ectoparasieten
Ectoparasieten
Ectoparasites are parasites that live on the host. For example, the ectoparasites include; flea tick mites Fleas Fleas are the most common ectoparasites in cats. Fleas are often seen together with the tapeworm as the flea can spread it. Fleas are not always visible even though an infestation is present. This is because they are very small and can move very quickly. An infestation can be detected by regularly combing with a flea comb and checking for feces on the cat's skin. The stool looks like black granules. When these are wetted with a paper towel, it will turn red because of the blood, which is present as a residual product in the flea's faeces due to the blood they suck at the cat. In the event of an infection, it is important to treat the environment very well in addition to treating the animal. Only a small part of the fleas are on the cat. It is advisable to check your animal periodically and, if necessary, to use means to prevent contamination. To do this, check with your vet to make sure you are using a safe product. Ticks Ticks are small animals that belong to the arachnids. Adult ticks climb in thickets, forests and coppice. If a warm-blooded animal walks under this, the tick will let go and try to fall on the potential host in this way. They attach themselves with their legs and then bite into the skin of the host with their heads. The body of the tick continues to protrude above the skin and lies on the animal. When the tick is satisfied and has engorged itself with blood, the tick releases and drops. When the blood is digested, the tick will again look for a host that can provide the tick with fresh blood. Daily checks on animals that are outside are therefore necessary. Tick removal should be done with a twist without pulling on the tick. Never anesthetize a tick beforehand with alcohol or ether. In this case, the tick may inject saliva into its host, which may increase the risk of disease transmission. This is exactly what you want to avoid. Ask your vet about the right products to combat and protect against ticks for your cat. Mites Mites can cause an infection on the skin. This causes itching, which causes the animal to scratch. As a result of scratching, skin damage and inflammation can occur. There are different types of mites; scabies mite small animals that are barely visible with the microscope. These mites bore small tunnels in the epidermis. In this way, an entire network can sometimes be created at a rapid pace. The females lay eggs in these corridors. Large scabs will form on the skin. The places where the mites like to settle are the edges of the auricles, the abdomen and around the elbows. Demodex Demodex cati occurs in cats. In contrast to the dog, where puppy mange can be seen through Demodex canis, the cat variant fortunately causes few problems in cats. Ear scabies mite This mite lives in the skin of the ear canal. The earwax becomes dry and flaky. When harmful bacteria are also present, it can be exacerbated. Ear infections can also be caused by this mite. Fur mite The fur mite is a zoonosis and can therefore be transmitted to humans. The fur mite lives at the base of the hair, so the cat has little itching. The mite feeds on the dander. Small white dots can be seen in the fur when the cat has an infestation with the fur mite. Keep a close eye on your cat's coat and always see your vet for proper diagnosis and advice.