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Felicola subrostratus
Barely visible to the naked eye (see picture 5). Pale bodies. Large mandibles, oval shaped abdomen with six legs. Hook shaped claws for clinging to fur of host. Generally affect debilitated animals with impaired immune systems. Feed on hair and epidermal debris. This insect completes its entire life cycle on the host and is spread by direct contact.
Felines.
Found on a domestic cat brought in through our ER at the veterinary hospital.
Spotted on Dec 26, 2012
Submitted on Feb 2, 2013
5 Comments
Great macro shot
Do they have a worldwide distribution ?
I photographed one from a cat several weeks ago, it was 1.3 mm in length.
Fortunately, there are a few options either oral or topical treatments that are safe for cats. It is usually pretty easy to treat. Most cats don't appreciate being bathed, so I am all for topical or oral treatment.
Interesting spotting. How do you get rid of them - just by bathing the cat?
What an interesting creature! I hope the cat you took this from is feeling much better. :)