Helminths are parasitic worms. Dracunculus insignis is a species of roundworm found mainly in the connective tissue beneath the skin of the host animal's legs. They are known to infest raccoons, minks, and other animals in North America. Female worms can reach more than 1 foot (300 millimeters) in length. Male worms are tiny in comparison, approximately 0.8 inches (20 millimeters) long. These worms are rare in cats, but they are occas
Mange is caused by microscopic mites that invade the skin of otherwise healthy animals. The mites cause irritation of the skin, resulting in itching, hair loss, and inflammation. All forms of mange are highly contagious. Cats are very susceptible to several types of mange, including canine scabies, feline scabies (notoedric mange), ear mites (otodectic mange), walking dandruff (cheyletiellosis), and trombiculosis. Demodicosis is not considered mange, but it is also c
Lice are small, flightless insects that live in the hair or feathers of animals and people. Most lice are of the biting or chewing type, including the cat louse (Felicola subrostrata). Lice are most often seen on older, longhaired cats that are no longer able to groom themselves. With the widespread use of monthly flea and tick preventive treatments, lice infestations are now rare in cats and dogs. When seen, infestations are usually
The medical term for itching is pruritus. Itching is defined as an unpleasant sensation within the skin that provokes the desire to scratch.
Itching is a sign, not a diagnosis or a specific disease. The most common causes of itching are parasites, infections, and allergies. There are many skin diseases that do not initially cause itching. However, itching may develop with these diseases due to secondary bacterial or yeast infections. It is possib
Hives or skin rashes (urticaria) are small patches of red, swollen, usually itchy, skin. They are very rare in cats and are most often associated with insect bites or stings or with medications. Hives may develop after inhaling, touching, or consuming allergens. When hives occur with severe swelling and fluid accumulation in other parts of the body (usually the head, legs, respiratory tract, or genitals), the allergic reaction can be life threatening.
Alopecia is the partial or complete lack of hair in areas where it is normally present. Hair loss is a sign, and its underlying cause must be determined in order to be treated. If a cat has hair loss and is scratching the area excessively, the itching problem should be investigated first.
Hair loss can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. Congenital hair loss may or may not be hereditary. It is caus
Flies are winged insects that are usually just an annoyance, but they can transmit disease. They belong to a large, complex order of insects called Diptera. Flies vary greatly in size, food preference, development, and habits. As adults, flies may feed on blood, saliva, tears, or mucus. They also spread bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The order Diptera includes not only the common house fly and many other insects we commonly call flies, but also mosquitoes.
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on animal blood. Besides being a nuisance, they can also transmit diseases and cause allergies or anemia. There are more than 2,200 species of fleas recognized worldwide. In North America, only a few species commonly infest house pets. Two common species of flea are the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis). However, most o
This group of skin conditions affects cats, dogs, and horses. Eosinophilic granuloma complexes have varying signs but seem to be caused most commonly by an allergic hypersensitivity.
In cats, three diseases have been grouped in this complex. Eosinophilic ulcers (also called "rodent ulcers" or indolent ulcers) are well-defined, red, skin ulcers that are usually not painful or itchy. They are most commonly found on
Like people, cats can be allergic to various substances, including plant particles and other substances in the air or in food. These substances are called allergens. Allergens are substances that, when inhaled or absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract, stimulate antibody production. When an animal comes in contact with these allergens in the future, more antibodies are produced, triggering histamine release and inflammation.