Introduction

Lynxacarus radovskyi is a relatively uncommon ectoparasite of cats compared to Otodectes cynotis, Ctenocephalides felis felis, and Felicola subrotratus. Despite being first identified on Hawaiian cats in the mid 70s, and its subsequent incident report from Brazil, Malaysia, St. Kitts, and Nevis and Australia, very little is known about this mite.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of Lynxacarus radovskyi in Singapore and to determine if it is also the most common ectoparasite on Singapore cats.

Methods

Owners’ written consent was obtained before a general physical examination, two ear swabs and four separate hair plucks were obtained from the patient. Samples were evaluated microscopically for the presence of flea dirt, fleas, lice, fur mites, and ear mites. Result were then tabulated according to age specific groups. The study began from the 25th January 2018 till the 22nd February 2018.

Results

A total of 75 cats of which 39 of them males, 36 females were included in this study where 23 of 75 (30.7%) were infested with Lynxacarus radovskyi. The highest prevalence was recorded from the mature (7–10 years) age group at 54.5% followed by seniors (11–14 years) at 45.5% and kittens (birth to 6 months) at 31.3%. Otodectes cynotis was found in 6 (8%) and Ctenocephalides felis in 1 (1.3%), mainly from the kitten age group.

Conclusions

Lynxacarus radovskyii is the most common ectoparasite on cats in Singapore with an estimated prevalence of 30.7%, followed by Otodectes cynotis (8%) and Ctenocephalides felis felis (1.3%).