Lynxacarus radovskyi: the cat fur mite
2-year-old cat recently adopted from a tropical area. Its coat is dry, dull and "salt-and-pepper" over the back and tail base; hairs are easily epilated and pruritus is mild. Tape impressions show elongated mites firmly attached to the hair shafts, not moving over the skin.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
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A. Cheyletiella blakei
Cheyletiella lives on the skin surface, moves among the scales ("walking dandruff") and has large hook-like palps; it does not remain fixed to the hairs.
B. Demodex cati
Demodex cati is a follicular, elongated, cigar-shaped mite found in deep scrapings or trichograms, and is usually associated with underlying disease.
C. Lynxacarus radovskyi
Correct. It is a fur mite that clings to hair shafts, mainly on the back, rump and tail, giving the "salt-and-pepper" appearance. It is diagnosed with tape impressions or trichograms, and all in-contact cats are treated with macrocyclic lactones or isoxazolines.
D. Felicola subrostratus
Felicola is a louse (an insect, with three pairs of legs and visible to the naked eye) whose nits stick to the hair; adult mites have four pairs of legs.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Lynxacarus is typical of tropical and subtropical climates and rare in Spain, but consider it in imported cats. Many infested cats have little pruritus and a "dirty" or easily epilated coat is the clue. It is contagious between cats and can cause transient lesions in people.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.