Can cats get lice?

(January 3, 2012)

What are the reasons for cat hair loss?

One of the most common causes of cat hair loss is feline allergies that could be on account of direct contact with objects such as rubber, carpet deodorizers, medications that may have been applied on their skin , laundry products and so on. In such cases, along with hair loss, some of the other symptoms observed are constant itching, blistering and even reddening of the affected area of skin. Some of the other reasons for cat hair loss on account of allergies could be allergic reactions to food, poor diet or even flea bites and mites. One of the causes of cat hair loss could also be parasitic diseases that could be caused by parasitic or fungal infections such as yeast, lice, ringworms, and so on. Causes of cat hair loss will also include hyperthyroidism, wherein the thyroid gland produces excess of a hormone known as thyroxin. Sunburn could also be one of the reasons for cat hair loss, which may even escalate to the development of cancer if the cat is exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time. Sunburn will also be observed in a cat in the form of scaling of the skin and even reddening of the nose and ears of the cat.

How to get rid of cat ear mites?

One of the effective home remedies for cat ear mites that is also recommended by veterinarians is to use acetic acid or white vinegar. White vinegar is effective because it helps in restoring the chemical balance in the cat’s ears and also helps in removing the dirt and debris left behind by the mites in the cat’s ears. While using this treatment for cat ear mites, you should mix two parts of water and one part of vinegar. However if the ear mites and the constant scratching have resulted in open sores then  instead of the vinegar treatment, another one of the home remedies for cat ear mites  would include the use of corn oil which helps in soothing the skin  and it also kills the mites and thus hastens the healing process.

A natural treatment for cat ear mites also includes applying a few drops of garlic oil in the cat’s ears twice a day for at least 7 – 10 days. Home remedies for cat ear mites also involve mixing together some vitamin E oil and almond oil which should then be applied in both ears of the cat. This mixture is known to be effective in killing the mites and also in soothing the irritated skin of the ears.

We are all familiar with the problem of lice in humans, but can cats get lice as well? This question is one that does come up on occasion and the answer is yes. These parasitic insects can also thrive in the hair or fur of cats. Lice need blood to feed on for survival and they can therefore survive on many species of warm blooded mammals. There are different varieties of lice however, so you needn’t bother yourself about picking up lice from your pets. Lice are not as common in dogs and cats as they are in humans. Animals with poor nutrition, poor overall health, or very old or young cats are more at risk for lice infestation. Lice are very common in cats, especially ones with improper nutrition.

Cat lice can be easily seen with the naked eyes as can their eggs and nits. There are three types of lice that affect cats, two of them bite and the other is blood sucking. Lice that occur in cats look very similar to those which occur in humans. But they are not contagious between animals and people. The color of cat lice is usually light grey or white and the nits resemble tiny grains of sand. They are flattened and pose no wings. They spend their entire life cycle on the pet. Blood sucking lice are known as anolpura; those which do not suck blood but rather chew skin are known as mallophaga. Lice lay eggs on the hair shaft. The cat lice life cycle takes about 21 days to complete.

Symptoms of Cat Lice

The most visible sign is scruffy and dry hair coat. Cat hair loss may occur and cat may itch at times severely. If blood sucking lice are present, cats might get anemia.

Cat Lice Treatment

Of all of the parasite in cats, lice are the easiest to eliminate and they pose no threat to your children. Treatment is usually simple; you can use medicated shampoo available for cats. After the cat is thoroughly dry, some spray or powder can be applied. You need to make sure you use medicated shampoo specifically made for cats. You might have to repeat this again after 10 to 14 days since all the nits will not be killed. Keep the surroundings clean, as lice cannot live life off the host for a long time. If you suspect that your pet has lice or any other ectoparasite, please see your vet for a definitive diagnosis. Lice are easier to treat as compared to fleas and other parasites. Your vet might suggest some shampoo or spray to get rid of cat lice.