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Can my kitten or cat get heartworm from eating a dead mosquito?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Can a kitten or cat contract heartworm if they infest a dead mosquito?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 6th, 2019

Hi there. No, heartworm disease is only transmitted through mosquito bites - meaning that the mosquito bites the pet, and transfers microscopic heartworm larvae directly into the tiny blood vessels under the skin. Eating a dead mosquito cannot transmit the disease.

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