Our Privacy/Cookie Policy contains detailed information about the types of cookies & related technology on our site, and some ways to opt out. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use.

Close

How to Get Rid of Chiggers on Cats

| Updated September 26, 2017

Getting rid of chiggers on cats requires a visit to the veterinarian. The formal term for a chiggers infestation is trombiculiasis. There's no shortage of colloquial names, including red bugs, harvest mites, scrub mites, berry bugs, heel bugs and itch mites. The latter name sums up the effect these parasites have on affected felines. Chiggers cause intense itching. They also infest people, dogs and other warm-blooded creatures.

Feline Trombiculiasis

It's the larval form of the trombiculid mite that cause feline agony. When a cat -- or any mammal -- passes by, chiggers hitch a ride. They are found primarily in fields, wooded areas, berry patches and mulch. The chiggers pierce the cat's skin, driving their saliva into the animal. This saliva contains enzymes, which cause skin cell disintegration, allowing the parasites to make a meal of the resulting blood serum. After gorging, chiggers fall off the host animal.

Chiggers Symptoms

Chiggers usually attach themselves to a cat's head or ears, or the abdomen and feet. They look like minute, stationary orange dots on a cat. Symptoms of a chiggers infestation include hair loss, reddened skin, swelling, crustiness and bumps. The severe itching doesn't necessarily stop once the chiggers move on to the next stage of life and are no longer on the cat. The enzymes injected by the chiggers remain on the skin for a while, causing misery.

Chiggers Treatment

Your vet might remove the chiggers from your cat if they are still present. The application of certain insecticides safe for felines will cause them to fall off. Do not use any insecticides on your pet without veterinary approval. Your vet might recommend the use of a monthly topical or oral flea preventive, which helps eliminate chiggers but will not do so instantaneously. If your cat suffers from secondary bacterial infections resulting from the constant scratching, your vet might prescribe antibiotics as treatment. If the itching remains severe, she might prescribe anti-inflammatories temporarily for relief.

Preventing Chigger Infestation

The easiest way to prevent a chiggers infestation is by keeping your pet indoors, especially in the spring and fall. If your cat is on a monthly topical or oral flea preventive, he's less likely to become infested with chiggers if he does go outside.