UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Ectoparasitic mite infestations are among the most important dermatological disorders affecting cats and lead to pruritus, skin lesions, and otic disease. The present study was conducted at the Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, from June 2025 to May 2026 to determine the occurrence and clinical presentation of major ectoparasitic mite infestations in cats. A total of 120 cats presenting with dermatological and otic clinical signs were examined during the study period. A detailed clinical history was obtained, and a physical examination was performed for each animal. Diagnostic procedures included the collection of deep skin scrapings and ear swabs for microscopic examination to identify mites based on standard morphological characteristics. Of the 120 cats presenting with dermatological and otic signs, 80 (66.67%) were confirmed to have ectoparasitic mite infestations. The identified ectoparasites were Notoedres cati, Sarcoptes scabiei, and Otodectes cynotis. The data obtained were analysed using the chi-square test to determine statistical significance among infestations. Notoedres cati was the predominant mite species, identified in 48 cats (60.0%), followed by Sarcoptes scabiei in 20 cats (25.0%) and Otodectes cynotis in 12 cats (15.0%). Clinically affected cats exhibited varying degrees of pruritus, alopecia, erythema, crust formation, skin scaling, and otitis externa, depending on the mite species involved. Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference in the occurrence of mite species (χ² = 26.81, df = 2, P < .001), indicating the predominance of Notoedres cati during the study period. These findings emphasise the importance of routine dermatological and otoscopic examinations, early laboratory diagnosis, and the implementation of effective parasite control measures for managing ectoparasitic mite infestations in clinically suspected cats.