What are lice on cats? - briefly
Feline lice are small, wingless parasites of the order Phthiraptera that inhabit a cat’s coat and feed on blood or skin debris. The most prevalent species, Felicola subrostratus, causes itching, irritation, and hair loss.
What are lice on cats? - in detail
Lice that infest felines are tiny, wing‑less insects belonging mainly to the species Felicola subrostratus. They are obligate ectoparasites that live and feed on the host’s skin, hair shafts, and blood. A second, less common species, Linognathus setosus, may also appear, especially in outdoor or shelter cats.
Adult lice measure 1–2 mm, have a flattened body, and lack the jumping legs characteristic of fleas. Their claws cling tightly to hair shafts, allowing them to move slowly along the coat. Females lay 20–30 eggs (nits) on hair bases; eggs hatch in 4–7 days, and the three nymphal stages reach adulthood within 2 weeks. The entire life cycle can be completed in 3–4 weeks under optimal temperature and humidity.
Transmission occurs through direct contact between cats. Infestations spread rapidly in multi‑cat households, boarding facilities, or during grooming sessions. Environmental reservoirs are minimal because lice cannot survive long off the host.
Typical clinical signs include:
- Persistent scratching and grooming
- Localized hair loss, especially around the neck, back, and tail base
- Red, inflamed skin or crusted lesions
- Secondary bacterial infection in severe cases
- Pale mucous membranes or weakness if infestation is heavy enough to cause anemia
Diagnosis relies on a thorough physical examination. A fine‑toothed comb or thumb‑pressing over the skin reveals live lice and nits. Microscopic confirmation may be performed on collected specimens to differentiate lice from other ectoparasites.
Effective treatment options comprise:
- Topical pediculicides (e.g., fipronil, selamectin) applied according to label dosage.
- Systemic insecticides (e.g., oral selamectin or milbemycin) for rapid parasite clearance.
- Repeated applications at 7‑day intervals to break the life cycle.
- Cleaning of bedding, blankets, and grooming tools with hot water or insecticidal sprays.
Prevention strategies include routine grooming, regular use of broad‑spectrum ectoparasite products, quarantine of new arrivals, and maintaining low‑density cat populations in shelters. Early detection and prompt treatment prevent extensive hair loss, skin damage, and secondary complications.