Can I Get Worms from My Cat Sleeping with Me? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ
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If you’re away from your home working all day, you probably can’t resist a good snuggle with your favorite feline when you come home at night. Nestled in your blankets and pajamas, your cat feels most comfortable with you. They might not want to leave when it's time to turn the lights out and go to sleep, but you might be wondering, is it safe to sleep with a cat, especially if they have worms?
Here's all you need to know about your chances of catching worms from your cat and how to prevent intestinal parasites (without banishing your cats from your bed).
How Humans Get Worms from Cats
It’s possible for humans to get worms from cats. However, the chances of getting worms as a result of a cat sleeping with you are low. The most likely reason that humans get worms from cats is by coming into direct contact with an infected cat’s feces.
You’re likely to get worms from cats by cleaning their litter box or other areas where your cat may have defecated, especially if you don’t wash your hands afterward. However, if an infected cat were to somehow transmit fecal matter onto your bed, it is possible to get worms that way.
How to Know When Your Cat Has Been Infected with Worms
Worms and parasites are most commonly seen in kittens or puppies but can affect animals of all ages. A pot-bellied appearance is a clinical sign to be on the lookout for if you have a kitten at home. Your vet will typically give your kitten a deworming treatment every time they return for their next round of boosters to prevent a worm infestation, so typically it shouldn’t make you feel too worried.
Parasites in adult cats are a little harder to determine unless you see the worms in their poop. That is why we recommend regularly deworming your cat monthly if they're warrior cats who like hunting outside. There are also a number of natural dewormers available that rely on herbs instead of pharmaceuticals.
Get in touch with your veterinarian to discuss the best options for deworming your cat.
What Type of Parasites Can I Catch from My Cat?
You can get tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, mites, ticks, and fleas from your animals! Although that sounds like a lot to worry about, the parasites usually don't cause extensive damage to humans, and most infections can be prevented by limiting host parasites, such as fleas, in your home.
Parasite Can Humans Get It? How You Can Get Infected
| Tapeworm | Yes | Accidental ingestion of a flea |
| Hookworms | Yes | Through skin contact with infected feces, such as walking on a beach with infected cat feces |
| Roundworms | Yes | Through skin contact with infected feces, such as children playing in contaminated sandboxes |
| Fleas | Yes | Cats can spread fleas on their fur, and they can hop from your pets to your skin. Fleas can cause itchy bites and even rashes, especially if you're allergic. |
| Mites | Yes | Like fleas, mites spread through direct contact with your cat. |
| Ticks | Yes | Although ticks aren't as common on cats as dogs, they can transfer to humans if your cat brings one inside on their skin. |
Ways to Reduce the Risk of Getting a Parasite
To reduce your risk of catching a parasite from your cat, you should:
- Control the flea population with flea prevention and flea collars
- Wash your bedding on the hot cycle every week (especially if your cat sleeps with you)
- Vacuum at least once a week
- Wash your pet's bedding and any pillows or blankets they like to claim as their own
- Don't allow children to play in areas with feline feces
- Regularly deworm your cat at least two to four times a year but not more than once a month
You could also keep your cat indoors and wash your hands after petting your cat, but we realize this might be incredibly challenging if you have a cat who likes to explore or frequently interrupts your internet meetings.
Conclusion
So, should you sleep with your cat? If you've done everything you can to mediate the risk, it is unlikely that you'll get worms from your cat who sleeps with you. Cats can transfer parasites, including worms, to humans, but they're more likely to spread fleas and ticks. However, it's always best to practice preventative medicine and be careful!
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
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Brooke Billingsley, a former veterinary assistant for nine years, became a nurse in 2013. She lives in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years, surrounded by her beloved pets: three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. Brooke has a soft spot for special needs animals, caring for a three-legged senior dog and a widely known cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. She has developed a keen interest in fish keeping and is always learning how to provide the best environment for her aquatic pets. In addition to her passion for animals, Brooke enjoys gardening and maintains a vegetable garden during the summer. She stays active with yoga and received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. Brooke also hosts a podcast that delves into folklore and myth, dedicating her spare time to research and writing. She embraces the philosophy that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth, continually working to acquire new skills and knowledge.
