What are bird mites?
Bird mites are tiny external parasites that can infest both birds and mammals. They are closely related to chiggers and belong to the Trombiculidae family. While they prefer to feed on birds, bird mites will bite humans and other animals, including cats, if their usual hosts are not available.
Bird mites are very small, measuring less than 1 mm in length. They have an oval shaped body and six legs. Their color ranges from white to reddish brown. Bird mites feed on the blood of their hosts, injecting saliva that contains anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting while they feed.
There are several different species of bird mites including:
- Northern fowl mite – Most common bird mite in North America. Infests chickens, turkeys, pigeons, starlings, sparrows.
- Tropical fowl mite – Found worldwide in tropical regions. Infests chickens, ducks, sparrows, starlings.
- Scaly leg mite – Burrows into the skin of the legs and feet of birds.
- Depluming mite – Feeds on feathers and causes feather loss.
- House sparrow mite – Commonly inhabits nests of house sparrows.
Bird mites do not remain on animal hosts after feeding but drop off into the surrounding environment. They can survive for several months without feeding.
How do cats get bird mites?
There are a few ways cats can become infested with bird mites:
- Nesting or roosting birds in or near the home – Bird mites can crawl off nests or roosts and find new hosts, including cats.
- Contact with infested wildlife – Stray or feral cats that come into contact with wild birds can pick up mites.
- Visiting infested areas – Spending time in areas inhabited by bird mites can lead to transmission.
- From other infested cats or pets – Mites can spread from one pet to another in a home.
Cats that go outside and hunt birds are at highest risk of exposure to bird mites. However, even strictly indoor cats can become infested if bird nests are present on or near a home. Bird mites can crawl through small cracks and crevices to find new hosts.
What are the symptoms of bird mites on cats?
When cats are bitten by bird mites, they can develop skin irritation, itching, and discomfort. Signs of a bird mite infestation in cats include:
- Itchy skin and inflammation
- Red bumps or welts on the skin
- Scabs and crusty skin lesions
- Hair loss in affected areas
- Excessive scratching and licking
- Agitation and restlessness
Bird mites often bite around the head, neck, and ears of cats. The mites can cause significant itching. Cats may scratch or chew themselves raw in an effort to relieve the irritation.
Secondary skin infections can develop from excessive scratching and damage to the skin. Cats may develop bacterial or yeast skin infections.
How are bird mites diagnosed in cats?
Bird mites can sometimes be seen crawling on the skin of infested cats. However, these mites are incredibly small and can be difficult to spot.
To diagnose a bird mite infestation, a veterinarian will:
- Take a close look at the cat’s skin under good lighting
- Check for movement of tiny mites
- Use a magnifying glass or microscope to examine skin scrapings for mites
- Look for mite eggs around hair follicles
Skin scrapings may be taken and examined under a microscope to identify any mites present. Your vet may also wish to rule out other causes of skin irritation like fleas, ringworm, or allergies.
How do you get rid of bird mites on cats?
Treating a bird mite infestation requires eliminating mites on the cat as well as environmental decontamination to prevent reinfestation. Treatment typically involves:
- Applying an insecticide dip or spot-on medication that kills mites
- Thorough cleaning of the home environment
- Treating or removing bird nests or roosting sites
- Vacuuming and using acaricides inside the home
- Treating other infested pets
Veterinarians often recommend using selamectin, ivermectin, or pyrethrin insecticides applied topically or given orally to treat the cat. Revolution, Acarexx, and lime sulfur dips may also be effective. Oral antihistamines like hydroxyzine can provide relief from itching.
The home and yard will also need to be treated to prevent ongoing infestation. Bird nests should be removed from the home exterior. The interior should be thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned. Pest control professionals can spray acaricides like permethrin inside to kill any lingering mites.
During treatment, restrict your cat from entering any infested areas inside or outside the home. It can take 4-6 weeks to fully eliminate a bird mite infestation. Your veterinarian will advise on safe, effective products for your cat and home. Monitor your cat and contact your vet if signs do not improve.
How do you prevent bird mites in cats?
You can help protect your cat from bird mites using these prevention tips:
- Remove bird nests, roosts, and feeders from your home
- Install bird deterrents like netting or spikes outside
- Seal any cracks, crevices, or openings birds can use
- Keep cats indoors and supervise time outdoors
- Treat cats with flea/tick prevention medications
- Inspect cats regularly for any signs of skin irritation
- Clean bedding and living areas frequently
Preventative flea and tick treatments like Revolution, Bravecto, or Seresto collars can also repel and kill bird mites. Keeping birds away from your home is the best way to avoid exposure.
See your veterinarian right away if you suspect your cat has bird mites. Early treatment will provide the greatest relief and prevent secondary complications. With prompt treatment and environmental control, bird mites can be successfully eradicated.
Bird Mites on Cats FAQs
Are bird mites harmful to cats?
Bird mites can cause significant irritation, itching, skin damage, and discomfort in cats. Intense scratching and skin trauma also increases risk of secondary infections. Therefore, bird mites should not be ignored and require veterinary treatment.
Can bird mites live on humans?
Bird mites can bite humans but do not live or reproduce on people. The mites feed briefly before dropping off and only survive for a few days without a host. Still, they can cause itchy bites on people while infesting a home.
How long can bird mites live without a host?
Bird mites can survive 2-3 months without feeding on a host. During this time, they remain dormant waiting for a new host animal or bird to bite. This allows them to persist in nests or home environments.
Do bird mites jump or fly?
No, bird mites cannot jump or fly. They crawl and move between locations. However, they can spread rapidly to new hosts in close contact and are adept at crawling into homes from nesting sites.
Can bird mites infest a person’s skin or scalp?
Bird mites do not reproduce on human skin or scalp. The mites can bite exposed skin but will not complete their life cycle or establish colonies. Some people react strongly to bites with intense itching.
Conclusion
Bird mites can be a significant nuisance for pet cats and their owners. Left untreated, these mites can cause considerable skin irritation and discomfort. The good news is bird mites can be controlled with thorough treatment of both the cat and environment.
Prevention is key to avoiding infestations. Removing bird nests and roosts can help deter mites from entering your home. Talk to your veterinarian about effective products to repel and kill mites on your cat. Address an infestation promptly before the mites spread and prompt misery in your beloved feline. With some effort and vigilance, bird mites can be banished from your home and kitty.
Bird Mite Species | Primary Hosts |
Northern Fowl Mite | Chickens, Turkeys, Pigeons, Starlings |
Tropical Fowl Mite | Chickens, Ducks, Sparrows |
Scaly Leg Mite | Burrows in legs and feet of birds |
Depluming Mite | Feeds on feathers |
House Sparrow Mite | Nests of House Sparrows |
Signs of Bird Mites | Treatment Options |
---|---|
Itching and skin irritation | Selamectin spot-on medication |
Red bumps and welts | Ivermectin oral medication |
Scabs and crusty skin | Pyrethrin insecticide dip |
Hair loss | Revolution spot-on medication |
Excessive scratching | Lime sulfur dip |
Agitation and restlessness | Antihistamines for itching |