How does scabies mite manifest in cats? - briefly
Scabies infestation in felines produces severe pruritus and thick, crusted lesions, often on the ears, elbows, abdomen, and paws, accompanied by hair loss and erythema. Secondary bacterial infections may develop if the condition remains untreated.
How does scabies mite manifest in cats? - in detail
The sarcoptic mite that infests felines produces a characteristic set of clinical signs. Intense itching appears within a few days of infestation, prompting the cat to scratch, lick, or rub affected areas. Early lesions consist of small, erythematous papules that rapidly develop into thick, gray‑white crusts. These crusts often coalesce, forming larger plaques that may detach and reveal raw skin underneath.
Typical distribution includes the head, ears, neck, and forelimbs, but lesions can spread to the trunk, tail, and hind limbs as the infestation progresses. Hair loss occurs where crusts detach, leading to localized alopecia. The skin surface may appear dull and wet due to exudate, and secondary bacterial infections are common because of the compromised barrier.
Additional observations:
- Lesion morphology: papules → crusted plaques → erosions.
- Pruritus pattern: constant, worsens at night, intensifies with ambient temperature rise.
- Secondary changes: erythema, edema, serous discharge, malodorous odor from bacterial overgrowth.
- Systemic impact: in severe cases, cats may develop anemia, weight loss, and lethargy due to chronic inflammation and protein loss.
Diagnostic confirmation relies on deep skin scrapings that reveal the mite’s characteristic shape and legs. A negative result does not exclude infestation; repeated sampling may be required. Effective therapy eliminates the parasite and reduces inflammation, preventing further skin damage and the spread to other animals or humans.