Feline External Parasites

Cats are commonly infested with external parasites such as lice, ticks, mites, and fleas.  The amount of time a cat spends outdoors generally determines the degree of a parasite infestation.  External parasites plague cats in many ways while causing parasitic dermatitis.  Common feline reactions to parasitic infestations results in actions of chewing or scratching on the infected areas of skin. 

Fleas are the most frequently seen external parasites affecting the feline population.  The “cat flea” which can also affect dogs is the most widespread flea found on cats.  Fleas pierce a cat’s skin to suck the blood.  As they suck the blood, they release saliva along with other allergenic products.  Flea bite allergy is the result of this action.

Lice are often found on poorly kept or neglected cats.  They can be transmitted from an infected cat to a healthy non-infected cat. 

Mites use a cat as a host while creating a condition known as mange.  Mange mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs.  This activity causes a cat to suffer from severe itching and red, wrinkled skin.

Ticks suck the blood from an infected cat and transmit disease-causing microorganisms.  Lyme disease is one of the many disorders transmitted by ticks.