Do Mosquitoes Bite Cats?

Do cats get mosquito bites?

Are cats prone to mosquito bites? Yes, your cats can most certainly catch a mosquito which will bite them. Mosquitoes are naturally attracted to carbon dioxide and body warmth which are both present in humans and animals, including your cats. Mosquitoes are itemized with the ability to readily bite through cats, just as occurs with us humans.

How do mosquitoes bite cats?

First, they use their sense of smell to assist them in locating cats from a distance through their body scent alone. They focus on regions around the ears where hair coverage is scant. As a base, they take positions close to these spots and then aim their bites. Whenever a mosquito deals with a bite to a cat, they inject their saliva into the body of the cat causing irritation, redness and the appearance of itchy swollen lumps. Some cases of allergic reactions can also be seen in a few of the cats as they are known to be allergic to mosquitoes and carry a heightening sensitivity from them.

Some cats scratch or use the paws excessively in what appears to be a case of poking around their ears, consequently, it may have been the case of a mosquito bite.

Common areas where cats can get mosquito bites

There are certain parts of your cats body that has less fur and therefore more exposed. These areas are highly prone to mosquito attacks and so you will see mosquito bite on cat around these areas mostly:

• Ears
• Nose
• Eyes
• Paws

Ears an nose are the most common areas and you will see redness and swollen bites if your cat has mosquito bites. Ears are the most frequent targets due to the thin skin around it. Sometimes the cat paws are wet and moistened most of the time which invites mosquitoes bites at or near paws also.

How to keep mosquitoes away from cats?

There are some preventive measures to keep your cats protected from mosquitoes. Mosquitoes will anyhow will do their best to locate humans and animals, by smelling their body odor and will find your cats too. Please note there are many mosquito repellents including natural essential oils, that are not safe for pets, especially cats. To keep mosquitoes away from cats, you should take certain actions and changes in cat routine.

1. Keep your cat Indoors and limit their outdoor time

Before wondering on how to keep mosquitoes off cats, you must take your cat indoors first. While keeping your cats indoors, specially when mosquitoes activity are at peak. From evening to early morning, you can take other measures to keep mosquitoes away from cats. Also, limit outdoor time for cats, as there are certain mosquito borne diseases that may infect your cats.

2. Use window screens and mosquito nets

Window screens and mosquito nets are physical barriers that will keep mosquitoes away from cats. Avoid frequent opening of doors and windows.

3. Keep your house free from mosquito infestation

If your house itself has a breeding zone inside like mosquito larvae in toilets, water tanks, clogged drainage, or in any other standing water. These will allow mosquito breeding and more number of mosquitoes inside your home. Use different methods to kill mosquito larvae in standing water, and get rid of any infestation inside your home.

4. Use mosquito repellents that are safe for cats

Some synthetic mosquito repellents you are using for yourself may not be suitable for cats, can be toxic for them and their fur. Also, you can’t use DEET or most essentials oils like, Tea tree oil which have been found to be unsuitable for cats (Tea tree oil toxicity), causing weakness, inability to walk, paralysis, tremors, liver damage, etc. There are specific mosquito repellents specially designed for pets, those are safe for cats.

5. Mosquito repellent collars for cats

In case it is a concern to you that your cats off a risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes, there are available collars that one can use for mosquito repelling. However, be careful as these collars are supposed to be made for cats only and do not contain any toxic chemicals.

How to protect outdoor cats from mosquitoes?

Outdoor cats as well as local stray cats are always prime targets for these pesky mosquitoes. The cats can’t struggle and fight all night against them as they come in swarm. Find below some tips to protect outdoor cats from mosquitoes:

• Shelter: You can provide an outdoor shelter to cats that remain outdoors. This shelter must be equipped with mosquito nets and screens. It will be the best escape place for outdoor cats from mosquitoes.
• Mosquito repellent: Use natural pet safe mosquito repellents that are not toxic for cats. Be informed here as most of the natural and essential oils are not safe for animals and pets, you should check before using any.
• Mosquito nets: Provide a mosquito net around your lawn or cover a specific part for your cats, that will provide protection to cats even in outdoors.
• Zappers and traps: Sometimes the population of mosquitoes are not that high to consider major preventive actions. In such cases you can use zappers or mosquito traps to repel mosquitoes at places where outdoor cats mostly play around.

Fire pits for mosquitoes are not advised here, as it will remain unattended overnight. And the fire may spread accidentally causing major problems.

How to treat mosquito bites on cats?

You should know that your cat might be bitten by mosquitoes and there are ways to deal with such issues. This has to be done in no time so that the degree of suffering and annoyance resulting from a mosquito one bite the cat receives is put to rest right away.

• Clean the area around the bite: Clean with soap water to remove any bacteria or debris which may have reached there while scratching.
• Apply cold-compress: A cold compress may help to relieve swelling and the urge to scratch, preventing the possibility of secondary infections.
• Check for any any allergic reactions: If there is any response from the particular area, pay special attention to it since primary lesions can be a sign of an infiltrate. Keep a close watch for any allergic symptoms. If you notice excessive swelling and redness for a prolonged time, you must see your veterinary doctor immediately.
• Use anti-itch creams: If the mosquito bites are continuously itching causing severe discomfort, you can use only the pet safe ant-itch creams that are advised by veterinarian.

Risks of mosquito borne diseases in cats

Mosquitoes are not only disturbing pests for us and our pets, but they can also be a source of sickness. Diseases carried by mosquito also do exist in cats the most dangerous being Heartworm disease which can be fatal for your kitty. So, there is a cause for concern for much more has to be done in terms of mosquito control and preventing mosquito bites to your kitties.

In the event that heartworm disease penetrates the cat, there exists corrective action in the form of vaccination and treatment. No worries, just make sure your cat gets its necessary vaccinations but also talk to your vet regarding heartworm for your cat that gets to go outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)