Kitty lice refers to lice infestations specifically affecting cats. Lice are small, flightless insects that live in the hair or feathers of animals and people. The cat louse, scientifically known as Felicola subrostrata, is a biting or chewing type of louse.
Understanding Cat Lice (Felicola subrostrata)
Characteristics
- Felicola subrostrata is the only species of louse known to infest cats.
- These lice are biting or chewing lice, meaning they feed on skin debris and other surface material.
Infestation
- Lice infestations are generally species-specific, meaning cat lice typically stay on cats and don't infest humans or other animal species.
- Infestations can cause irritation, itching, and hair loss in affected cats.
- The presence of lice or their eggs (nits) in a cat's fur confirms a lice infestation.
