Kitten Lice: Identification, Symptoms & Veterinary Treatment

Cat lice (Felicola subrostratus) are species-specific—they don't infest humans or dogs. Here's what to know:

Identification

• Appearance: 1–2 mm, tan to brown, wingless, flattened body, six legs.
• Location: Throughout fur, especially head, neck, shoulders, tail base.
• Nits: White, glued to individual hair shafts (often confused with dandruff).

Symptoms

• Intense itching, scratching, biting at fur
• Hair loss, scabs, crusty skin
• Restlessness, poor coat condition
• Anemia in severe infestations (kittens/elderly cats)

Transmission

• Direct cat-to-cat contact
• Shared bedding, grooming tools, carriers
• Not transmissible to humans or other pets.

Treatment

1. See a veterinarian for confirmation (skin scraping/tape test).
2. Prescription topicals: fipronil, selamectin, imidacloprid (many flea products also kill lice).
3. Environmental control: wash bedding in hot water, vacuum thoroughly, discard heavily infested items.
4. Treat all household cats simultaneously.
5. Repeat treatment in 2–3 weeks to catch newly hatched nymphs.

Prevention: Regular flea/lice preventatives, avoid contact with stray/unknown cats, quarantine new arrivals.