What do lice look like on cats? - briefly
Cat lice are tiny, wingless insects about 1–2 mm long, gray‑brown, and flattened, moving rapidly through the fur. They attach to hair shafts, leaving small white nits near the skin.
What do lice look like on cats? - in detail
Feline lice are small, wing‑less insects that cling tightly to the cat’s coat. Adults measure 1–2 mm in length, roughly the size of a pinhead. Their bodies are flattened laterally, allowing them to move easily between hairs. The overall coloration ranges from light gray to dark brown, depending on species and the cat’s fur color; some individuals appear almost black, while others are a pale tan that blends with lighter coats.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Head and antennae: The head is proportionally large with short, bristle‑like antennae that are difficult to see without magnification.
- Thorax: Segmented with three pairs of legs, each ending in sharp claws adapted for gripping hair shafts.
- Abdomen: Segmented and slightly tapered, often covered in fine, microscopic hairs that give a dull sheen.
- Movement: Lice crawl rather than jump, creating a slow, deliberate motion across the skin. They may be observed as tiny specks shifting along the fur, especially near the neck, base of the tail, and behind the ears.
Infestations often reveal additional signs:
- Eggs (nits): Oval, cemented to hair shafts close to the skin, measuring about 0.5 mm. They appear as tiny, white or yellowish specks and are most common around the same regions where adult lice are found.
- Skin irritation: Redness or small crusts may accompany the presence of the insects, although the lice themselves are translucent enough that they can be missed without a close inspection.
Microscopic examination confirms identification: the exoskeleton shows a smooth, glossy surface with distinct segmentation, and the legs possess adapted claws that lock onto each hair. These features distinguish cat lice from other ectoparasites such as fleas, which are larger, laterally compressed, and possess jumping legs.