Demodex cati is the mite responsible for Demodicosis in cats, and is a “cousin” mite to Demodex canis, the causative agent of Demodicosis (red mange) in dogs.
Demodicosis is an uncommon condition of cats and is more likely to occur in patients with other disease processes such as immunosuppression from Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline Leukemia Virus, cancer or other conditions affecting the immune system.
Lesions are usually limited to the face and are most likely to occur around the eyes.
Treatment is by prescription ointment and the cause of immune system suppression needs to be investigated also.
Demodicosis in cats is a serious condition primarily because it is a sentinel of a more serious underlying condition.
