Botflies in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 08/14/2016Updated: 09/02/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Botflies in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What are Botflies?
Cats are usually an accidental host that picks up the botfly larvae when exploring near rabbit or rodent dens. Cats that spend a great deal of time outdoors are at a greater risk, and infestation occurs most frequently in the summer. The larvae can be found most commonly under the skin, but can also make their way to the eyes, respiratory system, or central nervous system where symptoms can become severe and result in death if not treated quickly.
Botflies are a species of non-biting flies found throughout most of North America. The species is especially active in the warmer months of late spring and summer, but can be found for a longer period in warmer climates. The botfly, or Cuterebra, life cycle involves a parasitic larval stage that requires a host animal, usually a rabbit or rodent. The adult fly lays its eggs on surfaces, like grasses and rocks, in and around the living areas of rabbits and rodents. The eggs or young larvae transition to the host animal by transferring onto its fur when it walks past. They then make their way into the host through an opening or orifice. 
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Average Cost
$600
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Symptoms of Botflies in Cats
Symptoms of the botfly larvae parasite can vary depending on the location of the larvae within the cat’s body. Cutaneous or skin symptoms are the most common form, although the parasite can affect the central nervous system, respiratory system, and the eyes. Nervous system symptoms often begin with nasal discharge or sneezing as the larvae enter through these orifices. In certain situations, especially when the central nervous system is affected, the symptoms can be severe and even fatal. 
General Symptoms:
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of appetite 
Cutaneous or Skin Symptoms:
  • Lesion or draining sore
  • Lump under the skin or “warble”
  • Excessive grooming of specific site
Respiratory Symptoms:
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Gagging
  • Nasal discharge
  • Trouble breathing
Ophthalmomyiasis or Eye Symptoms:
  • Lesions
  • Facial paralysis
  • Blindness
Nervous System Symptoms:
  • Abnormal behavior
  • Head pressing
  • Disorientation 
  • Head tilt
  • Abnormal vocalization
  • Circling
  • Abnormal gait
  • Lack of reflexes
  • Seizures
  • Paralysis
Causes of Botflies in Cats
Exposure to botfly eggs or larvae usually occurs outdoors in areas where rodents or rabbits make their homes. Physical contact is required for the parasite to infest its host. Cats come into contact with the eggs or larvae in these areas, and it is transferred to their fur from grass, leaves, or other surfaces. It is possible for a cat to bring the larvae into the home, infesting other cats or companion animals. Symptoms are caused by the movement of the larvae within your pet’s bodily systems and the effect it has on surrounding tissues as it begins to grow.
Diagnosis of Botflies in Cats
A physical examination is often sufficient for identifying cuterebrosis, in which case the parasite has reached the stage where it has settled under the skin. The veterinarian will locate the cyst or warble on your cat’s skin and evaluate it for larval infection. Be prepared to discuss your pet’s medical history and advise your veterinarian if the cat spends time outdoors. If the parasite is in the eye, it is also fairly simple to diagnose through observation. Testing may be necessary to confirm that the disease is caused by the botfly and not another parasitic or bacterial infection. To test for Cuterebra larva, analysis of blood, urine, and discharged fluid is required. Identifying parasite-produced toxins in bodily fluids will help to confirm the diagnosis. Testing of cerebrospinal fluid may also be necessary, especially if neurological symptoms are present. Imaging technologies, like an MRI or CT scan, may also help veterinary staff to identify Cuterebra in the central nervous system. 
Treatment of Botflies in Cats
Treatments will vary depending on your pet’s symptoms, their severity, and the location of the parasite. Medical treatment is required, and is usually effective, especially if cuterebrosis is caught early. Do not attempt to treat your cat at home, even if the larvae or warble is visible. There is a high risk of rupturing the cyst or larvae and causing an infection or introducing toxins into your pet’s bloodstream. When found near the skin, the prognosis after treatment is good. Larvae in the eyes or nervous system are more difficult to treat. Treatment options your veterinarian might use include:
  • Extraction: If the larvae have made their home under the skin, the veterinarian will extract it. This is not a surgical procedure, so your pet will not need to be put under. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and then an incision is made so the larvae can be removed. Your veterinarian will take care to remove the entire parasite intact to prevent complications associated with rupturing or leaving behind a portion of the larvae. 
  • Surgery: If the larvae are not as easy to reach, a surgical procedure may be required to remove it. Surgery puts your pet at a higher risk of side effects than extraction does. Your pet will undergo anesthesia, will require intravenous fluids, and may need a longer recovery time. 
  • Antiparasitic: This type of medication is used to kill parasites throughout your pet’s body. It may be used in conjunction with extraction or surgical methods, but can also be used alone. It is often used to treat botfly parasites that are in the respiratory, nervous, and other systems where removal is not an option. 
  • Corticosteroids: This type of medication is used to suppress immune reactions and aid in keeping inflammation under control. Corticosteroids treat symptoms in the respiratory and nervous system, are not effective for removing or destroying the parasite.
  • Antibiotics: This type of medication will be administered if an infection is present either at the larval site or in other parts of the body the parasite moved through. Antibiotics are only necessary if bacteria are present. 
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Recovery of Botflies in Cats
If the cuterebra larvae are successfully removed, the prognosis is generally good. The lesion or wound site where the larva was removed may take some time to heal. Monitor the area for signs of infection and make another appointment to have the wound checked if it seems to be swelling, draining pus, or spreading. Cats that experience eye infestations could lose sight in the affected eye. Your pet will still be able to lead a full life even after partially losing their vision. For cats suffering from nervous system symptoms, recovery may be less certain. Damage to the brain or other parts of the nervous system could be permanent or even fatal. Treatment should help, but your pet may not make a full recovery. Take care to support your pet during recovery and avoid stressors or making changes to their living environment.
Botflies Average Cost
From 528 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$600
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Botflies Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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calico
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Seven Months
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18 found this helpful

