Monday, November 16, 2009
Cats and Mites III
Our kitten had the following symptoms: Constant sneezing, rubbing the eyes, itchiness, and dandruff on the back. These are all symptoms of cheyletiella mites. Apparently 58% of cats with cheyletiella mites come up with a negative result. Chipmunks, birds, and squirrels can carry this mite. They can live for up to 14 days in the environment without a hoste. They can infest humans, usually transiently but one scientifically documented case exists where the human retained the lifecycle of the mites. They can cause itchy rashes in humans and macular papules similar to what I have had. Sometimes when the cats are very itchy, I get covered in small bites just by carrying them or holding them. This is also common with cheyletiella. Considering that they have such a wide range of hosts, this is very possibly the mite that my small family has been dealing with. One scientific paper I read said that Selamectin (Revolution) over a period of three months once a month got rid of them. Another vet site recommended Selamectin every 15 days or ivermectin (Heartgard) once a week. The environment would also have to be treated. These mites are also small enough that they easily escape the eyes and usually the dandruff is the teltale mark. So, it may be that I have dealt with this for two years and it is a somewhat common parasite. We'll see.
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Thank you for your article. I am one of those "middle-aged" women having trouble with this mite. One vet found body parts to this mite. However, no vets have given the Ivermectin. Really sick of this thing. The Revolution does not seem to help. I had four animals, two cats and two dogs. Our case was so severe that we had to put the cats down. My Yorkie became extremely ill from treatments and she died. I have one dog left and still have this problem. I am going to ask another vet for the Ivermectin. I hope that will finally end this thing. Yes, my pets had the dandruff flakes and the sneezing and pawing at their noses. I have the same darn thing. (not the dandruff flakes ha) I did everything possible. Frequent shampoos, spray the environment, I purchased a vacuum with Hepa filter, Steam cleaner (which really helps) cedar sprays (which do help), natural remedies as well as the Revolution treatments etc. I hope to see an end to this soon. It has gotten much better with only the one pet, almost gone. :(
If anyone is still checking this post....
I need help.
I have had some sort of mite for over a year.
I have small bites all over my face, neck and chest.
Although my family and friends think I am crazy, this all began at the same time as my beloved cat began sneezing and itching.
She has been to allergy specialists who did not find mites and monthly revolution does not seem to help. I have been tested for everything under the sun and drs. have given up on me.
I have been attempting to put scabbies cream, windex and tea tree oil on my skin to keep them off...but I have no idea what to do about my cat.
If either of you were able to solve this somehow, please let me know.
Went through this 4yrs ago & ended up living w/Borax everywhere with everything in bags for 6mos. Thought I had finally beat it. This Sept it started again & escalated quickly. Was trying to identify it since I was told both times it was carpet beetles but that they don't bite. These things seemed to be going in my skin. Only one being bit. Felt them crawling in hair, eyebrows, on face, even in nose. Was going nuts. Nobody else was bothered. Found birdmite.org on internet. Put everything I own in bags w/Borax. Put Borax on fabric furniture several times. Got Greenlight Neem Oil Concentrate in Garden Section at Lowes. Mixed in spraybottle & started spraying everything-floors, ceiling, walls. Got a reprieve. In 7-10 days any eggs will hatch, so I repeat spraying. Bombed with Hot Shot Foggers. Pyrethrin doesn't work on these mites. Probably will have to bomb again since it's been 9 days. If bombing, use alot of bombs, can't have too many & stay gone overnight if possible. Neem does work but have to spray everywhere. I have found these behind paint chips all through the house(!?) Read about mites in hen houses that do the same thing. Use Espsolm salt on washrag as a scrub when showering and teatree oil in shampoo. Also contact lens cleaning solution has enzymes that kill protein & I also use this when showering and in laundry. Also use Borax in laundry. Caulk anything that needs. Enclose mattresses in mattress/boxsprings protector covers with packing tape on the zipper. Do the same with pillows. Used Frontline on the two cats & this seems to be okay for them. Birdmite.org was a helpful site for some ideas.
Has any one out there been completely successful in eradicating these mites from their home and auto? I've tried dozens of solutions, and none seems to work. Has anyone positively identified the biting mites as Cheyletiella mites? The mites appeared in my home shortly after my goldenretriever was placed in a kennel for a week while I was out of town. But I don't have the rash or raised bumps which is usually associated with the Cheyletiella mite. Would love to hear more ideas, especially from someone who has won the battle. Ron in Colorado
P. S. Feel free to email me directly at rfa1841@aol.com
I need help. Ron in Colorado
Zuzu,
Insist your cat be treated with Ivermectin.
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