Mites on Cats: Types, Signs, and Treatment

Cat mites are small parasites that can create a variety of problems for our feline friends. They can cause discomfort on a wide scale, irritating our cats and keeping them on their toes. These pesky parasites are not to be underestimated. Even though cat mites are too small to be seen with the naked eye, they can create problems that are sometimes difficult to manage. 

Common Types of Mites on Cats

There are several types of mites that bring trouble to our best friends. Here are some of the common types of mites on cats:

1. Ear Mites

Ear mites in cats are one of the most common external parasites our best friends face, especially in kittens. These mites live and breed in the ear canal, feeding on earwax, oils, and debris. Also known as Otodectes cynotis mites, they are highly contagious, spreading between animals through direct contact. Although they primarily infest the ears, ear mites can sometimes travel to other parts of the body, particularly the head, neck, and tail, if the infestation is severe.

These mites are microscopic but can cause significant irritation. They thrive in the dark, warm environment of a cat’s ear canal, where they reproduce rapidly. A single mite can live for about two months, during which time it continuously lays eggs.

You’ll notice your cat excessively scratches its ears and shakes its head when it has ear mites. The severe irritation from these mites will also cause redness and swelling in the ears of cats. In some cases, a dark discharge with a foul odor will emanate. Secondary infections can also follow.

2. Notoedres cati Mites

Notoedres cati is the mite responsible for notoedric mange, commonly referred to as feline scabies. This highly contagious mite is similar to the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which causes scabies in dogs. Notoedres mites burrow into the skin, where they lay eggs and feed on skin cells. They primarily infest the head, neck, and ears, but the infestation can spread to other parts of the body if untreated.

Notoedres cati mites bring a lot of discomfort for cats. Some of the signs will include hair loss, pain, excessive scratching, and crusty sores around the affected area. The burrowing behavior of these mites is what causes the intense itching and skin irritation seen in affected cats.

3. Demodex Mites

Demodex mites are usually present in the skin of many cats. There are usually two common types of Demodex mites. These are Demodex gatoi and Demodex Cati. Demodex gatoi is a type of Demodex mite on cats that usually live on the layer of their skin. These mites are contagious and can easily spread to other cats, causing more severe itching and widespread infestations.

Demodex cati, on the other hand, are not contagious but are rather opportunistic mites that can cause problems when a cat has a weakened immune system. These mites on cats are typically found on their hair follicles. Demodex cati tends to cause more localized symptoms and is generally found in cats with a compromised immune system due to diseases like FIV or FeLV.

4. Cheyletiella Mites

Cheyletiella mites, also known as walking dandruff, are larger than most other mites and can be seen with the naked eye. They live on the surface of the skin, feeding on skin cells and debris. Cheyletiella mites are named "walking dandruff" because they cause flaky, dandruff-like scales that are moved around when the mites move as well.

Cheyletiella mites are especially prevalent in areas where hygiene is not maintained at a good level. This is usually in overcrowded areas, such as cat shelters and mismanaged cat boarding facilities. What’s dangerous about these mites is that they can easily spread between cats, dogs, rabbits, and other household pets.

Cheyletiella mites in cats can cause symptoms involving excessive itching and grooming, hair loss, crusty skin, and the presence of dandruff. 

5. Trombiculid Mites

Trombiculid mites, commonly known as chiggers or harvest mites, are outdoor mites that attach to a cat’s skin during their larval stage. Instead of burrowing into the surface of a cat’s skin, they hook themselves on top of it and digest the skin’s cells. Chigger infestations typically occur in autumn, which is where the name “harvest” comes from. It’s particularly common when cats are in grassy or wooded areas.

Harvest mites can cause extreme itching when they latch onto the skin. Additionally, these mites on cats can also cause intense redness and sores, with crusty skin and hair loss as a result.

Diagnosing Mites on Cats

With the number of different mites on cats, certain techniques are made to determine the type of mites that has been causing trouble for your best friend. Here are the diagnostic techniques we use at the clinic:

Physical Examination

We physically check your cat’s skin and coat, checking for any signs of common symptoms of a mite infestation, such as swelling, redness, crusty skin, hair loss, and irritation. Our vets will also take into account the changes in your cat’s behavior as caused by the mite infestation.

Skin Scrapings

This is one of the more commonly used diagnostic methods to determine the type of mites your cat has. During this procedure, our vets will scrape off a small layer of your cat’s skin. This sample will be put under a microscope, and through this, we can determine the type of mite present in your cats. However, if the count of mites is low, this may not be so efficient.

Ear Swabs

Since ear mites are common in cats, ear swabs allow us to collect wax and debris from your cat’s ear. This will also be examined under a microscope, where we can identify the type of mite present. Along with this, the presence of discharge, ear scratching, and ear irritation will be factors to take note of when diagnosing ear mites.

Tape Test

A tape test is another diagnostic test we do that can detect any surface-dwelling mites, such as the infamous “walking dandruff.” A clear piece of tape will be used and applied directly on your cat’s fur in areas where there are signs of this dandruff. This will be placed under the microscope, and the presence of mites will confirm our diagnosis.

Treatment for Mites on Cats

Once we have confirmed the presence of mites on your cat, we’ll begin to create a treatment plan based on the type of mites causing trouble. Some of these treatment steps can be combined to create a more comprehensive treatment plan for your cat. Here are the treatment options we provide:

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are common medicines we use to combat the mites on cats. These will be directly applied to your cat’s skin to provide relief and healing from the effects of the mites. Some of the common examples of topical treatments for mites include ivermectin, selamectin, and sulfur lime dips. These medicines can be in the form of a topical gel, ointment, or ear drops.

Oral Medications

When problems require something that goes far beyond topical treatments, we also have oral medications to help treat your cat’s mite infestation. These can include ivermectin and fluralaner. The doses will depend on our examination of your cat’s situation. Just like for topical treatments, oral medications will be available at are vet pharmacy.

Medications Shampoos

Medicated shampoos help a lot when dealing with surface-dwelling mites. This can be done every time you bathe your cat, as the shampoos are just an addition to the grooming routine. These shampoos can help reduce the irritation and itch your cat feels, giving it a lot of room to recover. 

Supportive Treatments

These treatments consist of medications that aim to support the main treatment option. For cats suffering from secondary bacterial and fungal infections, antibiotics and antifungal medications can be used to help treat the infections. Anti-inflammatory medicines are also good options to reduce the irritation and discomfort on your cat’s skin.

In cases of weakened immune systems, nutritional supplements, and a more comprehensive meal plan will be provided to supply your cat with the right nutrition to recover smoothly.

Preventing Mites on Cats

Preventing mites on your cats starts with simple hygiene and home care. Here are some of the tips we recommend for preventing mites on cats:

1. Regular Grooming

Regular grooming helps keep your cat’s skin and coat healthy. Whether it’s through a professional cat grooming service or simple grooming at home, a routine will help keep your cat’s skin healthy and free from mites.

2. Routine Home Cleaning

It’s always important to regularly wash your cat’s bedding, towels, and pillows so microorganisms and parasites won’t be able to reach them. These areas are common spaces where these troubling pests reside, so it’s important to keep them clean to protect your cat.

3. Vet Checkups

Routine cat checkups are always a good idea when it comes to keeping your cat’s health in great condition. With the help of our clinic, we can provide preventive treatments that keep your cat protected from these harmful mites.

Conclusion

Mites might be small, but they can cause a lot of discomfort for our cats. By understanding the signs and paying close attention to our cats’ welfare, we can quickly get them the care they need. With a quick diagnosis and the right treatment, we’ll get your cat back to its happy life.