Can I Get Worms From My Cat Sleeping in My Bed 2024?

Can I Get Worms From My Cat Sleeping in My Bed? It’s always a huge risk to fall asleep with a cat. Cats can give their owners ringworm, ear infections, and even tapeworms. If you really like your pet, then this article is for you. Otherwise, it’s just downright scary!

It’s no secret that cats like to sleep in our beds. But is it safe for us? Some might worry about getting worms from their cat, but fortunately, that’s unlikely. Here’s what you need to know about the risks of your cat sleeping in your bed.

Can You Sleep With A Cat With Worms?

Yes, you can. In fact, you may be wondering if it’s safe to sleep with your cat which is infected with worms. The answer to this question largely depends on the type of worms your cat has. There are three common parasites that can infect cats, and each has its own risk factors.

Roundworm: Roundworms are the most common parasite of cats. They’re tape-like creatures that can be found in soil and dirt. They live inside your cat’s intestine, where they grow and make your cat infested with them. This type of parasite doesn’t pose a risk to humans.
Tapeworm: Tapeworms are long, flat parasites that are often segmented. They’re usually only found in dogs and cats. Tapeworms infect your cat’s intestinal wall, where they grow and release eggs, which can hatch into more tapeworms when eaten by other animals or humans.
Hookworm: Like roundworms, hookworms are tape-like parasites that live in your cat’s intestines. But hookworms have a whip-like tail and infect the muscles of your cat’s small intestine. This can make it painful for your cat to eat or drink. Hookworms are not often fatal to cats, but if they’re eating poorly and losing weight, then it could be an indication that hookworm is present.
If you do have a cat with worms, it’s still safe to sleep with them.

Can I Get Worms From My Cat Sleeping In My Bed?

Yes, you can get worms from your cat sleeping in your bed. These worms can be passed onto humans through fleas that are on your cat and then on to you.

If you are concerned about this, there are several steps you can take to prevent the worm from getting into your bed. First, choose a different bedding option like an air mattress or using a bed cover.

Second, ask your veterinarian if they have any recommendations on how to keep your cat away from your bed at night. Finally, if you have a black or brown cat, it’s best to keep them away from your bed. Black cats are more likely to have parasites than other cats, so keeping them away is important.

Is It Safe To Sleep With A Cat That Is Pregnant?

Whether it’s safe to sleep with a pregnant cat depends on the species of cat and the gestation period. If the cat is a domestic shorthair (Felis catus), then it’s generally safe throughout the entire pregnancy.

For other species of cats, you should be careful at specific points in the pregnancy. Domestic shorthairs generally won’t have trouble sleeping with you during the early stages of pregnancy. But when the cat is about 8 to 12 weeks pregnant, it’s important that they don’t get too comfortable in your bed. The best way to prevent problems during this time is to provide them with a comfortable place to sleep like a cat bed or similar bedding.

How Do Cats Get Worms?

Worms can be a problem for both cats and their owners. Luckily, there are things you can do to prevent your cat from getting worms. But how do they get them in the first place? Here’s how:

Licking objects that have touched feces.
Contact with fecal matter during feeding.
Eating food that has been infested with larvae.
Contamination of the environment.
Direct contact with infected animals. And don’t forget to wash your hands after handling contaminated objects.

How to Tell If Your Cat Has Worms: 5 Signs Your Cat May Have Worms

It’s not always easy to tell if your cat has worms. Luckily, there are some signs that you can look out for that will help you know if they need medical attention or not.

Whether it’s during a fast or a regular diet, it’s not uncommon for cats to lose weight. This is normal, and it shouldn’t be cause for alarm if your cat starts losing weight.

But if you notice that your cat is losing weight when they aren’t doing anything unusual, then you should contact your veterinarian. The following are five signs your cat may have worms:

Loss of Appetite/Thirst
Bad Breath
Excessive drinking or urinating
Constant scratching
Weight loss with little appetite.

