These pesky parasites could be a problem for outdoor cats—but there are preventative measures you can take. You see the word, and it just makes you cringe. Lice. Ick! Those itchy elementary school days are long gone, so why should you even think twice about these weensy pests, much less about cat lice? Cat lice is actually a rather rare condition among pampered indoor cats with adoring pet parents and a terrific veterinarian. But if they go outside regularly, or you're the kind of person we admire greatly who's caring for a cat colony or involved with kitty rescue, here's what you should know. How Can Cats Get Lice? Good news, cats can't get lice from humans. Better news? We can't get lice from cats, either. Frank Hurtig, DVM, is the director of veterinary technical services at Virbac US. He says lice are species-specific. "Lice are very particular about the host they'll live on, so the lice that live on cats don't live on other animals and vice versa." Unfortunately, these parasites are highly contagious within the same species. Hurtig explains the life cycle of cat lice: Lice attach their eggs to the base of hairs on the cat. When new lice hatch, they live the rest of their life on that cat unless they happen to brush off to another cat. Lice eggs can fall off the hairs when a cat is being brushed or combed and be transmitted to another cat that is subsequently brushed or combed. Adult lice mature and reproduce in about three weeks after hatching from an egg, or nit. They become…

Cat skin conditions are common and may cause itching, scratching, licking, or hair loss. It’s important to recognize the signs of common skin problems like ear mites, fleas, and dermatitis early so you can treat the issue quickly. Is your cat itching, licking, or biting herself like crazy? That’s a red flag your cat may have a skin condition. Your cat’s skin can become irritated for a number of different reasons, from parasites to allergies to dry skin. Here’s how to spot some of the most common cat skin conditions. Fleas If your cat starts scratching in summer, you might have a flea problem. These tiny, blood-sucking bugs live on furry animals like your cat and are widespread in warmer weather. Fleas typically bite your cat in areas hardest for your kitty to groom—the head, neck, back, and base of the tail. It’s difficult to see fleas because they’re tiny and move fast. But you might find flea “dirt” (their waste) in light-colored fur. Your vet can prescribe medications to kill and prevent fleas. Some are topical flea treatments that you apply to your cat’s skin, while others are given orally (by mouth). Also, to completely get rid of the fleas it’s important to thoroughly clean items that flea eggs like to hide in, like bedding, clothing, and furniture. Allergic Dermatitis (Cat Allergies) Allergies in cats are a common cause of itchiness. A cat with allergic dermatitis becomes obsessed with grooming. They may also develop small scabs and hair loss. According to Aimee Simpson, VMD, medical director of VCA Cat Hospital of…

If she's scratching up a storm, it might be time to go to the vet. While this topic isn't much fun, it is important for every cat parent to know about. If your resident feline is scratching or licking excessively and she has a crusty red rash, she may have miliary dermatitis. It's a lot like hot spots on dogs, if you're familiar with that condition. But don't worry, it's treatable. Miliary dermatitis, also called scabby cat disease, is an allergic skin reaction caused by a variety of allergens. The inflammation comes from a systemic reaction to one or more allergens that your cat is both exposed and sensitive to. A rash can appear, which your kitty may lick, bite or scratch; and that can turn into painful lesions with scabs on them. What Causes Feline Miliary Dermatitis? "The most common cause of miliary dermatitis in cats is a flea allergy. It can also be caused by environmental allergies (pollens, house dust mites or storage mites, molds, other pets), seasonal allergies (pollens), food allergies, skin parasites (mites), and autoimmune diseases," says Christine Sellers, DVM, and veterinary advisor for Cat Person. Signs of Miliary Dermatitis in Cats If you see these symptoms, your feline friend may have miliary dermatitis or possibly another skin condition, so it's best to consult your vet: Red, crusty rash or pimple-like wounds (usually around the neck, head, back, flanks, and belly) Continuous scratching Lesions and scabs because of scratching Excessive licking Thinning of the cat's coat in certain areas Is Miliary Dermatitis in Cats Contagious? Typically, feline miliary dermatitis is not contagious to…

