...about walking dandruff. If your cat is suffering from scaling skin or is grooming excessively, your veterinarian can examine it to determine what is causing the problem. If it is walking dandruff, your veterinarian may prescribe a medicated shampoo or other medicine. There are also medicines that can be taken once a month to prevent walking dandruff.
Cheyletiellosis, also called walking dandruff, is a highly contagious skin disease of cats, as well as dogs and rabbits, caused by Cheyletiella mites. The mites cause excessive scaling of the skin. Young cats, and those more frequently in direct contact with other cats through boarding and shelters, are more susceptible.
How will cheyletiellosis affect my cat?
Scaling of the skin (excessive dandruff) is the most common symptom. Infested cats also may exhibit unusual behavioral changes, such as excessive grooming. However, underlying irritation of the skin may be minimal. Long-haired cats are common carriers of this disease.
How do I prevent my cat from getting cheyletiellosis?
Limiting contact with other cats, especially long-haired breeds, and those coming from shelters or boarding / grooming establishments can reduce the risk of infestation.
Can humans be harmed by cheyletiellosis?
Yes, humans can become infested with this mite species. Identification of this infestation may be suspected after symptoms appear in humans.
- Cats with scaling skin or who groom excessively may have walking dandruff.
- Walking dandruff is caused by mites that you can't see.
- Walking dandruff is highly contagious. Keep your cat from cats that may carry it.
- People can be infected by these mites from cats.
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