My cat is scratching, losing hair, and has red bumps. Is it mites?

Question

My cat can't stop scratching and is losing hair. She doesn't have fleas but there is something not visible (maybe mites) biting her and me causing small red bumps. Can you please advise if there any home remedy I can use to help this condition? Thank you so much

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

Cheyletiella or Notoedres mites could cause symptoms in people and cats but I wouldn't expect to see small red bumps. Sarcoptes causes thick crusts on the face and ears along with hair loss, and cheyletiella is often called walking dandruff because it causes skin flakes that often move along with the mites. If your cat is not on a flea preventative it still may be worth trying one - cats can be good at grooming adult fleas away before you can see them. Otherwise I'd guess that her bumps and your bumps might not be related - allergies can commonly cause small red bumps in cats. There are several medications that can be used for mites but I'm not 100% sure what is available over the counter in Australia. Topical products with imidacloprid and moxidectin should be effective against both mites and fleas. Fipronil can be effective against cheyletiella and fleas. I would recommend checking in with your vet before giving any medication for mites.

My cat is scratching, losing hair, and has red bumps. Is it mites?

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