Think your cat has worms? Find out how to tell for sure and how to treat them is she does. The bad news: Intestinal worms in cats are very common. The good news: They’re relatively easy to treat, and most cats make a full recovery. Plus, there are simple steps you can take to prevent worms in cats and help protect your pet from these parasites. Which Intestinal Worms Infect Cats? There are several types of intestinal worms that can infect cats, each with its own set of unique features, Jessica Nichols, DVM, chief veterinary officer of Spay and Neuter Kansas City in Kansas City, Mo, says. Here are the three most common parasites: Roundworms. Roundworms (also called ascarids) are long, brown round worms that look like cooked spaghetti, Nichols says. She adds that they’re the most common intestinal parasite in kittens, and kittens are infected more often than adults. Tapeworms. Tapeworms are long, white, flat, segmented parasites with hook-like mouth parts that they use to attach themselves to the intestinal walls of cats. Segments of adult tapeworms (called proglottids) will break off and end up in the infected cat’s poop. “These proglottids look like grains of rice that move, and they are commonly seen in the poop or around the rear end of infected cats,” Nichols says. “They eventually break open and release tapeworm eggs into the environment.” Hookworms. Nichols says that hookworms are less common in cats than roundworms and tapeworms, which is good because they’re particularly nasty parasites. “Unlike other worms that eat food and drink materials floating around the cat’s intestines, hookworms hook their…

Intestinal parasites like tapeworms are common in cats and can be treated safely with help from a vet. Here’s how to tell if your cat has tapeworms and how to get rid of them quickly and effectively. Tapeworms are a common intestinal parasite in cats that they get from eating either infected fleas or infected small animals. The worms are divided into segments that break off and look similar to grains of rice moving around in the cat’s poop. Luckily, the worms rarely cause disease in cats, and both treatment and prevention are relatively simple. What are Tapeworms? “Tapeworms are long, white, flat, segmented parasites with hook-like mouth parts that they use to attach themselves to the intestinal walls of cats,” says Jessica Nichols, DVM, who is the chief veterinary officer of Spay and Neuter Kansas City in Kansas City, Mo. “There are multiple tapeworm species that infect cats (Taenia taeniaeformis infects only cats, and Dipylidium caninum infects both cats and dogs), but it’s not common for veterinarians to distinguish between the two as they tend to treat them both the same way.” According to Nichols, adult tapeworms will shed segments of their body (called proglottids) into the infected cat’s poop, which are pretty easy to identify with the naked eye. “These proglottids look like grains of rice that move, and they are commonly seen in the poop or around the rear end of infected cats,” she explains. “They eventually break open and release tapeworm eggs into the environment.” Nichols says it’s also possible for the entire tapeworm to break off from the intestinal wall…

Is your cat shaking her head or scratching her ears? It might be ear mites, a common parasite that lives on the surface of their skin. Here’s how to check for ear mites in cats so you can treat and prevent them from spreading. Lots of things can make cats scratch their ears. When it's a problem and not just everyday itching, the culprit might be ear mites. You may first notice this pest when your cat is shaking her head or pawing at her ears. Or it could be that while you're petting your cat and notice clusters of black coffee-ground-like specks inside the ears. Gross! Read up on what to do if those pesky bugs could be what’s making your cat uncomfortable. What are Ear Mites? Also known as otodectic mange, the most common ear mite that causes cats trouble is otodectes cynotis. This parasite loves the moist, warm skin of a cat's ear canal, where it lives out most its life cycle and eats skin cells, blood, and even earwax. (We did say they were gross, right?) These mites are contagious, so one cat's infestation can spread to other cats and dogs. If they get too numerous and irritating, cats may scratch so much they cause infections or even permanently damage their ears. Signs of Ear Mites in Cats Signs of an ear mite infestation are noticed from cats' behavior as well as evidence in the ears. Cats bugged by ear mites may scratch at their ears, shake their head, or keep their head tilted at an angle—almost like…

Ringworm is a skin condition caused by a fungus that grows on hair, skin, and nails. It can infect cats and easily spread to dogs and people. Know the signs and symptoms of ringworm so you can treat and prevent it from spreading. Ringworm is a pesky skin condition that’s common in cats. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with worms. It’s caused by a fungus that spreads among animals—even indoor cats—and can infect people, too. Learn how to spot ringworm in cats and get rid of the infection for good. What is Ringworm? Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is caused by a microscopic fungus that’s found in the dirt. It feeds off of protein in hair and skin. Kittens and long-haired cats are more likely to get this infection, named for the circle-shaped sores it forms on the skin. Ringworm is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be passed from animals to people. Your cat can give you ringworm and vice versa. Signs of a Ringworm Infection Some cats with ringworm have no signs of infection but can still pass it to other animals and people. Other cats develop severe ringworm symptoms. A dead giveaway that your cat has ringworm are round bald patches that expose scaly pink sores. You’re most likely to notice these infected spots on the face, ears, tail, and feet. But not all cats will have that symptom. Other signs your cat may have ringworm include: Bald spots with red, itchy bumps (which may have open sores on them) Constant grooming and scratching of the…

Handling a tick on your cat may make your skin crawl, but these pesky parasites are preventable and manageable when handled with care. Creepy crawlies are nobody's cup of tea, but certain species can cause more than just the heebie jeebies; some may actually cause harm to you and your cat. One such culprit hides in plain sight before finding its target and feasting on its blood. Sound like a horror movie? The Terrible Tick—coming to an unsuspecting feline near you. In all seriousness, ticks on cats are nothing to be too worried about—you likely have even come into contact with one yourself after a hike in the woods. Members of the arachnid family, ticks typically are small and oval-shaped. Thankfully, these tiny trouble-makers cannot jump or fly, but simply crawl up a host in contact with it on the tips of grasses or shrubs. "It is a myth that ticks 'fell out of a tree' and landed on you," says Serenity Animal Hospital's Michelle Meyer, DVM, the American Association of Feline Practitioners President-Elect and Southeastern Michigan Veterinary Medical Association Vice President. "They attach at the ground level after hanging off a blade of grass or shrub and crawl up your body." Do Cats Get Ticks? Unfortunately for cat owners, this means that your low-to-the-ground companions are at risk, as well. Yes, cats can get ticks. "Ticks attach to cats with their mouth parts," Meyer says. "Their saliva contains a numbing agent and anti-clotting substances. They can attach to cats anywhere, but they tend to attach in warm, protected areas such as between paw pads,…

Learn to recognize the signs of fleas on cats and kittens, and how to get rid of fleas on cats and in your house through effective treatment and prevention. Your cat seems restless. She’s licking and scratching herself, and her skin might even look red or irritated. These could be tell-tale signs your feline friend has fleas, especially during spring and summer since these parasites thrive in warm conditions. Knowing how to get rid of fleas on cats and in your home can be tricky. Prevention is easier than getting rid of them once an infestation is underway. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! Here’s how to tell if your cat has fleas so you can get rid of them quickly and effectively, plus some proactive steps to take in order to keep them from coming back. How to Tell if Your Cat has Fleas The most obvious symptoms of fleas on cats are increased scratching and biting of fur. Additionally, the itching from fleas can make your cat groom more frequently and act restless. It doesn’t take many fleas to make a cat feel bothered and irritated. But these tiny, fast-moving parasites are more than just an itchy nuisance. Because they feed on your cat’s blood, they can cause anemia and weakness—and even transmit tapeworm infection. One or two small fleas can quickly turn into a whole infestation, and are great at hiding in your cat’s fur. In some cases, you might notice your cat develop bald patches from over-grooming, or skin irritation from an allergy to flea bites. But…

Changes in environment, illness, and past history can all contribute to your cat's anxiousness. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize its impact. Some kitties are notoriously stoic about how they feel physically, so imagine how challenging it is to determine the state of their mental and emotional health. For instance, is biting an indication of cat anxiety, or simply a message to cease whatever you're doing that they don't like? And if your cat does have anxiety, is it due to a change in environment, problems with you being gone all day at work (or, in some cases, not gone enough), a trip to the v–e–t, or what? We turned to the experts for help understanding this complicated emotion. What Is Anxiety? Haylee Bergeland, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, is the founder and executive director at Animal Assistant Professionals and a Daily Paws Advisory Board member. She says one factor often misunderstood about anxiety in animals (humans, too) is what it actually is. "Anxiety is the apprehension or anticipation of/associated with a perceived threat. It's the worry, the concern—all the feelings about what could happen." For example, Bergeland says with cat separation anxiety, kitties begin to feel adverse emotions when they pick up on signals that indicate their human parent is leaving. (Some dogs have a similar anxious response). Or your favorite feline might feel anxious when they see their carrier pulled out of the closet: the carrier is a perceived threat. "It could mean they're going to be put in there or go to the vet, groomer, or wherever. But they don't know which it is, or when, or how," she says.…