Can Head Lice Transfer to Cats?

It is very unlikely that cats will catch head lice. These bugs are species-specific, which means that they only infect humans. They need human blood to survive. Dogs do not have this hospitable environment. But, it is possible that lice can transfer to cats, particularly from humans.

In some cases, head lice can hitchhike to cats, so treating your cat or dog for lice is imperative. The first step is washing the pet thoroughly, along with your child’s bedding and pillowcase. You should also wash the child’s hairbrush and comb in boiling water. This is necessary because head lice cannot survive long on a human head. You should also treat your pet before allowing it to come in contact with another child.

If you think you have head lice, you should see your veterinarian. He can give you specific recommendations and recommend a treatment that will kill the lice. If you do not see a cure within a couple of days, you should schedule a follow-up visit. During this visit, your vet can check if the treatment worked or not. He can also prescribe you an antibiotic or other medications that can help to eliminate the louse infestation.

Head lice cannot be transferred from cats to humans, but they can spread indirectly. Cats can infect other cats through the eggs they leave behind on their hair or grooming supplies. You can also check if your cat has lice by looking at its fur. Small white or brown spots indicate the presence of immature or adult lice, or lice eggs. You should also check with a veterinarian to rule out other possible conditions.