Cat Health & Care |
LiceCat Care > Cat Parasites > External Parasites > LiceLice are tiny, wingless insects that spend their whole life on their host animal. They are rare parasites of pet cats, although they are more common on farm-dwelling and stray animals. The cat louse, Felicola subrostratus, is a flat, flesh-colored insect that feeds on flakes of dead skin and other debris within the fur. It is a biting louse, and an infestation may cause few symptoms or there may be severe skin irritation and scratching. A severe infestation is more likely to cause problems such as anemia and loss of condition in elderly or ill cats and young kittens. The infestation may be noticed because of the apparent presence of dandruff or scurf. This consists of the eggs and egg cases (nits) of the lice, each of which is firmly stuck to a hair. These can be removed by using a fine-toothed comb or by cutting off the affected hairs. If it is suspected that a cat has lice, diagnosis should be confirmed by a veterinary surgeon. A specific regime may need to be followed to eradicate these parasites, using insecticidal shampoos or other preparations. The treatment normally needs to be repeated because it kills only the adult insects and not the eggs, and must be continued until all newly emerged lice are eliminated. | ||