Lynxacarus radovskyi infestation in a cat

Abstract

An adult domestic short-hair cat from south Texas was examined because of excessive dandruff on the back, neck, thorax, and hind limbs. Removal of a few hairs for microscopic evaluation revealed Lynxacarus radovskyi, the cat fur mite. The small (< 0.5 mm) mite could be readily identified by its laterally compressed body and its characteristic grasping of the hair shaft between the gnathosoma and palpi. Thus far, this mite has been identified as a parasite of cats in warm, humid environments. The number of parasites and apparent discomfort in cats varies considerably, from massive infestation with little discomfort to few mites and marked pruritus. Acaricides that are effective against other ectoparasites of cats apparently are effective in controlling L. radovskyi.