What If I Find Bed Bug Bites On My Cat
Grooming your cat carefully can help remove any bugs that may still be on their fur. Discuss with your veterinarian if your cat will need any additional treatment, such as a topical ointment on the bites.
- Your veterinarian may also recommend a medicated shampoo to soothe its skin.
- Do not use any shampoo for bed bugs made for dogs as these can hurt your cat.
Luckily, bed bug bites will not harm your cat but their skin will 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.
How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Cats Step By Step Instructions
As mentioned earlier, bed bugs do not reside on cats. They instead make a nest near the cats bed and turn the poor animal into a nightly warm-blooded buffet.
With this in mind, the best way to keep your cat safe from bed bugs is by eliminating them from the surroundings. There is no need to treat your cat directly for bed bugs and if the need arises, contact your vet for further guidance.
The following home remedies will ensure that your cat lives a happy bed bug free life.
Step 1 Expose the cats bedding to high temperatures by cleaning them with hot water. Bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive high heat which makes this an effective way of eliminating them.
Step 2 Vacuum clean or steam clean your cats favorite napping spots, crate, carrier, or even feeding areas.
Step 3 This should be followed by a full home bed bug treatment that will ensure the cat doesnt stumble upon the blood-suckers once more.
Tips To Protect Pets From Bed Bugs
Below are some of the ways to prevent your pet from being attacked by pets
- From time to time, you are advised to brush through your petâs fur to check if there are any bites that may look like bed bug bites. It is also a way of exposing live bed bugs that are hiding in the petâs fur way before the infestation becomes severe.
- Wash your pet frequently to keep its fur clean. Washing the pet gets rid of any hidden bed bugs that you may not even be aware of.
- Inspect the petâs resting place frequently to ensure it is comfortable and no bed bugs have infested the items. You should wash the items regularly, especially the bedding and toys.
- If you travel with your pets, always inspect them on coming back from your trip. Wash them thoroughly before taking them to their resting place.
Further Reading
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Do Bed Bugs Bite Dogs
The bed bugs we know and hate arent the only bloodsucking bugs in their family. Its thought that bed bugs adapted to feed on humans back when humans still lived in caves.
Caves that were also home to bats. There is a creature called a bat bug that is almost indistinguishable from a bed bug to the naked eye. And one theory is that bed bugs evolved from these bat bugs.
Likewise, another bug in the bed bugs disgusting family is the swallow bug, which gets its name from its habit of feeding on swallows and other birds. So bed bugs are quite capable of feeding on nonhuman animals.
Now, the bed bugs humans most commonly deal with can be surprisingly picky. They display preferences in terms of who and what they feed on. Since bed bugs are such connoisseurs, it may not be a surprise to learn that they will often walk right by a sleeping dog to bite a human instead.
Unlike lice, bed bugs do not have the necessary body parts to allow them to cling onto hairs. For this reason, they often find furry animals less appetizing than sweet, smooth people.
But that doesnt mean your dog is safe.
If a bed bug infestation grows large enough that they need to seek out a new food source, or if the bed bugs cant reach the humans they crave, these insects are not above biting a dog.
If you have bed bugs and you notice your dog scratching more than usual, its entirely possible that your pet is being bitten.
Signs Of A Bedbug 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 youve 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.
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Can Cats Carry Bed Bug Eggs
This is one of those questions where the answer is based on probability. We have established that bed bugs do not make a habit of living in cat fur and because of that finding eggs on your cats fur is also not likely. However, there is an exception to every rule and most bed bug facts are broken when one finds themselves in the midst of an big infestation.
If your home is infested and your poor cat gets caught in the middle of the hungry parasites, you just might spot bed bugs eggs in your cats fur. How they got there could be that they slept in an infested spot and once they got up, some eggs got caught in the fur and carried to another spot.
Will they reside there for long? Probably not because of all the movement your cat makes and all the scratching that will result from sleeping in an infested area.
Can Pets Spread Bed Bugs
Unlike fleas or even ticks, bed bugs have no interest in living on animals, including your pets. Its rare, then, that cats and dogs contribute to the spread of bed bugs. However, bed bugs are capable of hiding in your pets bedding or crates. And unfortunately, bed bugs are capable of biting your cat or dog. Heres what to know:
- 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 pets 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 discomfort, its smart to look for the signs of bed bugs.
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Will Bed Bugs Bite Dogs And Cats
Bed bug numbers are on the rise around the world. These blood-sucking pests are making an unwanted revival and more and more people are finding them inside their home. Unfortunately, a lack of knowledge regarding bed bugs is helping to spread their numbers.
We all know that these pests feed on human blood. But bed bugs, in the right conditions, can live up to a year without a human host. What do they survive on? In our absence, and in their desperation, will they feed on our furrier friends? Are your pets at risk? In this post, were going to look at whether or not bed bugs will bite your pets, and how Truly Nolen can help.
