Maggot Like Parasites Living in the Skin of Cats

The larva, or maggot, of a botfly is a parasite that lives in the skin of animals. Outdoor cats are at high risk for contracting a parasite. Diagnosis and treatment of this parasite varies depending on the location of the maggot on the animal's body.

  1. Cause

    • The botfly lays its eggs on blades of glass. Newly hatched larva will wait on the grass until an animal brushes up against it and then will burrow into the animal's skin.

    Symptoms

    • The maggot can burrow into virtually any area of the body, including the organs, according to PetMD. The most common symptom of the maggot is a lump on the skin, called a warble. Symptoms indicating a maggot is in an organ are related to problems with that organ. A veterinarian will run tests to rule out other health issues when these symptoms are present.

    Treatment

    • A veterinarian can remove a maggot that is visible on the skin as a warble. Steroids may be administered to treat a maggot that is in a warble. According to PetMD, if the maggot has caused severe damage to the brain or other vital organ the cat may have to be euthanized to minimize suffering,