A serious cat's health problem : External parasites

External parasites ?

External parasites, or ectoparasites, are tiny creatures that infest a cat’s skin, such as fleas, ticks, and mites. Saliva from their bites can irritate the skin, and the parasites can also transmit disease.

 

1-Fleas:

 The most common external parasite is the flea, which feeds on blood. Heavy infestation in kittens can cause anemia due to blood loss. In some cats, flea saliva may trigger dermatitis or a severe allergic reaction. Fleas may also pass on tapeworms and transmit diseases such as bartonellosis (cat scratch disease) between cats.

A cat with fleas may scratch and groom himself excessively, causing hair loss and inflamed or broken skin. You may see fleas or black specks (flea feces) in the fur. Other pets or humans may be bitten.

Your vet can recommend a treatment for effective flea control. You will need to treat any other pets that you have, and you may have to spray your carpets, furniture, and car. Never treat your cat with products designed for dogs; these can be toxic to cats.
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2-Ticks : 

Like fleas, ticks feed on blood but they are much larger. These eight-legged creatures are most commonly found in long grass, woodland, or moorland, mainly in spring or fall. They hold onto the skin and feed with their mouthparts.

They look like gray or black pimples that grow larger as the ticks feed. Ticks can cause anemia due to blood loss, and the mouthparts can irritate the skin. Ticks can also pass on bacterial and other infections, some of which can be serious such as Lyme disease and tularaemia (rabbit fever).

Your vet can show you how to remove a tick using a tick hook, twisting gently to persuade the tick to let go to ensure that the mouthparts are not left behind. To prevent infestation, ask your vet for advice on tick-repellent products.
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3-Mites :

 

 Several species of these tiny creatures may infest cats. Ear mites are one common form. Bright orange harvest mites, which feed on tissue fluid, are another.


These can cause intense itching, and pimples or crusting, on thinly furred areas such as the head in front of the ears and between the toes. Other species include Cheyletiella mites, or “walking dandruff,” and the head mite Notoedres cati. The latter causes feline scabies, an uncommon but serious condition that results in itching and raw, crusted, thickened skin.

A vet may take skin scrapings to identify the mites and recommend species specific treatment.