My cat has a long black bug; what is it, and am I itchy too?

Hello there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From there description, Bugs may be dealing with a skin infection Or insect bite hypersensitivity. Mosquitoes and fleas can cause bad allergic reactions after biting a cat. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics and / or flea medication. I would get her examined by your vet to determine what the primary cause is so she can receive the most appropriate treatment. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Hello. If you are seeing little black bugs crawling around, then Chance has fleas. Most flea collars do not work & sprays are not very effective. You will be better off using a topical like Advantage for cats, Frontline GOLD or Bravecto topical for cats ( this one lasts 3 months ). Only after the flea problem is addressed can you start doing something about the itching ( which may very well resolve once the fleas are gone ). Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It is difficult to determine exactly what the bug-like object is. Possibly using clippers to remove the hair mat that is sticking up would help. That way, you could inspect the skin underneath to see if there is a problem. Since he goes outside, I recommend using a flea and tick prevention, like Revolution or Frontline.

That was likely a little chicken flea. They tend to latch on to the ears and do not move until they are fully satisfied. As for the black debris in your kitty's ear , this may be an ear infection caused by ear mites or bacteria. I suggest you take Rex to your vet for an ear exam. If you do flea preventive care with your cat the chicken fleas should get killed as all other fleas will too.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Monty. Yes, I recommend having her evaluated by her veterinarian. She could have an infection on her skin resulting in crusts or scabs. This could be from an external parasite, the result of self trauma or a primary skin disease. Her veterinarian may recommend skin tests depending on her exam findings. I hope this information helps!

It sounds like your cat may have a flea allergy. Flea dirt (small black specks) are often found in the skin and this is accompanied by constant scratching/licking and hair loss. The skin is also susceptible to getting secondary bacterial infections. Your cat needs to first be examined to confirm a flea allergy is likely present, then he/she needs to get a steroid shot to stop the itch quickly. The more your pet scratches the worse it will get. If your pet doesn't have fleas then another possible cause of hair loss and black specks is a mite infestation on the skin with lots of loose scans; although this is not nearly as common as fleas. Both require a vet visit to get any type of resolution. I hope your kitty gets well soon!

This may be a cuterebra. A cuterebra is basically a maggot that has burned into the skin, and the hole is so the maggot can breath. You need to take your cat into a vet asap to get this removed. I hope this helps!