Können Grasmilben von Katzen auf andere Tiere oder Menschen übertragen werden?

Nein. Die Larven der Grasmilben bleiben beim ersten Wirt, bis sie ausgewachsen sind. Danach fallen sie ab – wenn in der Nähe keine pflanzliche Nahrung vorhanden ist, sterben sie einfach ab und können sich nicht direkt übertragen.

Wie lange dauert der Befall mit Grasmilben?

In der Regel bleiben die Larven nur wenige Tage. Danach sollte auch der Juckreiz aufhören.

Muss ich das Katzenbett und andere Textilien nach einem Befall reinigen?

Wenn Du auf Nummer sicher gehen möchtest, ist eine gründliche Reinigung sinnvoll. Allerdings ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit gering, dass sich mehrfach Grasmilben “aus einem Schwung” einnisten.

Kratzende Katze vor einem Holzgeländer als Titelmotiv zum Ratgeber Grasmilben bei Katzen von Liebesgut Tiernahrung

Recognising, treating and preventing grass mites in cats

Many pet owners notice that their furry friends suffer from severe itching in summer and autumn. It’s not hard to guess why: grass mites have taken up residence on their dogs or cats. Liebesgut Pet Food explains how to correctly identify grass mites and autumn grass mites in cats, and what you can do about them.

Recognising grass mites in cats: here are the signs

For the most part, the symptoms of grass mites in cats are relatively non-specific and usually centre on itching. If your cat doesn’t go outdoors, the chance of it being infested with grass mites is extremely low. So, for cats that do go outdoors, look out for the following signs and behaviours:

Increased scratching of the head, neck or paws, as well as associated biting or nibbling at the paws
Increased licking and grooming
Restlessness or mild discomfort
Red patches on the skin
Allergic reactions such as pustules or severe skin irritation

In fact, it is not the mites themselves that are the problem, but the larvae. These burrow into the host’s skin and feed on the outermost layer of skin, which often causes severe itching and leads to the symptoms mentioned above. The infestation itself is only dangerous if your cat is allergic to the mite larvae; grass mites do not transmit any diseases. However, your cat’s behaviour when infested with grass mites can be damaging to its skin: your cat may injure itself through excessive scratching, which can lead to infections. Hair loss due to excessive licking is also possible. You should therefore take your cat to the vet if it experiences increased itching that lasts for more than a day.

You can recognise grass mites as small, orange-brownish dots. The larvae themselves are virtually impossible to see with the naked eye, which is why a professional skin examination is necessary to detect the larvae and confirm a grass mite infestation.

What can I do about grass mites in cats?

Your vet will suggest a solution that is suitable for your cat. They will mainly prescribe treatments that eliminate the larvae on the skin. These include:

Spot-on treatments, which are applied to specific areas
Anti-parasitic shampoos or sprays
Additional medicines or ointments to relieve itching

You should follow your vet’s instructions here. Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves and are likely to be even more inclined to do so because of the itching, which means they may ingest the applied treatments. That is why it is also important that you do not use anti-parasitic treatments intended for dogs . The formulation is designed for dogs and may be toxic to your cat.

Home remedies for grass mites in cats

You can also support your cat’s treatment with a few home remedies. Coconut oil has a mild antiseptic effect and can help to relieve your cat’s itching and kill the grass mite larvae. Aloe vera can also soothe irritated skin, so that your cat scratches or licks itself less. Please note that you should not use any products intended for humans, but only pure natural products. You should also discuss with your vet how to use these remedies. If the itching is too severe, a proper medication is likely to be more effective and appropriate.

How can I prevent grass mites in cats?

Grass mites can only infest cats that are allowed to go outdoors. Grass mites are small, spider-like creatures which, as adults, feed on plants and therefore tend to be found in grass. The autumn grass mite, in particular, is the species of mite that is relevant to cat and dog owners and is usually the one referred to when people talk about grass mites. As the name suggests, these grass mites are most active in autumn, but can already be active in summer. From this basic information, you can probably already work out how to prevent grass mites in cats: avoid tall grass and meadows, particularly in summer and autumn, when taking your cat for a walk. Of course, very few people keep their cats on a lead; instead, they simply let them roam freely. So, if you have a garden where your cat likes to spend time, make sure you don’t let the grass grow too long, so that grass mites cannot thrive there.

Otherwise, there are a few more steps you can take to prevent grass mites in your cat:

Regular coat checks: Especially if your cat has been outside, you can quickly check them for signs of grass mites. This allows you to react swiftly to a possible infestation.
Regular brushing: Generally speaking, it’s good if your cat is used to being brushed and allows you to do so without any fuss. This way, you can use a special mite comb to brush the mites out before they even have a chance to take hold.
Use preventative treatments: As well as treatments for acute infestations, there are also preventative sprays or spot-on treatments available. Ask your vet for advice to find the right solution for your cat.

Grass mites in cats: Annoying but harmless visitors

Overall, grass mites aren’t a major problem for cats and are harmless in themselves. However, they’re terribly uncomfortable for your four-legged friend, which is why you should take swift action at the first signs of itching. In most cases, your cat will be free of these uninvited visitors again within just a few days.

Frequently asked questions about grass mites in cats

Can grass mites be transmitted from cats to other animals or humans?

No. The larvae of grass mites remain on their first host until they reach adulthood. After that, they fall off – if there is no plant-based food available nearby, they simply die and cannot be transmitted directly.

How long does a grass mite infestation last?

As a rule, the larvae only remain for a few days. After that, the itching should also stop.

Do I need to clean the cat bed and other textiles after an infestation?

If you want to be on the safe side, a thorough clean is advisable. However, it is unlikely that grass mites will infest items multiple times ‘in one go’.