How Do Cat Head Lice Affect Cats?
Cats can be susceptible to lice infestations, and it is often difficult to detect an infestation. The most common signs of lice infestation are itching and skin irritation. Cat lice, or Felicola subrostrata, are a tiny, dark-colored bug that lives on a cat’s scalp and in the hair. They attach to the cat’s hair shaft and lay their eggs there.
The lice that infest cats are species-specific, which means that they will not live on other cats or dogs. However, lice are highly contagious within their own species. In addition, the eggs will fall off of your cat’s fur when you comb or brush it. This can spread the infestation to other cats in the household.
Treating a head lice infestation can be an intensive process. It is also time-consuming. Treatments may require days away from school or work. Similarly, discovering that your pet has lice can send you into a frenzy. The intense itching and discomfort can drive you crazy. But the good news is that there are several treatments that can help you get rid of the infestation.
While there are over 3,000 species of lice in the world, only three are considered agents of disease in humans. As a result, lice species have a preference for particular hosts. Although lice are not dangerous to pets, they can be itchy and irritating. If you’re worried about the possibility of an infestation, the first step is to educate yourself about head lice.