Cheyletiella (Fur) Mites

Cat Care > Cat Parasites > External Parasites > Cheyletiella (Fur) Mites

They are an uncommon parasite of cats and can be present without causing any irritation at all, although in some animals there is severe itching and consequent scratching. The most characteristic sign of infestation is the appearance of prolific scurf or dandruff, especially along the back of the cat, with a greasy feel to the fur. This consists of the mites and their eggs, and if it is examined closely, it can be seen to be moving. The name 'walking dandruff' is an apt description of this infestation by parasites that spend their entire life upon the cat.

A cat with these symptoms should be examined by a veterinary surgeon, and treatment is similar to that given for mange mites and fleas. The mites are either acquired directly from other cats or via grooming equipment or bedding. Hence all cats in the home must be treated at the same time, and it is wise to boil-wash or disinfect beds and bedding.

People handling the cat should exercise caution, and it is wise to wear gloves and to wash hands thoroughly. The mite may cause irritation in people with sensitive skins, and young children are likely to be particularly susceptible. Small, itchy, reddened patches appear on the skin, especially on the arms as these are in contact when a person lifts the cat. These turn yellowish and scabby as a result of scratching.

	Cheyletiella (Fur) Mites Cat Care > Cat Parasites > External Parasites > Cheyletiella (Fur) Mites They are an uncommon parasite of cats and can be present without causing any irritation at all, although in some animals there is severe itching and consequent scratching. The most characteristic sign of infestation is the appearance of prolific scurf or dandruff, especially along the back of the cat, with a greasy feel to the fur. This consists of the mites and their eggs, and if it is examined closely, it can be seen to be moving. The name 'walking dandruff' is an apt description of this infestation by parasites that spend their entire life upon the cat. A cat with these symptoms should be examined by a veterinary surgeon, and treatment is similar to that given for mange mites and fleas. The mites are either acquired directly from other cats or via grooming equipment or bedding. Hence all cats in the home must be treated at the same time, and it is wise to boil-wash or disinfect beds and bedding. People handling the cat should exercise caution, and it is wise to wear gloves and to wash hands thoroughly. The mite may cause irritation in people with sensitive skins, and young children are likely to be particularly susceptible. Small, itchy, reddened patches appear on the skin, especially on the arms as these are in contact when a person lifts the cat. These turn yellowish and scabby as a result of scratching.	Cat Care Cat Teeth Care Cat Ear & Eye Care Hair loss in cats Cat Worming Cat Vaccination Cat Neutering Leaving a Cat at Home Acquiring A Cat Choosing a Pet Kitten Choosing an Adult Cat The Cat that Chooses You Bringing Home a New Kitten Settling In of Kitten Taking Home an Adult Cat Cat Diet Raw/Cooked Food for Cat Bones for Cat Water for Cat Home-prepared Foods Commercial Foods for Cat Grass for Cats Feeding a Kitten Overfeeding and Obesity Underfeeding/Weight Loss Adaptations of Cat Cat's Eyes Cat's Ears Smelling Sense of Cat Whiskers of Cat Cats Balance Sense Cat's Teeth Cat Breeding Male Cat Female Cat or Queen Gestation Period for Cats Pseudo Pregnancy in Cat Cat Pregnancy Preparing Birth of Kittens Cat Labour and Birth When to Call a Vet Routine Care of Queen Cat Weaning A Kitten Rearing Orphan Kittens Determining Sex of Kittens Cat Parasites Cats Internal Parasites Cats External Parasites Cat Training Training a Kitten Cat Toilet Training Cat Learning Its Name Cat Walking on a Lead Using a Cat Flap or Cat Door Training an Adult Cat List of Cat Breeds Cat Grooming Cat Behaviour Cat Names Cat Language Elderly Cat Care Cat Illnesses First Aid for Cats Sitemap