"Cat" - what is it, definition of the term
The domestic feline is a small, obligate carnivore kept as a companion animal; it possesses a flexible spine, retractable claws, acute vision and hearing, and a predatory instinct that drives hunting of small vertebrates. Its grooming habits, territorial markings, and nocturnal activity patterns distinguish it from other pets, while susceptibility to ectoparasites—including ticks, bugs, lice, and fleas—requires regular preventive care.
Detailed information
Felines frequently host external arthropods that can impair health and comfort. Four primary groups—ticks, assorted insects, lice, and fleas—present distinct challenges.
Ticks attach to the skin, insert a feeding tube, and may transmit bacterial or protozoan pathogens. Their life cycle includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages, each requiring a blood meal from a host. Identification relies on a hard, engorged body with a dorsally visible shield. Infestations can cause anemia, localized inflammation, and disease transmission such as babesiosis.
Common insects found on domestic felines include flies and moths that may lay eggs on the animal’s coat. Although adult insects rarely feed, their larvae can cause dermatitis or secondary infections. Recognizing egg clusters or larval masses assists in early intervention.
Lice are wingless, obligate parasites that complete their entire life cycle on the host. Two species—chewing and sucking lice—differ in mouthparts and feeding habits. Chewing lice consume skin debris, while sucking lice ingest blood. Infestations result in pruritus, hair loss, and potential skin infections. Microscopic examination of hair shafts confirms presence.
Fleas represent the most pervasive ectoparasite. Adult females lay thousands of eggs daily, which fall into the environment and develop through larval and pupal stages before emerging as adults. Adult fleas feed on blood, causing intense itching, allergic dermatitis, and serving as vectors for Bartonella and tapeworms. Rapid population growth necessitates prompt control.
Effective management combines environmental sanitation with pharmacological treatment:
- Regular grooming to remove visible parasites and debris.
- Frequent washing of bedding, carpets, and furniture at temperatures above 60 °C.
- Application of veterinarian‑approved topical spot‑on products containing fipronil, imidacloprid, or selamectin.
- Administration of oral systemic agents such as nitenpyram or afoxolaner for rapid flea elimination.
- Use of spot‑on or collar formulations containing amitraz or permethrin for tick prevention, ensuring species‑specific safety.
- Quarterly veterinary examinations to monitor parasite load and adjust therapy based on resistance patterns.
Diagnosis involves visual inspection, microscopic evaluation of hair or skin scrapings, and, when necessary, serologic testing for tick‑borne diseases. Prompt treatment mitigates secondary complications and reduces the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans.