Ectoparasite infestation on domestic cats in Ipoh, Perak

Premaalatha B., . and Fazly Ann Z., . and Faizah Hanim M. S., . and Farah Haziqah M. T., . (2023) Ectoparasite infestation on domestic cats in Ipoh, Perak. Malaysian Journal of Veterinary Research (Malaysia), 14 (1). pp. 32-42. ISSN 2180-3897

Ectoparasites are the most common parasites that infect domestic cats and can cause few diseases and skin disorders in cats. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ectoparasite infestation on domestic cats in Ipoh, Perak and also to identify the common species of fleas, lice, and mites infesting the cats based on their morphological characteristics. A study was carried out on the presence of ectoparasites in 102 pet cats presented at government and private clinics around Ipoh, Perak. Fur samples and ear mites’ samples were collected from 57 male and 45 female cats aged from 3 months to 14 years old. The results from microscopic examination of samples showed that 56 cats (54.9 %) were infested with ectoparasites. Skin mites (Lynxacarus radovskyi, Notoedres cati, and Sarcoptes scabiei) were the most common ectoparasite found in 33 cats (32.4 %), followed by fleas, Ctenocephalides felis in 24 cats (23.5 %), lice Felicola subrostratus in 21 cats (20.6 %), and lastly ear mites Otodectes cynotis with 1.9 % of infestation on two cats only. It was found that there is no significant difference between ectoparasite infestation and the sex of the cats (P = 0.642, P-value >0.05). This study has shown that ectoparasite infestations were high on domestic cats in Ipoh, Perak. Therefore, it is highly recommended that owners should not allow their pets to roam freely outdoors mingling with other animals as these ectoparasites are commonly transmitted from the environment via the infected hosts.

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Abstract

Ectoparasites are the most common parasites that infect domestic cats and can cause few diseases and skin disorders in cats. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ectoparasite infestation on domestic cats in Ipoh, Perak and also to identify the common species of fleas, lice, and mites infesting the cats based on their morphological characteristics. A study was carried out on the presence of ectoparasites in 102 pet cats presented at government and private clinics around Ipoh, Perak. Fur samples and ear mites’ samples were collected from 57 male and 45 female cats aged from 3 months to 14 years old. The results from microscopic examination of samples showed that 56 cats (54.9 %) were infested with ectoparasites. Skin mites (Lynxacarus radovskyi, Notoedres cati, and Sarcoptes scabiei) were the most common ectoparasite found in 33 cats (32.4 %), followed by fleas, Ctenocephalides felis in 24 cats (23.5 %), lice Felicola subrostratus in 21 cats (20.6 %), and lastly ear mites Otodectes cynotis with 1.9 % of infestation on two cats only. It was found that there is no significant difference between ectoparasite infestation and the sex of the cats (P = 0.642, P-value >0.05). This study has shown that ectoparasite infestations were high on domestic cats in Ipoh, Perak. Therefore, it is highly recommended that owners should not allow their pets to roam freely outdoors mingling with other animals as these ectoparasites are commonly transmitted from the environment via the infected hosts.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	cats
AGROVOC Term:	ectoparasites
AGROVOC Term:	parasitoses
AGROVOC Term:	morbidity
AGROVOC Term:	diagnosis
AGROVOC Term:	Siphonaptera
AGROVOC Term:	Acarina
AGROVOC Term:	infestation
AGROVOC Term:	skin diseases
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	20 Jun 2025 03:45
Last Modified:	20 Jun 2025 03:45
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2875

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