

Bed bugs, on the other hand, like to hide behind items when they take a trip, so a collar is improbable yet feasible.

Can Bed Bugs Be Brought in from Outside?

Bed bugs cannot live outside and must come from another living organism, such as humans or pets. They are not able to fly or jump and must crawl onto their host and ensure to make their way into a house from the outdoors.

These insects are not like lice in that they cannot be spread through contact. They can only move when they hitch a ride on belongings or people.

While cats may play a role in bringing bed bugs into the home, they are not the main source of infestation.

In fact, most bed bug infestations come from objects like furniture, clothing, or travel luggage.

If you’re concerned about bed bugs, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from entering your home in the first place.

How to get rid of bed bugs on cats?

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Bed bugs are microscopic parasitic insects that feed largely on human blood.

They have been seen feeding on the blood of warm-blooded animals such as cats and dogs. Bed bug infestations in your pet and house may be a nightmare and must be dealt with as soon as possible.

Here are certain methods for getting rid of bed bugs on cats:

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

If you think your furry little friend has been bitten by bed bugs, the first step is to check for any signs of the pests.

This includes looking for red, itchy bites on your pet’s skin as well as checking for any blood stains or fecal matter around their sleeping area.

If there are no indications or signs of bed bugs, consult a vet to see if they have been bitten and what the best treatment options are.

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

If you believe that your cat was the source of your bed bug infestation, it is important to thoroughly clean their bed. This means removing all bed bugs and eggs from the bed and washing all of the linens and fabric in hot water.

Clean everything using an insecticide-based spray to kill the bugs and their eggs, post which washes all of your cat’s bedding in hot water.

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

Bed bugs are quite drawn to carbon dioxide, which is why using a bed bug lure can be an effective way to draw them out of their hiding places.

The lures work by emitting a small amount of carbon dioxide and then trapping the bed bugs when they come to feed.

You can also use steam cleaners or vacuums to suck them up or use insecticides to kill them.

You can additionally lure these pests out by using something that smells like a human, such as perfume or aftershave. You can also place the trap near where the cat sleeps.

What Not to Use to Remove Bed Bugs

Tea tree oil is a popular remedy for getting rid of bed bugs. However, cats are allergic to it and can be harmed by its use.

Furthermore, pyrethrins and pyrethroids are highly effective in getting rid of bed bugs. However, they are poisonous to cats and should be avoided if you have any pets.

Also, do not use chemical sprays or bombs as they can be harmful to both humans and pets. The best option for getting rid of bed bugs is to use a steam cleaner.

Summary

Bed bugs are a natural hazard that can be found in any environment. They are often brought into a home through luggage, furniture, or clothing. Once they are aptly established, they can be difficult to get rid of. Full home treatment is often necessary, and professional help may need to be hired.

About the author

A biotechnologist by profession and a passionate pest researcher. I have been one of those people who used to run away from cockroaches and rats due to their pesky features, but then we all get that turn in life when we have to face something.