What causes subcutaneous mites in cats? - briefly
Subcutaneous mite infections in cats are mainly due to Demodex gatoi and Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrow into the dermis and reproduce there. Transmission happens via direct contact with infested animals or contaminated environments, especially in individuals with weakened immunity.
What causes subcutaneous mites in cats? - in detail
Subcutaneous mite infestations in felines develop when parasitic arthropods penetrate the dermis and establish a feeding site beneath the skin surface. The primary agents responsible are species of Demodex (particularly Demodex cati), Notoedres cati (the causative agent of feline scabies), and, less frequently, Sarcoptes scabiei when it manages to burrow deeper than its typical epidermal niche. These mites complete their life cycle—egg, larva, nymph, adult—within the host’s skin, allowing rapid population expansion once established.
Transmission occurs through several pathways:
- Direct contact with an infested animal, especially during grooming, play fighting, or mating.
- Indirect exposure to contaminated bedding, grooming tools, or environmental surfaces that retain viable eggs or motile stages.
- Maternal transmission to kittens during nursing or close contact in the first weeks of life.
Predisposing conditions that facilitate colonization include:
- Immunosuppression caused by viral infections (e.g., feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus), corticosteroid therapy, or systemic illness.
- Chronic stressors such as overcrowded housing, frequent relocation, or inadequate nutrition.
- Young age, because immature immune systems provide less resistance to ectoparasite invasion.
- Poor coat hygiene, which creates a favorable microenvironment for mite survival and reproduction.
The mite’s ability to evade host defenses hinges on its microscopic size and the protective layer of keratin surrounding the burrow. Once inside, the parasite releases proteolytic enzymes that degrade tissue, provoking inflammatory responses that manifest as alopecia, crusting, and pruritus. In severe cases, secondary bacterial infection can exacerbate skin damage.
Control of the underlying cause therefore requires eliminating the parasite source, improving environmental sanitation, and addressing host factors that compromise immunity. Effective measures consist of topical acaricides or systemic treatments prescribed by a veterinarian, combined with regular cleaning of bedding and grooming implements, vaccination and testing for immunosuppressive viruses, and nutritional support to bolster the cat’s immune response.