Did you know that cat lice rarely show themselves? That’s why rescue cats should always be checked for lice before you bring them home and all cat owners should be on the lookout for signs of infestation.
The good news is that, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, lice are not nearly as common as fleas in cats or dogs, and they’re species-specific. “A lot of pet owners will blame their cat for giving them lice, but you can’t catch lice from your cat,” says Justine Lee, a veterinarian and the CEO and founder of VETgirl, a subscription-based continuing education podcast. That means you can’t catch lice from your kitty and they can’t catch lice from you!
Cat lice symptoms and diagnosis
If your cat has lice, they might not seem too agitated, so it can be hard to diagnose the problem. In general, fleas make cats itchier and more uncomfortable than lice. That said, a heavy lice infestation could lead to the following:
- A scruffy, unkempt look.
- Raw or bald patches due to excessive scratching.
To diagnose cat lice, simply observe your feline friend. “If you notice excessive itching, grooming or poor hair coat, it could be lice.” says Lee. If you think you see white dots, comb them out onto a dark surface to see them more clearly. If they start to move around, it’s probably cat lice. Head to the veterinarian to double-check and begin treatment if necessary.
The difference between cat lice and fleas
Both lice and fleas are tiny parasites that bite and live off their hosts, but they are otherwise as different as black and white — literally. When you look closely at a cat who’s been infested, fleas will present as jumpy black dots and leave a trail of black dirt. Lice, on the other hand, are white, and it’s usually the eggs — sticky white dots stuck to the hair near the skin — that can be spotted more easily.
Treatment for cat lice
Don’t try treating cat lice using home remedies or store-bought solutions. “Many over-the-counter products are dangerous and toxic to both animals and humans,” says Michele Hoffman, the founder and president of Milo’s Sanctuary and Special Needs Cat Rescue in Burbank, California. Complications from lice can occur if your cat is allergic to a louse bite or gets an uncomfortable infection from excessive scratching or biting, according to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine‘s website. (It should be noted, however, that this is more common with fleas.)
“If you discover cat lice, a trip to the vet ASAP is in order, and either disposing of or washing all bedding and blankets in hot water with soap, and vacuuming are the best ways to treat,” says Hoffman. “Also make sure you disinfect all grooming tools and litter boxes as well as the carpet and furniture.”
A thorough cleaning will help ensure that your cat doesn’t get reinfested when he returns to your home clean and lice-free. Fortunately, once you clean your house and pet, the chance of reinfestation is slim to none. Cat lice can’t survive very long without a host, so they won’t be hiding in the cushions waiting to pounce as soon as kitty jumps on the couch! Make sure your pet sitter is aware of your cat’s predicament so they can protect all the other innocent felines they care for.
The bottom line
If you discover cat lice, stay calm and administer lots of TLC. Since you can’t catch lice from your cat and lice treatments are no fun, you might as well keep cuddling your poor, itchy furry friend.
*Article originally written by Cara Stevens.
