Lice in Cats

Description

• Cats have a single type of biting louse, felicola subrostratus, that chews on skin for sustenance instead of sucking blood. These lice cause skin irritation, itchiness and related problems. Pediculosis, the infestation of lice in cats, is fairly uncommon and easily treatable.

Misconceptions

• Cats, dogs, rats and birds have their own species-specific lice that don't present a problem for humans. Head lice (pediculus capitis) only infest humans, while close relatives may feed on monkeys or apes. There is next to zero chance of giving human lice to a cat or getting feline lice from a cat.

Diagnosis

• The most common symptom of feline louse infestation is scruffy, dry hair. Many animals experience mild to severe itching, as well as hair loss. In extreme cases, signs of anemia may by present. A topical inspection of the cat's hair usually results in diagnosis. Nits---lice eggs on hair shafts---are usually more visible than an actual louse, although both can be spotted with the naked eye.

Treatment

• Feline lice are relative easy to eliminate. Medicated shampoos, sprays, and powders usually contain pyrethrin and are administered daily for about two weeks to ensure that all of the nits have been killed. A dip in a 2 percent lime-sulfur solution is also effective. The chemical fipronil has also been approved for treating infested cats. In most cases, flea and tick foggers are unnecessary to cleanse the animal's environment but may be necessary in severe cases or multianimal households. Feline lice spend their entire lives on their hosts.

Considerations

• Feline lice will not feed on humans or nonfeline animals. Nits can survive some treatments, hatch, and cause a repeat outbreak, so it is important to administer shampoos, sprays, and powders for multiple days. Clean all grooming utensils to ensure no eggs are readministered. The life cycle of feline lice is approximately 21 days. They can easily be transmitted from one cat to another.