Feline
Guides
Felicola subrostratus
cat biting louse
Felicola subrostratus is a chewing louse (order Psocodea) and the only louse species known to infest domestic cats. It is an obligate ectoparasite with strict host specificity for felids. Infestations cause pediculosis characterized by pruritus, dermatitis, and alopecia, though some cats remain asymptomatic. Long-haired cats typically experience more severe clinical signs. Despite a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents, field reports indicate it is uncommon in pet cats and occurs more frequently in stray, shelter, or cattery populations.