Can Cats Get Lice from Humans?

Head lice is a common condition that affects children, especially those in grade school, as well as some adults. These tiny parasites live on the scalp and hair and cause an infestation known as pediculosis. Because lice are visible and spread easily among people, many pet parents worry about whether lice can pass between humans and animals. Common questions include: “Can the cat in my home get head lice from my children?” or “Can my children get head lice from the cat?”

Cats can get lice, but cat lice are different from human head lice. While lice infestations are far less common in cats than parasites like fleas or mites, they do occur—most often in cats living in overcrowded conditions, shelters, or situations involving poor nutrition, stress, or underlying illness. Healthy, well-groomed indoor cats are at relatively low risk.

There are more than 3,000 species of lice worldwide, but only three affect humans. Importantly, lice are highly species-specific. That means the answer to “Can cats get lice from humans?” is no. Human head lice cannot survive on cats, and feline lice cannot survive on people.

So, while can cats have lice is a valid question, those lice are strictly feline and pose no risk to human family members.

Cats are affected by only one species of lice, Felicola subrostrata, a chewing louse that feeds on skin debris rather than blood. Signs of cat lice may include excessive scratching, a dull or matted coat, hair loss, and visible white nits attached to the fur. Kittens, senior cats, and immunocompromised cats are most vulnerable.

How Do Cats Get Lice and What Increases the Risk?

While many pet owners wonder “Can cats get lice,” it’s important to understand how these parasites spread and which cats are most at risk. Cat lice are transmitted through direct contact with an infested cat. Unlike fleas, lice do not jump or live in the environment for long periods, so transmission usually occurs when cats live in close quarters, such as shelters, boarding facilities, multi-cat households, or feral colonies.

Cats with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop lice infestations. This includes kittens, senior cats, cats recovering from illness, and those with chronic medical conditions. Poor nutrition, stress, and inadequate grooming can also make it easier for cat lice to take hold. This is why lice are more commonly seen in cats living in suboptimal conditions rather than healthy, well-cared-for pets.

Because lice are species-specific, many people ask both Can cats have lice and Can cats get lice from dogs or humans. The answer remains no—each species of lice is adapted to survive only on its preferred host. Even if a cat briefly encounters human head lice, those lice cannot live, reproduce, or cause an infestation on a cat.

Diagnosing cat lice typically involves a physical exam by a veterinarian. Adult lice or nits may be visible on the hair shafts, especially around the head, neck, and shoulders. A vet may also rule out other causes of itching such as fleas, mites, allergies, or skin infections.

With proper veterinary treatment, lice infestations in cats are highly manageable and usually resolve quickly. Early diagnosis not only improves comfort for the cat but also prevents spread to other cats in the household.

Treatment for cat lice typically involves veterinarian-prescribed topical or oral parasite medications. In addition, bedding, grooming tools, and the cat’s environment should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent reinfestation. Manually removing nits can also help speed recovery.

If you suspect lice in your household—human or feline—contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian promptly. Early treatment helps limit spread and ensures comfort for everyone involved.