Do Bed Bugs Bite Cats? What Pet Parents Should Know

If you’re wondering whether the red, itchy welts on your cat are from bed bug bites, you’re not alone. Bed bugs can bite cats, as well as dogs and other warm-blooded animals. Although bed bugs prefer to feed on human blood, they will feed on pet cats and dogs when people aren’t around. Their bites are small, red, and itchy and can lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions in some animals.

Although it may be disconcerting to pet parents, research has shown that bed bugs don’t live on cats and aren’t a significant problem for them. Still, it’s important to know whether bed bugs can bite your cat and how to get rid of them to protect your family. This article will look at research by entomologists and veterinary professionals to find out how much of a concern bed bugs are for cats, as well as the signs of bed bug bites and infestations, how to treat them, and how to prevent them to keep your pets safe.

How to Tell If Your Cat Has Bed Bug Bites

It can be difficult to tell if your cat has bed bug bites because they look like other bug bites and skin conditions. According to JC Ehrlich, bed bug bites on cats are small, red, and itchy, much like bites on humans. They also tend to show up in areas with less hair, like the belly or ears, where bed bugs can more easily bite exposed skin.

Truly Nolen says that signs of bed bug bites on cats include excessive scratching, skin rashes, and dried blood spots. Cats may also show signs of irritability or changes in behavior due to the discomfort of the bites. However, it’s important to make sure that these symptoms are caused by bed bug bites and not other issues, like flea bites or skin allergies.

According to Orkin, bed bug bites on cats are often in a line or a cluster of small, red bites, sometimes in groups of two or three. While examining your cat for signs of bites and changes in behavior can help you determine if you have a bed bug problem, it’s important to make sure that you know for sure that bed bugs are the issue before you treat it.

Bed Bug Infestations in Pet-Friendly Homes

While bed bugs don’t live on pets or infest them directly, they can infest the areas around pets. For example, Active Pest Control explains that pets can bring bed bugs from infested locations to the home on their fur or bedding. Truly Nolen lists blood smears, shed exoskeletons, and bed bugs in pet bedding as signs of a bed bug infestation in a pet-friendly home.

They also stress the importance of inspecting and monitoring pet sleeping areas to catch infestations early. This is also mentioned by Orkin as an important part of detecting infestations. It’s important to catch infestations early to prevent their spread and protect pets and people.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Pet-Friendly Way

Professional pest control is the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs in a home with pets, according to the ASPCA. Pest control companies can use pet-friendly products and methods to get rid of bed bugs while keeping pets safe. As Green Wave Pest Solutions notes, pets may need to be taken out of the home during treatment and reintroduced to the home in a controlled way.

Non-chemical treatments, such as heat treatments, are also an option and can be safer for pets. Regularly checking and cleaning pet areas is important to make sure that bed bugs don't come back after treatment, according to The Spruce Pets.

How to Treat Bed Bug Bites on Cats

Bed bug bites are not typically harmful to cats, but they can cause skin irritation and discomfort, according to Bed Bug BBQ. To help with itching and swelling, soothing shampoos, sprays, and antihistamine creams can be used, according to Pets Best. Oral antihistamines can be prescribed by a vet for severe reactions and excessive scratching, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

It's important to make sure the bite is kept clean and that the cat is not bitten again while the bite heals, according to Pets Best. If the bite leads to an infection or a severe allergic reaction, it's important to get veterinary care, as the Pets Best article notes. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your cat is comfortable and that they don't experience any complications from bed bug bites.

How to Keep Bed Bugs Out of Your Home if You Have Pets

According to EnviroTech Pest Control, regularly washing and cleaning pet bedding and sleeping areas can help keep bed bugs away. In addition, using mattress covers and encasements can help keep bed bugs away from pet sleeping areas, according to Leo's Pest. Keeping your home free of clutter and clean can help ensure that bed bugs don't have places to hide, according to Elanco.

Finally, checking pets and their belongings after they've been in an area that may be infested can help keep bed bugs out of your home, according to Leo's Pest. All of the sources agree that it's important to have a system in place for monitoring and catching bed bugs early to keep them out of your home.

Conclusion: How to Keep Cats Safe From Bed Bugs

Although bed bugs can bite cats, they do not live on or infest pets. Properly identifying bed bug bites and infestations in pet areas is important so that they can be treated as soon as possible. Professional pest control services and treatments that are safe for pets are the best way to get rid of bed bugs.

Regular cleaning and other precautions can help prevent future infestations. If you are worried about bed bug bites on your cat, especially if they are severe, or if you have other concerns, it is best to consult a veterinarian.