If you notice your cat scratching furiously, here’s how to tell if they have fleas or lice. If you see your cat scratching and scratching, you may conclude that he has fleas. But fleas are not the only parasite that can cause your cat to itch. Although uncommon, lice can also be the culprit.
Here’s how to tell if your cat has lice or fleas, and what to do if you find them.
How do cats get lice?
Unlike fleas, which usually come from the environment, lice are usually spread from another infected cat or from unsanitary grooming tools. Lice are more common in cats with long or matted fur, in older cats that can no longer groom themselves, in young kittens, or in feral or stray cats.
What is the difference between fleas and lice?
| Fleas | Lice | |
| Appearance | brown/reddish brown
very small head flattened on the sides |
brown to yellow
large triangular head horizontally flattened |
| Behavior | They bite and cut through the skin.
They feed on blood. They move quickly and jump. |
They bite and chew the skin.
They feed on dead skin. They attach to hairs. |
| Eggs | They do not stick to the animal’s fur, they fall into the surrounding area. | They attach to the animal’s fur. |
What are the symptoms of lice in cats?
Just like in humans, lice cause extreme itching in cats. Your cat’s coat may lose its shine, be drier than usual, or there may be hair loss, especially around the ears, neck, shoulders, and base of the tail.
Can lice be transmitted to my family or other pets?
Lice are species-specific, so if your cat has lice, it’s almost impossible for them to infect you, your children, or the family dog—although other cats in your household could be at risk.
How do I get rid of lice on my cat?
If your cat has matted fur or clumps of hair, start by trimming their fur. You can also use a lice comb to remove eggs and any lice that have already hatched.
The best option is to consult your veterinarian about cat-specific lice treatments. Your veterinarian may also prescribe deworming medications, as lice (and fleas) can carry tapeworms. Even after adult lice have been removed, eggs can still hatch, so it is important to repeat the treatment as needed and to monitor your cat closely for at least two weeks after the last infestation. The frequency of repeat treatments varies depending on the type of product (spray or pipette), so always read the package insert before use.
Also, remember to regularly clean everything your cat uses (such as beds, collars, brushes, etc.) with hot water and soap or the anti-parasitic spray you used on your cat. And since other cats in your household are also at risk of lice infestation, don’t forget to treat them as a preventative measure as well.
Although lice infestations in cats are relatively rare, it is important to be aware of them and be prepared so that you can quickly resolve the problem if it occurs.