My kids had head lice, should be worried about our house cat?

Question

Treated the kids, what about the cat.

Answer 1

Nope. Lice are very species oriented. Human lice only like humans. Don't gotta worry about the pets.

Answer 2

No. Cats, dogs, and other cats do not carry any form of lice that can be passed to humans. Your kids probably got it from other kids, perhaps sharing a comb or hat, or even touching heads with another child.

A word for you about the lice:

Most lice seem to be immune to the chemical treatments that are on the market. What works well is saturating the head with either olive oil or mayonaise (mayo is cheaper) and leaving it on for several hours. This suffocates the lice. I put a shower cap on my daughter and she wore it overnight. You can pick up a pack of 15 shower caps at Wal-Mart for 95 cents. Throw them out when you're done.

The next morning, I shampooed her hair as usual and then went through her head thoroughly to remove any remaining nits. You can also use a vinegar rinse to help "unglue" the nits. This worked for me, although I'm more leery about my daughter being around other children now.

My daughter had live lice on her head after the chemical treatment, but absolutely nothing when I finished the mayonaise treatment! (although she DID smell a bit like a salad...)

Answer 3

I have heard animals can get lice that humans have. Call your bet because the vet would be the best one to know and the very best one to tell you how to check and treat the lice.

Remember to wash ALL linens in the house, including where the cat sleeps.

Answer 4

Do dogs and cats serve to maintain or transfer head lice? Pets are of no significance in maintaining or transmitting human lice, and should not be treated for head lice

Answer 5

I never heard of cats getting head lice. So as long as you weren't treating for fleas I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Answer 6

my kids got lice I did spray my animals with Adams flea spray

Answer 7

Call your vet