Can Cats Get Lice?
This blog explains that human head lice won’t live on your cat or any other furry pets in your house, so fear not your cats cannot get nits!
Feb 21, 2026 · 4 min read
TL;DR
Cats cannot get human head lice. Human lice are species-specific. Cat lice (if any) are a different species. Your cat is not a reservoir for head lice.
Human and animal blood
Human head lice need human blood. They can't survive on cats. Cat lice (Felicola subrostratus) are a different species that only infest cats.
Cat-specific parasites
Cats get fleas, mites, or cat lice — not human head lice. Don't worry about passing head lice to or from your cat. Focus on treating human infestations. Check first. See dogs and lice.