How To Treat And Prevent Worms In Cats: 5 Ways To Keep Your Cat Healthy

There are several ways you can help prevent your cat from getting worms. And if they already have them, there are things you can do to treat them and make them feel better. Here are five ways to keep your cat healthy:

Provide a litter box with a top. This will prevent your cat from digging and getting worms.
Provide plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied. This will help keep their mind off of the pain.
Keep their food and water bowls clean. This will help prevent your cat from eating things it shouldn’t.
Brush your cat regularly to remove any mats or dirt that can hide worms.
Check your cat’s ears and remove any dirt or debris that may be in there. This can cause an infection. And don’t forget to wash your hands after touching your cat.

How Do You Treat Worms in a Cat?

If you think that your cat has worms, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian. They can perform a health check and treat your cat with appropriate medication. If your cat already has worms, then there are several things you can do at home to make them feel better. And here are some tips:

Give your cat medication orally or via injection.
Apply essential oils to the affected area.
Provide anti-parasitic medication.
Provide heat to the area by using a warm water bottle or heating pad.
Use compresses and moisturizes the skin. Some of these options may help, but your cat will still need to go to the veterinarian if they have internal problems.
Keep your cat quiet during the initial treatment process.
Offer your cat plenty of distractions such as toys and playtime to help them feel better as soon as possible.

How Do I Know If My Cat Gave Me Worms?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to definitively determine if your cat gave you worms based solely on your own symptoms. While humans and cats can share some intestinal parasites, the types and symptoms they cause can vary. Additionally, many symptoms of worm infections are common to other illnesses.

However, here’s some information that might help:

Signs of worms in cats:

Visible worms in stool or vomit: This is the most obvious sign, but it doesn’t always occur. Roundworms, for example, are spaghetti-like and about the size of earthworms, while tapeworm segments look like small, white rice grains.
Scooting: Cats with worms may drag their bottom across the floor to relieve irritation around their anus.
Diarrhea or vomiting: These can be caused by various intestinal issues, including worms.
Weight loss or pot-bellied appearance: Worms can steal nutrients from your cat, leading to weight loss. In kittens, a pot-bellied appearance can be a sign of roundworm infection.
Coughing or difficulty breathing: This can occur if larvae migrate to the lungs.

Symptoms of worm infections in humans can include:

Abdominal pain or discomfort
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Fatigue
Itching around the anus (especially at night)

If you’re concerned about worms, the best course of action is to see a doctor. They can perform tests to determine if you have a worm infection and recommend appropriate treatment.

How To Avoid Getting Worms From Your Cat

While the risk of contracting worms from your feline friend is relatively low, it’s always good to be cautious, especially if you have young children or a weakened immune system. Here are some effective ways to avoid getting worms from your cat:

Preventative measures for your cat:

Regular deworming: Schedule regular deworming treatments for your cat based on their age, lifestyle, and veterinarian’s recommendations. Kittens typically need deworming every 2-4 weeks until they are 6 months old, while adult cats generally require it every 3-6 months.
Flea and tick control: Fleas and ticks can act as intermediate hosts for certain types of worms, so using parasite prevention medication that covers both worms and external parasites is crucial.
Indoor lifestyle: Keeping your cat indoors significantly reduces their exposure to infected soil, prey, and other cats, minimizing the risk of worm infestation.

Maintaining good hygiene:

Wash your hands frequently: This is especially important after handling your cat, cleaning their litter box, or coming into contact with their feces.
Wear gloves when cleaning the litter box: Disposable gloves offer an extra layer of protection against parasite eggs and larvae.
Scoop the litter box daily: Remove and dispose of cat waste promptly to prevent parasite eggs from accumulating and hatching.
Clean the litter box regularly: Use hot water and disinfectant to thoroughly clean the litter box at least once a week.
Disinfect contaminated surfaces: If your cat vomits or has diarrhea, clean the affected area with a disinfectant solution to eliminate any potential parasite eggs.

My Cat Has Worms How Do I Clean My House?

