Lice (Pediculosis) in Cats Symptoms and Treatments

Lice are insects that can be seen with the naked eye. They are flattened and possess no wings. They are very host-specific and do not tend to leave their preferred animal, in this case cats and kittens. Lice spend their entire life cycle on the pet. There are several kinds of lice. Blood-sucking lice belong to the group Anoplura. Those that do not suck blood, but rather chew skin, are grouped as Mallophaga.

Transmission of lice is by direct contact with an infested pet. Unlike fleas and ticks, lice do not persist or travel in the environment. Grooming instruments may, however, serve as a source of transmission.

Lice lay eggs (termed nits) on the hair shafts. The life cycle takes about 21 days to complete.

Cats have one biting louse and that is Felicola subrostratus. Different species affect dogs including Trichodectes canis, Heterodoxus spiniger, and Linognathus setosus. None of the lice of cats or dogs present a problem to humans.

The most noted sign of a louse infestation is a scruffy, dry hair coat. Hair loss may occur and the animal may itch, at times severely. In very heavy infestations of blood-sucking lice (biting), one may detect anemia. A diagnosis can usually be accomplished with the naked eye. Nits tend to be more visible than the actual louse, but both can be seen.

Of all the parasites of cats and dogs, lice are the easiest to eliminate, and they pose no threat to you or your children. Treatment is relatively simple. The cat may be bathed with a pyrethrin shampoo approved for cats. After the cat is thoroughly dry, a pyrethrin spray or powder can be applied. This treatment will need to be repeated in 10-14 days since all of the nits will not be killed. Alternatively, fipronil (Frontline) has been approved for the treatment and control of lice in cats. Another option is a dip in lime sulfur at a concentration of 2%. It usually is not necessary to treat the environment, but flea and tick foggers may help, especially in severe cases. Keep all grooming utensils clean.

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