Diagnosing and treating cheyletiellosis.
Treating walking dandruff in cats.
One particular genus of mites known as cheyletiella which resembles dandruff flakes may cause a condition known as walking dandruff.
These large mites cause excessive flaking of the skin or dandruff and their movement on the top layer of skin gives the disease its distinctive name.
Also known as walking dandruff cheyletiellosis is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the cheyletiellosis mite.
Signs your cat may have walking dandruff are primarily itchy scaly and sometimes red or irritated skin.
Symptoms of walking dandruff.
With fewer mites the scale will be less noticeable.
Dandruff in cats could also be the outcome of an allergic reaction to foods.
Cheyletiella spp otherwise known as walking dandruff is a parasitic mite that can cause mild to moderate inflammation of the skin in dogs cats and rabbits it can be seen with the naked eye moving along the haircoat which gives the mite its nickname.
This parasitic skin condition is similar to a flea infestation and is treated with the same products.
The mange itself is caused by a parasite called the cheyletiella mite and the resemblance of these mites to dandruff has brought about the common name of walking dandruff for this condition.
Cheyletiellosis is a zoonotic disease meaning that it can transfer between cats humans and dogs.
These mites can also infect dogs and rabbits.
It occurs more often in young cats although cats of any age can become infected.
In rabbits the excess scale is dorsal particularly between the scapulae.
Causes of cat dandruff.
While mange is generally not overly harmful to your pet s long term health it is nevertheless uncomfortable painful and unsightly and treatments are.
They will cause an itchy rash that looks like dandruff hence the name walking dandruff mite.
Dandruff in cats usually is from one of four causes.
Cheyletiellosis also called walking dandruff is a highly contagious skin disease of cats caused by cheyletiella mites.
Cats are most commonly infected with cheyletiella blakei.
In severe infestations movements of the mites or associated debris may be seen hence the term walking dandruff figure 1.
The pale yellow to white colored mite dwells on the superficial skin and has large pinching mouth parts that feed on the nutrients on.
For this reason infestations often affect the entire household.
Dandruff is not just an aesthetic issue with cats cat dandruff can be symptomatic of a bigger health concern and your cat s scratching can lead to skin damage a healthy cat will have smooth soft skin without dandruff flakes or visible sores or irritation.
Walking dandruff home treatment while the creepy mites prefer the thick fur and skin of animals they will transfer to humans if the conditions are ripe or right.