Here’s a comprehensive guide on cleaning your home effectively:

Preparation:

Wear gloves and a mask: This protects you from potential parasite eggs and irritants during cleaning.
Open windows and doors for ventilation: Fresh air helps dissipate cleaning agent fumes and reduces the risk of inhaling allergens.
Confine your cat to a safe, isolated area: This prevents them from re-contaminating cleaned areas and keeps them protected from cleaning chemicals.
Gather cleaning supplies: You’ll need hot water, dish soap, bleach (diluted in a 1:10 ratio), disinfectant wipes, a steam cleaner (optional), and laundry detergent.

Cleaning steps:

1. Thoroughly clean the litter box:

Dispose of used litter and the liner.
Wash the litter box with hot water and dish soap, then disinfect it with diluted bleach solution.
Let it air dry completely before refilling with fresh litter.

2. Wash your cat’s bedding and belongings:

Wash all bedding, blankets, toys, and scratching posts in hot water with detergent.
Consider steam cleaning larger items like cat trees.
Air dry or tumble dry on high heat to kill any remaining worm eggs.

3. Deep clean hard surfaces:

Wipe down furniture, countertops, floors, and other hard surfaces with diluted bleach solution or disinfectant wipes.
Pay close attention to areas your cat frequents, like under furniture and around their sleeping spots.
For hard-to-reach areas, use a spray bottle filled with the disinfectant solution.

4. Vacuum carpets and rugs:

Vacuum thoroughly, making sure to go over edges and corners where worm eggs might hide.
Consider renting a steam cleaner for a deeper clean, especially for carpets with heavy cat traffic.

5. Wash your own belongings:

If your cat sleeps on your bed or furniture, wash bedding and covers in hot water with detergent.
Wash any clothes you think might have come into contact with worm eggs.

Additional tips:

Repeat the cleaning process every 2-3 weeks for several months to break the worm life cycle.
Consult your veterinarian for professional advice and deworming medication for your cat.
Consider professional deep cleaning services if a heavy infestation is suspected.

Remember, while cleaning your house is crucial, ensuring your cat receives proper deworming medication from a veterinarian is the most effective way to eliminate the worm infestation and prevent re-infection.

What Happens If I Get Worms From My Cat?

While the risk of humans contracting worms from cats is relatively low, it’s still crucial to be aware of the potential consequences. Here’s a breakdown of what might happen if you do get worms from your feline friend:

Types of worms and their effects:

Roundworms: These are the most common type of worm transmitted from cats to humans. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. In severe cases, roundworm larvae can migrate to other organs like the lungs or liver, causing more serious complications.
Hookworms: Hookworm infection can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood loss through the intestines. In severe cases, it can lead to anemia and malnutrition.
Tapeworms: Tapeworm infection often has mild or no symptoms. However, some people may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. In rare cases, tapeworm segments can migrate to other organs, causing complications.

Severity of the infection:

The severity of symptoms depends on several factors, including:

Type of worm: Different types of worms cause different symptoms and have varying degrees of severity.
Amount of worm eggs ingested: The more worm eggs you ingest, the more likely you are to experience symptoms and the more severe they may be.
Your immune system: People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing complications from worm infections.

Diagnosis and treatment:

If you suspect you have a worm infection, it’s crucial to consult a doctor immediately. They will likely perform a stool test to diagnose the type of worm and recommend appropriate treatment. Treatment typically involves taking medication to kill the worms.

How To Deworm A Cat: 5 Steps to Keep Your Cat Healthy

Deworming your cat can be a tricky process. But it’s important to do so regularly to prevent them from getting sick. Here are five steps to help you deworm your cat:

Pick the right dewormer for your cat. This will depend on the type of worms that your cat has and how often they need to be treated. Some may only need to be treated once, while others may need to be treated every week or two.
Administer the dewormer as directed. Follow the directions on the label carefully. Don’t deviate from them unless directed to do so by your veterinarian.
Wait 24 hours before you give your cat the next dose.
Once a month, deworm your cat again.
Visit your veterinarian at least once every year to check for worms and prevent any new ones from developing.

Conclusion

Not all worms are harmful to cats. However, there are some that can be serious and even fatal. Fortunately, they are uncommon. If you suspect that your cat has a parasite, talk to your veterinarian. He or she will be able to tell you what you should do and if your cat should be treated right away or if they should go to the emergency room. It’s also important to remember that it’s easy for worms to spread to other animals in your home including dogs and children.

