If youíre a cat parent and find yourself with a bed bug infestation, you may be wondering how your furry friend will react. Will they be able to detect the pests, and if so, how will they respond? Surprisingly, cats have a unique response to bed bugs that differs from dogs or humans. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of bed bugs and the surprising way your cat will react to these pesky insects. Get ready to uncover some surprising feline instincts and behaviors that are sure to keep you and your cat entertained.
How do cats respond to bed bugs?
It’s important to note that while cats aren’t at risk of contracting bed bugs from their environment, they can act as carriers of bed bugs between different areas of a residence. Regularly washing your cat’s bedding and vacuuming their environment can prevent a bed bug infestation from occurring and keep your cat happy and healthy.
1. Keep an eye on your cat’s behavior: While cats may not show strong reactions to bed bugs, a major infestation could cause them to experience skin irritations or discomfort. If your cat is constantly scratching or grooming a particular area, it might be a sign of bed bugs.
2. Don’t rely on cats to spot bed bugs: While cats have a strong sense of smell, they are not trained to detect bed bugs like some dogs are. It’s important to hire a qualified pest control professional to inspect your home and identify any bed bug infestations.
3. Keep your cat’s sleeping area clean: Bed bugs are attracted to warmth and are notorious for hiding in bedding and mattresses. Regularly washing your cat’s beddings, blankets, and toys can significantly reduce the risk of bed bugs.
4. Vacuum regularly: Vacuuming is an effective way to remove bed bugs and their eggs from carpets, furniture, and other surfaces. Be sure to vacuum all areas where your cat spends time to ensure utmost protection.
5. Keep your cat away from infested areas: If you suspect or know that there is an active bed bug infestation in your home, keep your cat away from the affected areas. This eliminates the risk of them bringing bed bugs into their sleeping area.
Take a look at this fascinating video on Bed Bugs, I guarantee you’ll find it interesting:
Bed bug behavior around cats
Bed bugs are sneaky little pests that are commonly found around cat beds. They typically wait for your feline friends to fall asleep before coming out to feed. These pesky bugs are nocturnal creatures, preferring the cover of darkness to venture around. They are particularly attracted to the carbon dioxide that is produced when sleeping, making cat beds the ideal spot for bed bugs to pounce.
Do bed bugs infest cats?
Despite their name, bed bugs are not actually interested in settling down and making a home on your cats. Instead, they prefer to use your cat as a means of transportation from the couch or bed to their destination: the cat’s bed. Bed bugs are not equipped to move as quickly as cats, so they rely on hitching a ride on their furry friends.
How do bed bugs feed on cats?
Bed bugs have sharp, straw-like mouths that they use to pierce the skin of their host. They then suck out their blood, which is why they are often mistaken for ticks. Luckily for cats, bed bugs are not particularly attracted to them, so they are unlikely to experience a severe infestation. However, if you are noticing signs of bed bugs on your cat’s bed, it is essential to act quickly to prevent the situation from escalating.
Common locations for bed bugs around cat beds
Bed bugs are determined little creatures that will stop at nothing to get to their feeding spot. Common locations for bed bugs around cat beds include the mattress, box spring, headboard, and even the walls and floors around the bed. These bugs are tiny, which means they can easily climb up walls and hide in the smallest of cracks and crevices.
Some common signs that bed bugs are present include small blood stains on the bed sheets, small dark spots on the mattress or box spring, and even an unpleasant, sweet musty smell that permeates the air.
Signs of bed bug infestation in cat beds
As mentioned earlier, bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, so spotting them during the day is not an easy feat. However, some signs may indicate the presence of bed bugs in your cat’s bed. For example, you may notice small, dark spots on the bedding, eggs, and eggshells that are white and about the size of a pinhead, and even small shed skins that bed bugs leave behind as they grow.
How to prevent bed bugs in cat beds
Preventing bed bugs from infesting your cat bed can be tricky as these little pests can hitchhike their way into your home through a variety of ways, even on your clothing. However, ensuring your cat’s bed is clean can go a long way in preventing bed bugs from making themselves at home.
Here are some tips for preventing bed bugs in your cat’s bed:
- Wash the bedding frequently in hot water and dry it on the highest setting.
- Encase the bed mattress and box spring in a bed bug-proof cover
- Apply bed bug spray on the undersides of furniture, especially cat beds.
- Inspect all new cat bedding thoroughly before bringing them into your home
Treating bed bug infestation in cat beds and surrounding areas
Once bed bugs have made themselves at home, it can be challenging to get rid of them completely. The best course of action is to apply a combination of chemical, physical, and non-chemical treatments.
Physical treatments include vacuuming all areas in and around the cat bed. This will help get rid of any eggs, bed bugs, or larvae. You can also use a steamer to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Non-chemical treatments include diatomaceous earth powder or baking soda, which help dehydrate bed bugs and cause them to die.
Chemical treatments include applying insecticides that are formulated specifically for bed bugs and their larvae. However, it is essential to use these with caution, especially around pets and children. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and seek professional help if necessary.
In conclusion, while bed bugs may not infest your cats as their primary host, they can be a significant nuisance to both cats and their owners. Prevention is key when it comes to these pesky pests; keeping your cat bed clean and regularly inspecting it can go a long way in preventing bed bugs from setting up shop.
