Termites harmful to my cats?

I just found termites in my house this morning. I have notified the landlord, who is notifying the exterminator, but I'm just curious in the meantime if they can do any harm to my 2 cats.

So far I only found them in the kitchen, and I have locked off the kitchen from the cats. But I can't be here all day. What if one makes its way out to the living room? Is it ok if my cats paw at it or kill it, or will it hurt them?

Thanks for any answers!

Well, chances are if you are seeing termites that they are "swarming". Generally you never see them - and when you do, it is not good - they are probably munching away on the whole house. I don't think that they can hurt your cats, but when the exterminator comes they will most certainly fumigate the house and then you will want to get your pets out, etc.