What is a skin mite in cats? - briefly
A skin mite in cats is a microscopic arthropod that inhabits the epidermis, leading to itching, inflammation, and hair loss. The most prevalent types are Demodex gatoi and Cheyletiella, which spread through direct contact with other animals.
What is a skin mite in cats? - in detail
Skin mites are microscopic arthropods that inhabit the epidermis or superficial layers of the skin in felines. Two species are most commonly encountered: Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows into the stratum corneum, and Demodex cati, which resides within hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Both cause dermatological disturbances, but their biology and clinical presentation differ.
Sarcoptes infestation (scabies) begins when an infected mite penetrates the skin, creating a tunnel that provokes intense pruritus. The mite’s life cycle lasts 10–14 days: egg → larva → nymph → adult. Eggs hatch within the burrow, and newly emerged larvae continue to dig deeper, expanding the lesion. Typical signs include:
- Severe itching, especially at night
- Erythematous papules and vesicles
- Crusty, scaly patches
- Alopecia in affected areas
Demodex overgrowth (demodicosis) is usually secondary to immune compromise, stress, or concurrent disease. The mite’s entire life cycle occurs within the follicle, lasting about 2–3 weeks. Clinical manifestations are generally milder:
- Patchy hair loss
- Fine scaling or greasy crusts
- Redness without marked pruritus
- Localized inflammation around follicles
Diagnosis relies on microscopic examination of skin scrapings, acetate tape impressions, or hair plucks. For Sarcoptes, deep scrapings reveal motile mites or eggs. For Demodex, superficial samples may contain adult organisms and eggs. In ambiguous cases, skin biopsies or PCR assays provide definitive identification.
Therapeutic options differ by species. For scabies, systemic acaricides such as selamectin, ivermectin (off‑label), or milbemycin oxime are administered at label‑recommended intervals. Topical formulations (lime sulfur dips) may supplement systemic treatment. For demodicosis, milbemycin oxime or afoxolaner (off‑label) are effective; in severe cases, weekly ivermectin courses are employed. Treatment duration typically spans several weeks to ensure eradication of all life stages.
Prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to infected animals, maintaining optimal nutrition, and controlling ectoparasites that can act as vectors. Regular health checks detect early immune deficiencies that predispose to mite proliferation. Environmental decontamination, including washing bedding at high temperature, reduces reinfestation risk.
Zoonotic transmission is rare; Sarcoptes can infect humans temporarily, causing transient itching and papules that resolve without treatment. Demodex species are host‑specific and do not pose a public health threat.
Effective management requires accurate identification, appropriate acaricidal therapy, and addressing underlying health factors to prevent recurrence.