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Mites on cats

Mites are one of the most common parasites that infect cats from time to time. The cat is the ideal host for these little animals, because the cat’s fur is nice and warm and damp. There are five different types of mites in cats, namely ear mites, hair follicle mites, mange mites, predatory mites and autumn grass mites.

Especially if cat owners notice constant itching in their four-legged friends, they should check whether there is a possible mite infestation.

Ear mites

Ear mites are most common in cats, if mites have accumulated in the ear, this is also called ear ruffles. As the name suggests, these parasites only settle in the ear, namely in the auricle and the auditory canal. Since these mites are active all year round, infestation does not occur during a particular season. Especially outdoor workers are often affected, because the transmission is mainly through other animals.

Symptoms

Severe itching is the first symptom of ear mite infestation. Cat owners are often surprised that their pet constantly shakes its head or holds its head at an angle. It is not uncommon to scratch the ears until there are bloody spots. Sometimes it also happens that the animals turn in circles in a very confused way, this is also called manege movement. At some point, however, the infestation with ear mites also becomes visible, a crumbly, black substance can be seen in the ear.

Treatment

If there is any suspicion, a veterinarian should check the ears of the cat. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the ears are thoroughly cleaned, then a special preparation against mites is administered, the treatment must then be continued at home for a certain period of time. Since ear mites are very persistent and can survive temporarily without a host, the animal’s environment should be carefully cleaned. If there are other animals living in the household, they should also be treated.

autumn mites / grass mites

The autumn mite (also known as autumn grass mite or simply grass mite) is widespread throughout the world. In Europe you have to expect these parasites between July and October. Basically, these orange-red animals live on the ground, but they lurk on grass stalks for a host, so that especially free-roaming animals are endangered.

Symptoms

Also an infestation with autumn mites or grass mites is initially noticeable by itching, so the cat scratches itself constantly. Although these parasites do not suck blood, they cause inflammation on the skin. Autumn mites are mainly found in places where the skin is very thin, for example between the claws. Pet owners may therefore find that their cat bites and licks itself particularly hard there. With the help of a flea comb you can detect the little animals, after combing the coat simply tap the comb over a white, moistened cloth, you should then see orange-red spots.

Treatment

If grass mites are found in the cat, the owner of the animal must be careful, because they can also pass on to humans. A special mite preparation is used for treatment, which is available as an ointment, powder, spot-on or shampoo. Even in case of an infestation with autumn mites, the environment should be cleaned thoroughly so that other roommates are not infected and a new infection does not occur later.

Predatory mites

The predatory mites develop on the cat from one stage to the next. Female mites attach the eggs, which are enclosed in a cocoon, to the hair. After larvae have hatched from the eggs, the predatory mite is attacked after a maximum of four weeks. The mites feed mainly on the skin scales, only sometimes they take some tissue after a puncture of the skin.

Symptoms

Also an infestation with autumn mites or grass mites is initially noticeable by itching, so the cat scratches itself constantly. Although these parasites do not suck blood, they cause inflammation on the skin. Autumn mites are mainly found in places where the skin is very thin, for example between the claws. Pet owners may therefore find that their cat bites and licks itself particularly hard there. With the help of a flea comb you can detect the little animals, after combing the coat simply tap the comb over a white, moistened cloth, you should then see orange-red spots.

Treatment

If grass mites are found in the cat, the owner of the animal must be careful, because they can also pass on to humans. A special mite preparation is used for treatment, which is available as an ointment, powder, spot-on or shampoo. Even in case of an infestation with autumn mites, the environment should be cleaned thoroughly so that other roommates are not infected and a new infection does not occur later.

Predatory mites

The predatory mites develop on the cat from one stage to the next. Female mites attach the eggs, which are enclosed in a cocoon, to the hair. After larvae have hatched from the eggs, the predatory mite is attacked after a maximum of four weeks. The mites feed mainly on the skin scales, only sometimes they take some tissue after a puncture of the skin.

Symptoms

Preferably the predatory mites infest the back and the head of the cat. Especially young cats are often very strongly attacked, and skin changes are often visible on the croup. The animals scratch themselves extremely, moreover the skin also begins to flake, and often crusts and eczema form.

Treatment

Humans are rarely attacked by predatory mites. If the veterinarian has made an appropriate diagnosis, then, as with all other mite species, treatment is usually carried out with special preparations. Also in this case, careful cleaning of the surroundings is important, especially cushions, scratching posts and blankets must be cleaned thoroughly to prevent a new infestation. After about three weeks a second treatment should be carried out, because only then it is guaranteed that really all mites have been killed.

Root mites

The mange mites are extremely tiny and cause mange in cats. In our latitudes, however, an infestation rarely occurs; usually only old or weak animals are affected. The transmission takes place from one animal to the other, but no fur contact must have been present. The mange mites are preferably found on the head of the animal, normally they do not spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms

The parasites cause severe itching in two different ways, firstly by crawling on the skin, and secondly, the saliva and faeces of the mites can also trigger allergies. Pet owners will quickly notice increased licking and scratching, possibly the cat will also lose hair and have a reddened and encrusted skin.

Treatment

In any case, a veterinarian must be consulted immediately if there is any suspicion of predatory mites. If there is indeed an infestation, the veterinarian will initiate the usual treatment for mites.

Hair follicle mites

Hair follicle mites are fortunately rarely found in cats, usually young cats are only infected by extreme proximity to their mother. These parasites also concentrate the hair follicles, they live quasi under the skin surface, so that you cannot see them on the animal’s body. Usually only a local infestation occurs, only if an animal is sick and weak, the little animals spread to the whole body.

Symptoms and treatment

Unlike all other mite species, the hair follicle mites do not cause itching. However, changes in the skin are noticeable after some time, the skin is reddened and scaly. Sometimes there is also increased hair loss, and pustules or ulcers may develop. In case of suspicion, the veterinarian will take a skin scraping to detect the hair follicle mites. If it is such an infestation, special mite preparations are available for treatment.