What are cat lice? - briefly
Cat lice are tiny, wingless ectoparasites that inhabit a cat’s skin and fur, feeding on its blood. Infestations cause itching, hair loss, and can lead to secondary infections if not treated.
What are cat lice? - in detail
Cat lice are small, wing‑less insects that live on the skin and fur of domestic cats. The most common species is Felicola subrostratus, a chewing louse that feeds on skin debris, hair, and occasional blood. Adult lice measure 1–2 mm, are gray‑brown, and have a flattened body adapted for moving between hair shafts.
Life cycle proceeds through three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. Females lay 2‑5 eggs per day, attaching them to hair shafts near the base of the skin. Eggs hatch in 5‑10 days, releasing nymphs that resemble miniature adults. Nymphs mature into reproductive adults after 10‑14 days, completing the cycle in roughly 3 weeks under optimal temperature (20‑30 °C) and humidity.
Clinical signs include excessive scratching, visible dandruff, hair loss, and a fine “sand‑like” debris on the coat. Lice are most active on the head, neck, and tail base, where they can be seen as moving specks. Infestations may cause secondary bacterial infections due to skin irritation.
Diagnosis relies on direct visual inspection of the fur and skin. A fine‑toothed comb or a cotton swab can collect specimens for microscopic examination. Presence of live lice, nymphs, or attached eggs confirms infestation.
Effective treatment options include:
- Topical insecticidal sprays or shampoos containing pyrethrins, selamectin, or imidacloprid; applied according to product instructions and repeated after 7 days to interrupt the life cycle.
- Systemic medications such as oral selamectin or milbemycin oxime, which target both adult lice and developing stages.
- Manual removal of eggs with a fine comb, followed by environmental cleaning.
Environmental control involves washing bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and vacuuming carpets and upholstery to eliminate detached lice and nits. Re‑treatment after two weeks prevents re‑infestation from surviving eggs.
Cat lice are host‑specific; they do not infest humans or other animal species. Consequently, zoonotic risk is negligible, but severe infestations can compromise a cat’s overall health, especially in young, elderly, or immunocompromised animals. Regular grooming and routine veterinary examinations reduce the likelihood of outbreak.