The Itch to Know: Understanding Trombiculiasis in Cats
Hello, fellow pet enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a tiny yet troublesome topic: Trombiculiasis, more commonly known as chiggers. As a pet science blog author and a cat parent myself, I’ve had my fair share of encounters with these pesky parasites. So, let’s explore the world of chiggers, their life cycle, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, all while sharing some personal anecdotes and scientific insights.
Life Cycle of Chiggers
Chiggers, or Trombicula mites, are those tiny, reddish-orange creatures that love to hitch a ride on our furry friends. The larval stage is the one that causes all the irritation. These larvae hatch from eggs laid in soil and vegetation during late summer. They then find a host, like your cat, attach themselves, and feed on the host’s tissue fluids for a few days before molting into nymphs and eventually maturing into adults. The entire life cycle takes about 50-55 days, with 1-2 generations per year in northern regions and year-round reproduction in the south.
Symptoms of Chiggers
In cats, chiggers often make themselves at home inside the ears, where they can be seen with the naked eye. They resemble tiny specks of paprika. Dogs may have chiggers around their legs, head, and abdomen. Some animals may not show any symptoms, while others may scratch the affected area. In humans, the chigger bite can cause an intensely itchy welt, usually around the ankles, for several days.
Diagnosis of Chigger Infestation
Diagnosing a chigger infestation involves scraping the mite from the inner surface of your cat’s ear or off your dog and examining it under a microscope. However, due to their characteristic reddish color and location, a visual inspection is often sufficient for diagnosis.
Treatment and Prevention of Chiggers
Treating chiggers is relatively straightforward. You can use pyrethrin-based dips applied a couple of weeks apart or apply a topical antiparasite drug like Tresaderm to the ears. Topical or injectable steroids can also be administered to alleviate itching. As for prevention, avoiding chigger-infested areas is a good idea since they tend to inhabit the same locations year after year.
Can You Get Chiggers from Your Pet?
It’s highly unlikely to contract chiggers from your pet. If both you and your pet have chiggers, it’s more likely that you’ve both walked through an area teeming with these mites.
Personal Experience
I remember the first time I noticed my cat, Whiskers, scratching her ears more than usual. Upon closer inspection, I spotted the tiny red mites. After a quick consultation with my vet, we started a treatment plan that included Tresaderm and some steroid injections to ease the itching. It wasn’t long before Whiskers was back to her playful self.
Conclusion
If you notice your cat excessively scratching their ears and see those characteristic red mites, it’s probably chiggers. Don’t panic! Contact your veterinarian and follow their advice for proper treatment. With a little care and attention, your furry friend will be back to their happy, itch-free self in no time.
References
- Griffiths, H. A Handbook of Veterinary Parasitology. University of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis, MN; 1978:170-171.
- Paterson, S. Skin Diseases of the Cat. Blackwell Science Ltd. Malden, MA; 2000.
- Scott, D; Miller, W; Griffin, C. Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1995.
This article was written with the help of the Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department at Drs. Foster & Smith. Stay informed, stay curious, and most importantly, keep those pets healthy and happy!