Cutaneous myiasis in cats (maggots in a wound)
Cutaneous myiasis is the invasion of the skin by fly larvae, known as maggots. Certain flies, particularly the green and blue flies seen in summer around rubbish bins, are attracted to the smell of a wound, an abscess, or a coat soiled with...
What is it?
Cutaneous myiasis is the invasion of the skin by fly larvae, known as maggots.
Certain flies, particularly the green and blue flies seen in summer around rubbish bins, are attracted to the smell of a wound, an abscess, or a coat soiled with faeces or urine. They lay their eggs there, which hatch very quickly in the warmth and moisture.
The larvae then feed on the cat's tissue. They burrow into the skin, enlarge the wound, and can create tunnels under the fur. Within hours to a few days, a small injury can become a large, deep wound.
Key point
Urgent: larvae burrow into the skin within hours and lesions spread quickly. Seek veterinary care the same day and do not attempt home treatment.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Small white or cream-coloured worms that move in a wound, around the anus, under the tail, or under the fur.
Strong, penetrating, and unusual odour coming from the cat, sometimes noticed before the wound is even visible.
Wound that enlarges instead of healing, with loose edges or holes in the skin.
Fur that is matted, damp, or soiled at the affected area.
Swollen and painful area: the cat licks at it, moves restlessly, or refuses to be touched.
Cat that is lethargic, hiding, no longer eating, and sometimes feverish.
In advanced cases, marked weakness and shock.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Larvae come from eggs laid by flies on skin that is already damaged or soiled.
The most common entry points in cats are untreated abscesses and bite or scratch wounds.
A coat soiled with faeces or urine also attracts flies: this can occur with diarrhoea, incontinence, elderly, ill, or overweight cats that no longer groom themselves.
In newborn kittens, the umbilical cord can serve as a laying site.
Myiasis is not a contagious disease: it is the wound or soiling that attracts the flies.
Warm season: fly populations are abundant and eggs hatch faster, making Tunisian summers particularly favourable for the condition.
Untreated wound or abscess, especially in an uncastrated male that fights.
Coat soiled by diarrhoea or urine leakage.
Older, obese, arthritic or ill cat that no longer grooms itself.
Cat living outdoors whose injuries go unnoticed.
Newborn kitten.
Transmission
Myiasis is not transmitted from one cat to another.
It is the flies that lay eggs on damaged or soiled skin; any animal with an unprotected wound during warm weather is at risk.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The vet clips the area widely to assess the true extent of the lesions, which are often more extensive than what is visible.
Larva are removed one by one and the wound is cleaned thoroughly; sedation or anaesthesia is often necessary as the procedure is painful and the tunnels may be deep.
The cause is identified: abscess, wound, diarrhoea or incontinence.
In a lethargic cat, a blood test evaluates the general condition and dehydration.
Treatment
Treatment combines complete larva removal, wound cleaning and an antiparasitic medication that kills any larvae that remain hidden.
Wound care is continued for several days, sometimes with repeated checks to ensure no larva has been missed.
Antibiotics are prescribed if the wound is infected, along with pain relief suited to the cat.
A weakened or dehydrated cat may need hospitalisation and fluid therapy.
The underlying cause is treated at the same time: abscess care, treatment of diarrhoea or incontinence.
Do not apply household products or insecticides to the wound: many are toxic to cats.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Treat any wound or bite promptly, especially in summer, and have it examined if it does not heal.
Inspect the hindquarters of older, ill or long-haired cats regularly, and clean any soiled coat.
Treat diarrhoea or urine leakage without delay.
During the warm season, keep a convalescent cat or one with a wound indoors.
Limit fly presence around the house: keep bins closed and litter clean.
Castration of males reduces fighting and thus abscesses.
Possible complications
Extensive destruction of skin and underlying tissues, requiring prolonged care.
Severe wound infection that may spread throughout the body.
Shock and toxaemia from products released by the larvae and damaged tissues.
In a severely weakened cat or one treated late, the condition can be fatal.
When to see a veterinarian
You see worms moving in a wound or under the fur: same-day emergency without trying to remove them yourself.
A strong, unusual odor is coming from your cat.
A wound or abscess is getting larger instead of healing.
Your cat's hindquarters are soiled and it is no longer grooming itself, especially during summer.
Your cat is lethargic, not eating or seems very weak.
Prognosis
When caught early, most cats recover well once all larvae have been removed and the wound is treated. The outlook becomes more guarded when lesions are deep and extensive or when the cat is already severely weakened, which is why it is important to consult without delay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove the maggots myself?
No. Visible larvae are often only part of the infestation: others are hidden in tunnels beneath the skin. Removal is painful and must be complete; it is done by a veterinarian, often under sedation. In the meantime, protect the area from flies and go see a veterinarian the same day.
How do you tell the difference from a simple abscess?
A bite abscess forms a warm and painful swelling, sometimes punctured, that leaks pus, with no visible worms. In myiasis, small moving worms are visible and a very strong odor is present. An untreated abscess can indeed become an entry point for myiasis in summer.
Why does this happen mainly in summer?
The flies responsible are much more numerous in warm weather, and their eggs hatch all the faster when heat and humidity are high. This is the season when wounds and the hindquarters of fragile cats must be closely monitored.
Can my cat contaminate my other pets or my family?
No, myiasis is not transmitted by contact. It is flies that lay eggs on damaged or soiled skin. Any animal or person with an unprotected wound can be affected, which is why it is important to cover and treat wounds during the warm season.
References
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 15 October 2026
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