How to tell if a cat has bedbugs? - briefly
Check your cat for excessive scratching, tiny red or inflamed spots, and small dark specks (the insects or their feces) along the fur, especially near the neck, base of the tail, and under the belly. If you also find similar specks or a sweet, musty odor in your bedding, it likely indicates an infestation.
How to tell if a cat has bedbugs? - in detail
Detecting bedbugs on a cat requires careful observation of both the animal and its environment.
First, examine the cat’s coat and skin. Look for tiny, reddish‑brown insects about the size of a pinhead moving quickly across the fur. Bedbug nymphs are translucent until they feed; after a blood meal they appear darker. Spot small, flat, oval eggs attached to the hair shaft or hidden in the base of the tail.
Second, check for physical signs on the cat. Frequent scratching, biting, or grooming may indicate irritation. Small, raised, reddish lesions—often in clusters—can appear where the insects have fed. These lesions may develop a dark center as the blood coagulates.
Third, monitor the sleeping area. Bedbugs tend to hide in cracks, seams of bedding, or carpet edges. Use a flashlight to inspect mattress seams, sofa cushions, and floorboards for live insects, shed skins, or dark fecal spots resembling pepper grains.
Fourth, employ a simple trap. Place a shallow dish of warm water with a few drops of dish soap near the cat’s favorite resting spot. Bedbugs are attracted to heat; they may fall into the water and become visible.
Fifth, consider professional diagnostics. A veterinarian can perform a skin scrape or use a fine‑toothed comb to collect specimens for microscopic identification. A pest‑control specialist can conduct a thorough inspection of the home to locate hidden colonies.
Finally, act promptly if bedbugs are confirmed. Treat the cat with veterinarian‑approved topical or oral medications to reduce irritation. Wash all bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets and upholstery, then discard the vacuum bag. Seal infested items in plastic bags for several weeks to starve the insects.
By systematically checking the animal, its habitat, and employing both visual and mechanical detection methods, one can reliably determine whether a cat is harboring bedbugs.