How are lice dangerous to cats? - briefly
Infestations can cause blood loss, leading to anemia, and provoke intense itching that damages the coat and invites bacterial or fungal infections. Severe cases may compromise the cat’s overall health and require veterinary treatment.
How are lice dangerous to cats? - in detail
Lice infestations in felines present several health hazards. Adult cat‑lice (Felicola subrostratus) feed on skin debris and blood, causing irritation that can progress to more serious conditions.
- Dermatological damage: Repeated feeding creates small wounds, leading to erythema, crusting, and alopecia. Persistent scratching may result in secondary bacterial infections such as pyoderma, which can spread systemically if untreated.
- Anemia: Heavy infestations may cause measurable blood loss. In small or already anemic cats, this can reduce hematocrit levels enough to produce fatigue, weakness, and pale mucous membranes.
- Allergic reactions: Saliva proteins can trigger hypersensitivity, manifesting as intense itching, swelling, and dermatitis. Chronic allergic responses increase the risk of skin barrier breakdown.
- Stress‑related effects: Continuous discomfort elevates cortisol, potentially suppressing immunity and making the animal more susceptible to viral or fungal diseases.
- Transmission concerns: Lice move easily between cats sharing close contact or grooming. Infested animals can also transfer parasites to humans, causing temporary itching (pediculosis capitis) though cats cannot act as reservoirs for human lice species.
Clinical signs to watch for include visible lice or nits on the coat, excessive grooming, hair loss patches, scabs, and discharge from ears or eyes. Laboratory confirmation involves microscopic examination of hair shafts for live insects or eggs.
Effective management combines immediate ectoparasiticide treatment—topical spot‑on products containing fipronil or selamectin—and environmental control. All bedding, grooming tools, and shelter areas should be washed in hot water and dried at high temperature. Re‑treatment after 10–14 days eliminates newly hatched lice that escaped the first dose.
Prevention relies on regular inspection, especially in multi‑cat households, and maintaining proper hygiene of living spaces. Routine veterinary check‑ups allow early detection and reduce the likelihood of complications.