Overview:

Trombiculid mites (also known as harvest mites & red bugs)  are tiny vivid red-orange coloured mites. They live in decaying vegetation & cats become infected while roaming these affected areas.

Only the larval form (known as chiggers) are parasitic to cats. Once on the host, they pierce the skin & inject saliva containing digestive enzymes to break down the skin cells, which the larvae digests. Chiggers can also attack other vertebrates, including humans & dogs.

What are the symptoms of chiggers in cats?

Skin lesions,  itching & swelling, especially around the feet, head, ears & legs.

How are chiggers diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your cat. The larvae are around the size of a pinhead & can be seen with the naked eye.

He may take some skin scrapings & examine them under a microscope.

How is trombiculiasis treated?

Treatment involves the administration of an appropriate parasiticide for cats.

Glucocorticoids may be prescribed for severe pruritus (itching).

Also see:

Chiggers in humans.