Can Birds Get Fleas From Cats?

Sometimes it is not only birds that we have as pets at home.

Many owners also own dogs and cats, along with their pet birds.

As everyone knows, cats and dogs can be infested with fleas and you surely will worry as you don’t want your birds to get infested as well.

But, can birds really get fleas from cats or any other pets at home? 

Generally speaking, birds can get fleas, but they are only extremely rare cases.

If cat fleas are concerned, your bird can’t get it from them unless there is direct contact with the infected animal or your bird stays on the ground.

They can also get fleas if your home has been infested with fleas in which it can spread to your whole flock.

Still, birds rarely have fleas, as mites and lice are most of the common parasites found on them. 

Can Fleas Live On a Bird? 

Birds can acquire fleas from their surroundings, especially if their environment is not well-cleaned and maintained.

Wild birds, in particular, are more prone for fleas infestation especially when they need to land on the ground.

As for the pet birds, fleas can be quite rare for them unless they have been brought outdoors or your home is infested.

However, fleas can go away over time as birds preen on themselves.

They can get rid of a lot of fleas and other parasites as they try to groom themselves or ask their mate to do it for them.

While birds can have fleas, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will pester them for a long time.

Now if you bird has fleas 

You may be wondering, how do you get rid of fleas on a bird? 

Carry on reading and let’s find out.. 

How Do You Get Rid of Fleas On a Bird? 

If you suspect that your bird has fleas, and they can’t seem to get rid of it, there are certain ways you can help them.

Here are some ways you can do to treat fleas infestation on your birds: 

1. Oral Treatments 

The best way to treat fleas quickly is to consult a veterinarian.

The vet may prescribe some oral treatments you can give to your bird or slip into their meals to treat infestations. 

2. Topical treatments

Aside from medication you can use to your pet birds as prescribed by a vet, there are also topical treatments available to use.

These treatments are given for birds who had a bad reaction against the oral medicines and also to add extra protection against further infestations.

3. Cleaning the area 

There are certain reasons why your bird has been infested with fleas in the first place.

Even if you treat your birds with medications, it’s no use when they can get infected again anytime.

Make sure you conduct a deep cleaning in your home and other fleas-infested area to make sure your bird don’t get infested with fleas again

Do Bird Fleas Bite Humans?

Like any other fleas found on other pets, like cats and dogs, bird fleas can bite humans.

In fact, their bites are often itchy and painful which may also irritate your skin.

Fleas and mites can quickly spread from one flock to another.

This can cause a huge fleas infestation which can certainly bother everyone in the house. 

Make sure to get rid of them quickly by cleaning your entire house thoroughly.

It is also better to disinfect all things found in the house that can have fleas, such as fabrics, carpets, and other furniture. 

Can Birds Get Lice? 

Birds also have their own lice, but fortunately enough, these parasites are only exclusive to them.

Meaning, even if you and your other pets make contact with an infected bird, you will not most likely be infected as well. 

Domestic birds can get lice, but infestations are more common among wild birds.

In case your pet bird has been infested, check if there are more birds in your flock that have bird lice.

This can spread quickly and infect all the other birds too if it is not treated quickly! 

Can Birds Get Ticks? 

Among any other parasites, ticks are mostly common to infect birds.

They can easily spread from one bird to another as they feed and suck your bird’s blood.

Make sure you house your birds in a clean area and limit their outdoor activities to prevent these parasites living on your pets.

Ticks are also dangerous to your pets as they can carry disease and endanger your bird’s health.

These parasites are the cause of lyme disease among birds.

They are also known to cause other illnesses that are critical to their health, such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, rickettsiosis, and more. 

Wrapping Up

Birds can also suffer from many parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and lice.

Except ticks, most of them are not extremely serious to the extent of causing severe illnesses.

Do remember though as they can be seriously irritating to your birds causing them itchiness, frequent scratches, and skin irritations.

These parasites commonly feed on your birds’ blood, which is the reason why you should consult a veterinarian for infestation treatments.

We at birdcageshere.com write about bird health and diet however it should not be taken as medical advice. For advice on your bird you need to seek out an avian vet. The information you find on birdcageshere.com is for educational purposes only. At birdcageshere.com we are not liable for any information that you may find on here. Birdcageshere is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice about your bird.