Subcutaneous mites in cats: causes and symptoms, treatment and prevention

Demodectic mange is a dermatological parasitic disease caused by subcutaneous mites. It is characterized by the appearance of itching, focal damage to the skin and hair of the cat.

Other known names for the disease are “ subcutaneous mite ” and “ red scabies ”.

Cats are affected by two types of ticks:

1. Demodex cati.
2. Demodex gatoi.

The Demodex cati mite's habitat is the pet's sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The Demodex gatoi mite typically lives on the skin of animals.

The development of a tick from larva to adult takes about 21-25 days. Over the course of 2-3 months, three generations of the parasite change. Demodex mites are characterized by migration throughout the pet's lymphatic system into internal organs and tissues.

All breeds of cats, of any age and gender, are susceptible to the disease.

The causative agent of demodicosis in cats is the subcutaneous mite.

There are two types of subcutaneous mites that live on cats and cause demodicosis:

• Demodex cati is long and thin, lives in the hair follicles of the animal. This type of tick is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from cats to other pets or humans;
• Demodex gatoi is short and thick, lives in the stratum corneum of the skin. Contagious, transmitted from cat to cat. It is not dangerous to other pets or humans.

The first species (Demodex cati) is a kind of “orderly”, part of the normal flora of a healthy cat’s body. But under certain conditions: animal illness, stress, decreased immunity, subcutaneous mites multiply excessively - the cat gets sick.

The second species (Demodex gatoi) is an infectious ectoparasite. This subcutaneous mite can be transmitted from one cat to another. Cats of different breeds and at any age suffer from demodicosis.

Both species are so small that they can only be seen under a microscope - no more than 0.5 mm. Microscopic mites feed on dead skin cells, sebaceous gland secretions, and cells from hair follicles.

Routes of infection

Ticks are not viable in the external environment (bedding, carpeting), so infection is possible exclusively through contact “from cat to cat”:

• upon contact with a sick animal;
• kittens become infected from their mother;
• intrauterine infection.

Important!

If you have several cats, you need to treat all animals in contact.

Risk group

Theoretically, all cats that have been in contact with sick animals can become infected with subcutaneous mites. But in practice, only a few people get sick. The body of healthy animals with strong immunity can independently cope with ectoparasites.

Most often susceptible to demodicosis:

• offspring of cats with demodicosis;
• animals with weakened immune systems and autoimmune diseases;
• cats in the postoperative period;
• animals in the recovery period after infectious diseases;
• kittens and adult cats with rickets;
• animals exhausted after starvation;
• pets who have suffered severe stress;
• some breeds: Siamese, Burmese, Devon Rex, etc.

Prevention

1. Avoid contact between a healthy cat and a cat with demodicosis.
2. Timely detection of the disease and contact a specialist.
3. Timely preventive treatment of cats against ectoparasites that live on the animal’s skin.
4. Treating premises, cages, and places of residence of cats infected or suspected of demodicosis with acaricidal preparations, the action of which is directed against ticks.
5. It is recommended to destroy bedding, feeders, equipment (rags, brushes, etc.) from a sick animal.

Main types of demodicosis

Depending on which species of tick causes the disease, the disease has a contagious (Demodex gatoi) or non-contagious (Demodex cati) form.

Types of pathology by degree of localization:

• localized - one area of ​​the animal’s body is affected, sometimes several areas are affected, but there are no signs of the disease on the paws;
• generalized - several areas on the animal’s body are affected, and the cat’s paws are involved in the process - this form is more severe than localized. Veterinarians recommend sterilizing pets who have had this form due to the high risk of inheriting the subcutaneous mite.

You can see what subcutaneous mites look like in cats in the photos presented in the article.

Caring for a sick animal

The most unpleasant thing about caring for a cat is the fear of getting infected. Rumors that feline demodicosis is dangerous for humans are a myth. These diseases have different pathogens, so when treating a cat you need to show all your love. The animal should feel that it is being cared for and not tortured, because all sorts of unpleasant procedures (injections, treatment of wounds, etc.) can cause pain to the animal.

There have been many cases where cats with scabies were so tortured that they lost the will to live, and this should not be allowed. Your task is not only to remove sores and treat wounds, but also to boost your pet’s immunity. If the cat feels comfortable, then it will have the strength to heal.

It is important not to forget about all the procedures prescribed by the veterinarian. Make yourself a reminder and hang it in a visible place. If you cannot stay at home for several weeks or months and actively treat your cat, then immediately buy all the necessary medications, syringes, cotton swabs, etc., and ask someone to help you. Some veterinary clinics have hospitals for sick animals. It is not very expensive, but in such a “sanatorium” the cat will receive qualified care.

