My cat has dandruff that seems to move? Is that a parasite?
By: Dr. Jon Rappaport

Our question this week was:

My cat seems to have really bad dandruff and what is really weird is that the dandruff seems to move.

Josh M. - New Orleans, LA.

Answer

Hi Josh – thanks for your email. It sounds like it could be the "walking dandruff mite" also called Cheyletiellosis. It is very contagious and caused by a mite that lives on the skin. It can be transmitted to other pets and to you! You may experience an itchy rash on arms, belly, back and chest.

I have an article on Cheyletiellosis that may be very helpful. It talks about the best way to diagnosis and treat this disease.

An article that might be helpful to you is Cheyletiellosis in Cats

Best of luck!

Dr. Jon

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