62 SHE SMALL ITCH-MITE. 



can be counted upon the dorsal side of the abdomen. Fig. 

 32 shows the male, and fig. 33 the female mite. 



These parasites attack at first the head, and chiefly the 

 base of the nose, lips, ears and eyes of the host. On account 

 of the hairs they make very tortuous burrows, which can, 

 however, be readily detected in such places. As the para- 

 sites become more numerous, and thus cause more violent 

 and frequent scratching, the parts affected soon become 

 covered with a hard and very offensive looking scab. The 

 sores gradually extend over the shoulders and even over 

 the back and sides, and by degrees poor pussy becomes 

 weaker, and her skin increases in thickness, forming stiff folds 

 around the neck. Soon inflammation sets in, extends to the 

 nostrils, obstructs respiration, and at last the head enlarges 

 beyond all proportions. In time, if not checked, the whole 

 body becomes thus diseased, and the animal can scarcely 

 drag itself along. It is really and truly devoured while still 

 living, and thus suffers until death puts an end to its miser- 

 able existence. 



This disease is much more frequent in cities than in the 

 country, because the cats have greater opportunities to come 

 in contact with mangy ones and thus become the abode of 

 this parasite. 



Remedies. — The same remedies that relieve man of the 

 presence of these horrible parasites will also cure the mange 

 of the cat. 



As mentioned before the genus Sarcoptes contains two 

 sections or sub-genera; the itch-mites of the first, or those 

 infesting mammals, have been described, and it remains to 

 mention those infesting birds. A large number of mites in- 

 fest birds, but do not produce an itch-like disease, as they 

 simph' absorb the blood of their host, and being nocturnal in 

 their habits cause loss of sleep; both factors together weak- 

 en the infested bird. But there are several genuine itch-mites 

 that utilize chickens, turkeys, pheasants, parrots, thrushes, 

 crows and small birds in aviaries as dwelling places. 