And, of course, in the future it is necessary to prevent outbreaks of parasitic mite activity. Prevention should be done even when the animal is already sick.

Video: on how to properly give an injection at the withers

Symptoms

Clinical signs of pathology in cats appear gradually, and the sooner you seek help from a doctor, the higher the chances of your pet’s recovery.

• skin redness;
• the appearance of rashes in the form of nodules or small pustules;
• deterioration in the appearance of fur;
• such a characteristic symptom appears as “demodicosis glasses” - hair loss and peeling of the skin around the eyes;
• hair loss and peeling of the skin on the head, ears, neck (localized form), as well as on the legs and torso (generalized form);
• skin pigmentation disorder;
• acne;
• itching;
• bleeding wounds.

In the generalized form, damage to the internal organs is noted, which affects the general condition of the animal - weakness, apathy, decreased appetite, etc.

Diagnostics

To identify subcutaneous mites, scrapings are taken from the affected areas of the cat’s body (at least 4-5 samples) for further examination under a microscope.

The detection of at least one Demodex gatoi mite in a scraping gives the veterinarian the right to diagnose demodicosis. In the case of the subcutaneous mite Demodex cati, the situation is different. This mite lives on every cat. The diagnosis is made if more than 2-3 individuals are found in one scraping.

Additional research:

• biopsy;
• trichogram (hair examination).

Classification

Demodicosis (photo can be found below) is classified into 2 main clinical forms - primary and secondary. The first diagnosis is made in the event of a sharp surge in parasitic reproduction and effective treatment with the use of antiparasitic drugs. In most cases, it occurs in people over 40 years of age. The secondary form is diagnosed by identifying concomitant skin lesions and systemic diseases (usually associated with immunodeficiency). In some cases, this diagnosis is found in people taking epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and in those who have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

Based on the symptoms manifested on the skin, the following types of demodicosis are distinguished:

• Acneiform - the presence of papules and pustules similar to acne;
• Rosacea-like - papules appear due to diffuse erythema;
• Seborrheic - skin rash combined with peeling;
• Ophthalmic - inflammation of the eyelids, accompanied by discomfort in the affected eye.

Treatment of demodicosis in cats

The localized form of the subcutaneous mite can give remission. The inflammatory process subsides, external manifestations of pathology disappear. But without treatment, the animal cannot recover; after a month, the clinical signs of demodicosis return. The next outbreak of the disease may develop into a more severe form.

It is extremely important to diagnose the disease at an early stage in order to begin treatment in a timely manner. The treatment regimen for each cat breed may be different. Owners must be prepared for long-term therapy for their pets, which can last from six months to a year.

Treatment of localized form

The treatment regimen is prescribed by a veterinarian, taking into account the degree of damage, the age of the animal, its condition, the breed of the cat and other factors. Treatment should be comprehensive using external agents (ointment solutions) and internal ones (injections, tablets). Self-medication for such a serious illness is unacceptable.

How is localized demodicosis treated:

• First, cats are bathed with “Doctor” (with benzoyl peroxide) or “Elite” (with chlorhexidine) shampoos to cleanse the skin of suppuration, lymph and dandruff.
• The affected areas are treated with a solution of chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide to cleanse the skin layer of scabs and crusts. After treatment, the skin should be dried carefully and thoroughly.
• If the veterinarian does not prohibit you from using the antiseptic Citeal, then this drug can be diluted with water and washed with it on the affected areas of the cat’s body, then rinsed and dried well. This procedure is performed once every 2-3 days.
• Treating the animal with Amitraz or Butox 50 solutions (the solutions are prepared and used according to the instructions).
• Use the skin application of Stronghold or Advocate according to the following scheme: 2-4 applications at monthly intervals to the skin in the area of ​​the cat’s shoulder blades.
• After cleansing the affected areas of crusts, you can apply ointments, gels or liniments: sulfur ointment, Demos liniment, Amidel-gel, Ivermec-gel, Aversectin ointment.
• As prescribed by the veterinarian, the cat is treated with Neostomazan. Before use, dilute it according to the instructions, and then treat the affected areas of the body with the resulting solution by spraying or lubricating. Animals are treated in the same way with ready-made sprays - Acaromectin, Ivermek, Tsidem, Perol.
• After cleansing of scabs and scales, oily solutions are applied to areas with fallen hair and wounds - Mycodemocid, Tsipam, Ektodes, Amit.

