62 SHE SMALL ITCH-MITE. 
can be counted upon the dorsal side of the abdomen. Fig. 
82 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. Itis 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 thecats have greater opportunities tocome 
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 
simply 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 genuineitch-mites 
that utilize chickens, turkeys, pheasants, parrots, thrushes, 
crows and small birds in aviaries as dwelling places. 
