Can Cats Get Lice from Humans? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ
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If you’re a parent, you may be familiar with the dreaded prospect of receiving word from your child’s school that head lice were discovered in the classroom. These blood-sucking insects most commonly impact kids and spread quickly. The good news for those who are also pet parents is that cats can’t get lice from humans, although the itchy pests can infest them.
In this article, we’ll tell you why cats can’t catch lice from humans and how and why they can be impacted. We’ll also cover the signs of lice infestation in cats, plus how to treat and prevent pests.
Why Cats Can’t Get Lice from Humans
Cats can’t catch lice from humans for one simple reason; lice are species-specific pests. That means the lice your child catches, usually head lice, only spread from human to human. Cats don’t catch the same type of lice that either humans or dogs do, nor can they pass them to these species.
A single lice species, Felicola subrostrata, is responsible for cat infestations. These parasites are known as “chewing lice” because they feed by chewing on the cat’s skin rather than sucking their blood.
How Do Cats Catch Lice?
Lice spread between cats either by direct contact with each other or when a healthy kitty encounters contaminated bedding or other items such as grooming brushes. Typically, lice infestations occur when cats live in dirty or unsanitary environments. Older cats who don’t groom themselves properly and stray cats are also at higher risk.
Although lice are not as common as fleas, they spread just as easily and can be just as tricky to get rid of
Signs That Your Cat Has Lice
Female lice lay their eggs, or nits, along the cat’s fur. One of the simplest ways to tell if your cat has lice is by spotting nits or adult lice in their coat.
- Frequent scratching
- Hair loss
- A dry, unhealthy coat
If you suspect your cat has lice, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to confirm the diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment.
Treating Lice in Cats
Before using any lice treatment on your cat, talk to your veterinarian. Human and dog lice treatments likely won’t be effective and may be dangerous for your cat.
Cat lice are typically treated with an insecticide, such as a shampoo, spot-on treatment, or spray. Many of the most common monthly flea preventatives, such as Frontline and Revolution, also work to kill and prevent lice.
These products usually only work to kill adult lice, not nits, so you’ll likely need to repeat the treatment as the eggs hatch. If you’re treating a cat with thick or matted fur, you may need to shave its hair to ensure you can effectively kill the lice.
Just as you do when treating a flea infestation, you’ll need to thoroughly clean or replace your cat’s bedding and other items like brushes and litter boxes for lice treatment. If not, lice eggs in the environment will hatch and reinfect your cat.
Preventing Lice in Cats
As we mentioned, most monthly flea preventatives are also effective on lice. Talk with your veterinarian about which products are the best and safest for your cat.
Keep your cat clean and well-groomed, especially if they are older and unable to groom themselves like they used to. Wash their bedding frequently and ensure their home environment stays clean.
If you adopt a new cat, make sure they are checked for parasites and on a preventative before allowing them to interact with other kitties at home. In some situations it can be a good idea to quarantine a new cat or kitten for at least two weeks to ensure they don’t bring any diseases or parasites into the family.
Conclusion
Although cats can’t get lice from humans, they are vulnerable to the feline-only species of these parasites. The good news is that lice infestations are not as common in cats and can usually be avoided by practicing good hygiene and using a monthly parasite preventative. Many signs of a lice infestation are similar to those of other skin conditions, so it’s essential to see your veterinarian for a clear diagnosis before starting any treatment.
Featured Image Credit: Simone Hogan, Shutterstock