Important!

Use all medications together, following your veterinarian's instructions. Additionally, you need to give your cat drugs that stimulate the immune system: Immunoparasitan, Gamavit, Gala-vet, Immunol, Maxidin.

Treatment of the generalized form

Treatment of this form of subcutaneous mite must begin, first of all, with eliminating the primary disease that caused the exacerbation of demodicosis. Without this, complete recovery of the animal is impossible.

The same medications are used externally to treat demodicosis in cats as for the localized form.

Injections

Intramuscular administration of Dectomax (0.3 ml per 3.5 kg of cat weight) or Cydectin (0.4 ml single dose) is carried out strictly according to the recommendation and under the supervision of a veterinarian - these drugs are very toxic to animals.

When a secondary infection occurs, the doctor prescribes injections of antibiotics - Kanamycin, Betamox, Baytril, Amoxicillin, etc.

For any form of subcutaneous mites in cats, it is necessary to use vitamin-mineral complexes and immunostimulating drugs.

Important!

It is necessary to disinfect the cat's household items, from food bowls to the bed.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for subcutaneous mites in cats used at home have not been proven effective. They can be used at the initial stage of the disease and to alleviate the cat’s condition.

• Spot treatment or bathing the cat in chamomile decoction once every 2-3 days.
• Treatment of affected skin with calendula tincture.
• Local treatment of areas with fallen hair with kerosene, after which do not rinse or treat the skin for 2 days.
• Bathing a cat using soap or gel containing birch tar.

Important!

Do not continue experiments with folk remedies; if the disease progresses, be sure to show the animal to a veterinarian.

Complications of the disease

Treatment of demodicosis on the face should be carried out exclusively with the assistance of a doctor. Self-medication or ignoring this problem may not only not bring the desired result, but also worsen the course of the pathology. Skin scratching and regular trauma to the skin (due to severe itching and the patient’s desire to remove the rash mechanically) lead to disruption of the barrier function. As a result, the risk of developing a pustular infection significantly increases, which can be diffuse and affect large areas of the body.

In addition, this disease (especially demodicosis on the face in women) leads to psychological problems. As a result of the appearance of visible defects, the patient becomes withdrawn, begins to feel embarrassed about his appearance and stops leading a full-fledged lifestyle (closes himself off from the outside world, stops communicating with people, prefers to be alone). As this problem worsens, the developed complexes can develop into psychoses, neuroses and prolonged depression.

A large number of people with this diagnosis have concomitant pathologies (gastrointestinal tract, endocrine glands, etc.) and chronic infectious foci. Demodicosis damage to the body contributes to the aggravation of these conditions and, accordingly, deterioration of well-being.

Preventive measures

Prevention of demodicosis consists of several basic measures:

• regular and timely vaccination against fleas and ticks (special preventive drops and collars are sold in every pet pharmacy);
• selection of the correct diet (you need a balanced diet rich in proteins);
• providing the cat with all the necessary vitamins and minerals (additional vitamins can be prescribed by a veterinarian);
• providing comfortable and safe conditions for the cat (compliance with sanitary standards, protecting the animal from stress, etc.).

The pet's immune system will not fail if the cat is kept according to all the rules. She should eat well and live in a clean and dry house. A cat should not be left alone for a long time, because many animals suffer from loneliness, become depressed, and eventually get sick. If your cat has company (another cat or dog), then the sick individual needs to be isolated. Let it be a separate room, and sometimes you can take healthy animals, for example, to relatives.

To avoid passing ticks to your pets with your own hands, you need to take care of your hygiene. After each contact with a sick cat, you need to wash your hands and treat them with an antibacterial solution. The clothes you were wearing at the time of contact should be washed immediately. While your pet is sick, limit his access to the outdoors. There have been cases when cats with a frightening itchy “mask” on their faces suffered at the hands of people. Cats that were mistaken for being highly contagious were stoned and abused. Therefore, let your pet heal and get stronger first.

Demodectic mange (red scabies) is a rare disease caused by subcutaneous mites. In this case, individual, small areas of the body may be affected. If scabies is not treated, the affected areas merge into large bald spots with wounds and ulcers. It is difficult to cure this infection, but it is possible. To do this, veterinarians prescribe products to care for diseased skin, injections, vitamins, etc. It is important to follow all recommendations and prescriptions. The danger of this tick for humans is exaggerated (humans cannot become infected with feline demodicosis).