Non-contagious Mites

[TwoMaggies]

Hi,

We have 2 tabby cats both named Maggie. 1 has been scratching/grooming until she bleeds. The other is completely unaffected.

Are some mites non-contagious or could something else be going on here?


Thanks in advance

[fjm]

Could be harvest mites, but is more likely to be a flea or similar allergy. Some animals are far more sensitive to the presence of fleas than others. Many flea treatments require the fleas to bite for them to be affected - for a sensitive cat a contact insecticide may be a better bet. I would talk to your vet - your cat will need something to calm down the inflammation, and your vet can advise on probable causes and treatment.