How To Free Your Cat Of Bed Bugs
To keep bed bugs away from your cats, youll need to drive them out of your house. Bed bugs wont just feed on your cat theyll feed on you as well, even if they havent started yet, . So the best thing for you to do is get rid of bed bugs once and for all. To do this, youll need to hire a pest control company. However, if you prefer to tackle it yourself, here are some pointers to assist you.
- Utilize insect bombs: To use it, clear the room by removing anything that you dont want to be contaminated by the chemical, covering anything that you cant remove, and then setting the bug bomb on a flat surface and detonating it. Then leave the room and take your pet with you, giving the bomb six hours to do its job.
- Bed bug sprays: Will bed bug spray hurt your cat? Not if you buy the right product. Bed bugs can be killed on contact using quality sprays, and there will be no mess left behind. You have to search for and spray them in their hiding places bed bugs will die if they come into contact with the spray, and you can then clean and dispose of them.
- Have your room and your cats cage cleaned out: Clean those areas where bed bugs are likely to be found and wash all clothing items in hot water to destroy the bed bugs, as bed bugs may survive water at normal temperatures.
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What Kills Bed Bugs
Laundering in hot water kills bed bugs on clothes effectively. When their body temperature rises beyond 45° Celsius or 113° Fahrenheit, bed bugs die. Exposing the bugs to temperatures greater than this for an hour may kill all stages. All of the bugs are eliminated quickly at temperatures over 60°C .
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 cats fur and feeding on their skin, but they certainly do not live there .
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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 hosts 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.
How To Avoid Bed Bugs On Pets
Bed bugs wont live on your pet the way that fleas will, so a flea collar is not going to help keep the bed bugs off your cat or dog. Likewise, pesticide sprays designed for your pets fur such as flea shampoo wont do much.
The best way to protect your pet from bed bugs is the same way you need to protect yourself: by ridding your house of bed bugs completely.
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Can Bed Bugs Live In Cat Litter Boxes
Bed bugs are not the cleanest animals, but you wont find them in your cats litter box additionally, your cats litter box is not where your pet will sleep for an extended period instead, you should look for bed bugs in your cats cage, bed, or tower. If your cats cage contains clothing materials or any tight spaces, bed bugs will make that place their hiding spot during the day so they dont get caught.
Additionally, the temperature of your cats litter box is not ideal for bed bugs. Cat litter mites are already a major issue with cats, so bed bugs will not easily thrive. Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide that animals exhale because it is warm, much like the blood of animals. Bed bugs like the warmth of carbon dioxide, so they prefer to hide in small areas. Its inconceivable to picture a bed bug living in a cat litter box for these reasons.
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 friends 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.
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What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
The best form of bed bug treatment is prevention. By eliminating your chances of bringing bed bugs into your home, you can reduce the likelihood of dealing with the ramifications of an infestation.
- Inspecting hotel room beds and furniture before settling in.
- Inspecting luggage after returning home from a trip.
- Keeping your home clear of clutter, which can hide signs of bugs.
- Covering electrical outlets when not in use.
- Practicing caution when bringing secondhand items into your home.
- Adding a mattress protector to block off seams.
- Understanding the warning signs of an infestation and acting promptly when you suspect one.
Despite your best efforts, bed bugs may still find their way into your house. If this happens, contacting a professional is the most effective method of removal.
How Do I Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On My Cat
Cats do not provide shelter to bed bugs. A cat can sleep in a bed or a resting place by them. Bed bugs can be effectively treated with heat, pesticides, or home remedies such as diatomaceous earth. Make sure to do it all in your home, not just your cat.
A bed bug is a blood-sucking parasitic insect that primarily feeds on human blood. They are also thought to consume warm-blooded animals like cats and dogs. When you find bed bugs in your cats home, you may be forced to flee and should take immediate action to eliminate them. Carbon dioxide and body heat are attracted to by bed bugs, and you can use bed bug lures to get them out of hiding places. Diatomaceous earth, which is non-toxic and all-natural, kills bed bugs while also preventing them from becoming established in a home. Bed bugs can survive in furniture for up to a year, despite the fact that they are trapped inside. As a result, bed bugs can easily detect and locate cats that have released or emit carbon dioxide. It is possible for cats to transport bed bugs from one location to another, though the critters cannot easily travel across the country. The bed bug, which can live without feeding for up to a year, can live in the smallest cracks in walls, floors, and furniture and can survive there.
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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 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 felines 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.
What To Do If Your Cat Has Bed Bug Bites
There is no need to panic if you suddenly discover bed bug bites on your cat. In all probability, the bed bugs do not live in your cats further, rather in his bedding.
Here are a few steps you can take if you find that your cat is being attacked by bed bugs:
- Firstly, deal with your cats bedding as this is most probably the source of the infestation. Wash all cat linen in hot water and dry them in the sun.
- Use an anti-bug soap and warm water the next time you bathe your cat.
- Anti-bug sprays and aerosols are also available in the market. You can use them directly on your pet or on his belongings.
- Use a menthol-based gel, cream, soap, or powder to relieve the itching.
- If you observe no improvement in a weeks time, book a consultation with your vet.
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