Sharing a bed with a cat raises questions about parasitic transmission. It is possible to contract worms, though this is a relatively low-risk event for a healthy adult. Transmission primarily involves the accidental ingestion of microscopic parasite elements that a cat may track onto the bedding from its fur or paws. Consistent preventive care and good household hygiene minimize the potential for infection.
Zoonotic Parasites Transmitted by Cats
Cats carry several intestinal parasites that have the capacity to infect humans, which are classified as zoonotic. The most common concern is the roundworm, Toxocara cati, which is prevalent in felines, especially kittens. Cats shed microscopic eggs through their feces. If humans accidentally ingest these eggs, the larvae can migrate through tissues, a condition known as visceral larva migrans. In rare cases, the larvae can reach the eye, causing ocular larva migrans and potentially leading to vision problems.
Another parasite is the tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum, transmitted through the ingestion of an infected flea. Small, rice-like segments of this worm are sometimes visible near the cat’s rear or in their bedding.
Hookworms (Ancylostoma species) also affect the intestines. Human infection occurs when larvae penetrate bare skin, usually through contact with contaminated soil.
Understanding Transmission Pathways
The primary way people contract roundworms from cats is through the fecal-oral route, involving ingesting the infective eggs. While a cat does not defecate in the bed, it can track microscopic eggs onto the bedding after using the litter box or grooming its fur and paws. These eggs are not immediately infectious upon shedding, but they become infective after maturing in the environment for a period. A cat that has been outdoors or has a less-than-perfect litter box routine can easily transfer these invisible eggs onto sheets and blankets. Once on the bedding, a person can inadvertently transfer the eggs to their mouth by touching the contaminated surface and then their face.
Tapeworm transmission follows a different route, involving the cat’s secondary host, the flea. The cat becomes infected by swallowing a flea that contains the tapeworm larva while grooming. If the cat is heavily infested with fleas, an infected flea could jump off the animal and onto the bedding. A person, typically a young child, would then need to accidentally ingest that infected flea to contract the tapeworm. This pathway links the risk of tapeworm to the presence of fleas in the sleeping environment.
Reducing Risk While Sharing Your Bed
Mitigating the risk of parasitic transfer involves a multi-pronged approach that focuses on both the cat’s health and household cleanliness. Establishing a consistent, veterinarian-approved deworming schedule is the most effective preventative measure. Even indoor cats should be dewormed regularly, often every three months, to eliminate any potential intestinal parasites they may acquire. Strict flea control is another highly recommended step, as this breaks the life cycle of the common tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum. Year-round use of veterinary-grade flea prevention products is advisable, regardless of whether the cat goes outdoors. Controlling fleas in the environment is a direct way to eliminate the risk of tapeworm transmission. Maintaining high standards of hygiene in the home is also important, especially concerning the litter box.
- The litter box should be scooped daily.
- Hands must be washed thoroughly after handling the box or the cat.
- If possible, one should wear gloves when changing the litter, and pregnant individuals are often advised to delegate this task to another person.
- Frequent washing of all bedding in hot water helps destroy microscopic eggs or flea dirt.
- Regular vacuuming of the bedroom removes potential environmental contaminants.