FAQs

Can I still allow my cat to sleep in my bed if they have been dewormed?

The decision of whether to allow your dewormed cat to sleep in your bed is ultimately a personal one. Weigh the potential risks and benefits based on your specific situation and comfort level. By taking necessary precautions and maintaining good hygiene, you can enjoy cuddling with your feline friend while minimizing the risk of parasite transmission.

What are the signs of a worm infestation in cats?

Signs of a worm infestation in cats may include weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, a bloated or potbellied appearance, coughing, lethargy, and visible worms or worm segments in their feces or near their anus.

If I suspect my cat has worms, what should I do?

If you suspect your cat has worms, consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They will likely recommend a fecal exam and prescribe a deworming medication to eliminate the parasites.

Can I get worms from my cat if I don’t touch them?

The risk of contracting worms from your cat without direct contact is lower, but it is still possible if parasite eggs are present in your living environment, such as on bedding or furniture. Maintaining a clean home, disposing of cat feces promptly, and practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection.

Can I kiss my cat if he has worms?

It is generally not recommended to kiss your cat if they have worms, as there is a risk of transmission, especially if they have recently groomed themselves or have fecal matter on their fur.

Do most people get worms from petting their cat and sleeping in the same bed as them?

While it is possible to contract worms from petting your cat or sharing a bed with them, most people do not get worms this way, especially if they practice good hygiene and take proper care of their cat. The risk of contracting worms from your cat increases if the cat is infected with parasites and if proper hygiene measures are not followed.

Should I worry about getting worms from my indoor cats?

While the risk of getting worms from indoor cats is generally lower than from outdoor cats, it is still possible for indoor cats to contract parasites. Indoor cats can be exposed to worms through various means, such as infected fleas, rodents, or contaminated soil brought inside.

Can I touch my cat if it has worms?

Yes, you can touch your cat if it has worms, but it is important to practice good hygiene to minimize the risk of transmission. The risk of contracting worms from touching your cat is relatively low, but it is still important to be cautious, especially if your cat has recently groomed themselves or has fecal matter on their fur.

My cat has worms. Do I need to treat myself?

If your cat has worms, it is not necessary to treat yourself preemptively. However, it is essential to practice good hygiene and monitor your own health for any signs of a worm infestation. If you suspect that you have contracted worms from your cat, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can I deworm my cat myself?

deworming your cat yourself might seem like a quick and easy option, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care.
If you’re concerned about the cost of veterinary care, consider discussing payment plans or alternative options with your veterinarian. Remember, your cat’s health is a top priority, and proper deworming under the guidance of a qualified professional ensures their well-being and minimizes the risk of harm to both you and your furry friend.

How long does it take to fully deworm a cat?

For most common types of worms (roundworms and hookworms): Initial deworming medication usually works within 2-3 weeks, killing adult worms, but a second dose may be needed 2-4 weeks later to target any remaining eggs or larvae.
For tapeworms: Treatment usually involves a single dose medication, but additional doses might be required depending on the specific type of tapeworm.

What food deworms cats?

While some foods contain ingredients with potential vermifuge (deworming) properties, it’s important to understand that no single food can effectively deworm a cat. Relying solely on dietary changes for parasite control can be dangerous and ineffective.

How many times should I deworm my cat?

Kittens: Every 2-4 weeks until 6 months old, then every 3-6 months.
Adult cats: Every 3-6 months, more frequently if outdoors or at high risk.
Senior cats: Every 3-4 months or as recommended by your veterinarian.

Can I feed my cat after deworming?

As a precaution, wait at least 30 minutes to an hour after administering oral deworming medication before feeding your cat. This allows the medication to start working before potentially being interfered with by food.
If your cat has a sensitive stomach or shows any negative reactions, consider waiting longer, closer to 2 hours, before offering food.
For topical medications, follow the specific instructions on the packaging or provided by your veterinarian regarding waiting times before feeding.