Harvest mites in cats

Harvest mites in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Reviewed by Dr. Valter Carlos
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Updated October 16, 2025
5 min read

Overview

Symptoms

Risk

Diagnosis

Vet treatment

How to help at home

Prevention

When to worry

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Harvest mites in cats

Harvest mites in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Reviewed by Dr. Valter Carlos
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Updated October 16, 2025
5 min read

Harvest mites are tiny bright orange mites, very like spiders and ticks. They’re a common cause of itchy feet and ears for cats in the autumn. Any cat who walks in damp grass or woodland can pick up harvest mites on their feet, legs and head.

Harvest mites are also called berry bugs, Trombicula, or chiggers. The immature mites attach to your cat’s skin to feed, and their bites are extremely itchy. Cats who are very sensitive will lick, rub and scratch so intensely that they develop more serious skin problems. There aren’t any licensed medicines guaranteed to prevent or kill harvest mites. But regular treatment with a flea spray containing fipronil will help to prevent or treat infestations.

Harvest mites in cats
Harvest mites in cats

What are harvest mites in cats? >What are harvest mites in cats? [Overview

Symptoms of harvest mites in cats >Symptoms of harvest mites in cats [Symptoms

Cats at higher risk of getting harvest mites >Cats at higher risk of getting harvest mites [Risk

How do vets diagnose harvest mites in cats >How do vets diagnose harvest mites in cats [Diagnosis

What’s the treatment for harvest mites in cats >What’s the treatment for harvest mites in cats [Vet treatment

Home care for harvest mites in cats >Home care for harvest mites in cats [How to help at home

Tips for preventing harvest mites in cats >Tips for preventing harvest mites in cats [Prevention

When to worry about harvest mites in cats >When to worry about harvest mites in cats [When to worry

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