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18 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
I think it’s a bit fly bite I just need to confirm google is not helpfully
Nov. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
18 Recommendations
Hello, this could be a fly bite. If it is a fly bite we worry about bot fly larvae cause if issues. Watch this area for a little worm to develop. If it does your vet will need to remove this bot fly larvae from the wound. I would clean this with soap and water and apply triple antibiotic ointment to the wound
Nov. 28, 2020
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unknown /stray kitten/ mixed breed
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dog-age-icon
6-8weeks
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13 found this helpful

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13 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
After Catching Him, Noticed Pus Coming Out Of 2 Wounds (Wounds From A Bulldog Biting It Twice In The Neck And Cheek)
After finding a stray kitten, eventually luring it inside (ferrel), the poor thing had been attacked by a bulldog, miracuously, getting away, but leaving 4 wounds. Two wounds with most all of the hair gone from neck and partially around his face. One was dripping pus . After taming him (within an hour, the sweetest thing in the world), I was able to clean the wounds up, somewhat, then noticed the botfly in the top of one hole. In the past, while rescuing cats, we came across several botflies. I would run to the vet, they popped them out, I gently, with oil pulled out, but still oozing pus.
July 27, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
13 Recommendations
Hello- Thank you for your question. From your images and your description it sounds like the kitten needs some systemic antibiotics to clear the infection. Your veterinarian can examine her and prescribe medication to help her feel better. Thank you for rescuing her! I hope she feels better soon.
July 27, 2020
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Long hair black
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Shadow
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3 Months
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3 found this helpful

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3 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Trouble Breathing
Warble On Nose
Air In And Around Her Organs
Stiff And Won'T Move
I rescued her and she had a light colored botfly sticking off of her nose. It plopped out with some Bacitracin. A couple days later she started puking so we rushed her to the vet to find out she had air pockets aroundheea abdomen, lungs, chest and they had to put a needle in her to release some of it. They sent me home with medicine. today is day one after vet but she isn't really getting any better. please help I love her so much and I don't want to lose her!
Aug. 29, 2018
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Cat
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Pepper
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10 Weeks
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4 found this helpful

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4 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Dehydration
Lack Of Appetite
I have a kitten I just rescued about 8-10 weeks. He was found yesterday with a botfly in his neck. He was brought to Animal Kind which is a cat place. They pulled the botfly larvae out and he actually grabbed it when they pulled it out and ate. We’ve brought him home today, after they gave him a dewormer, distemper shot, tested for feline leukemia & gave him 20cc of fluid. He’s still dehydrated now, his gums are white, and he’s not eating much. He just drank a little water. What should we do?
Aug. 15, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
It seems that Pepper needs a recheck with your veterinarian to follow up and see if he needs further treatment. I'm not sure if eating the larva or another cause is the reason for his illness, but if you are noticing that his gums are white and he isn't eating, he may need further care. I hope that he is okay.
Aug. 15, 2018
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domestic medium hair
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Pepper
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6 Weeks
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Hard, And Warm Around The Hole
Very Little, Clear Discharge If Pressed
Very Little, Clear Discharge
I have noticed a hole in my kittens jaw. I took hime to the vet today, she said it was a puncture wound. I went home. Later, after examining the hole I saw a small yellow larvae looking "thing", for a lack of better words. She, the vet, did prescribe antibiotics for another reason. Will this be enough to kill the worm?
Aug. 15, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
The antibiotics will not be enough to kill that worm, and your veterinarian may not have seen that. It would be best to call them in the morning, let them know what you have seen, and let them guide you through treatment for that.
Aug. 15, 2018
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domestic short hair
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Flannel
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6 Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Circling
Head Tilt
Loss Of Balance
Wolf Worm Removed
We trapped a 6 month old kitten and initially feared that the live trap injured him. His head was tilted nearly 90 degrees and he was turning in circles, stumbling. I noticed a wound on his neck and told the people at the spay-neuter clinic who confirmed that it was a wolf worm, they removed it and cleaned the kitten. It’s a week later and his front legs (right in particular) seem weak. He still has difficulty standing and walking straight ( how on earth did he make it into a trap!?) His range of motion in his neck is greatly improved in this week, he’s socializing well, great appetite but I’m wondering how long we should expect to wait for his balance to improve before we just decide that ‘this is as good as it’s gonna get”.
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tabby
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Gizmo
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7 Weeks
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Sneezing
Watery Eyes
Snuffy Nose
We just brought home a stray kitten. She is about 7/8 weeks old. About two days ago, she began sneezing uncontrollably and now, she is stuffy, snotty, and her eyes seem very watery. Yesterday, I notice a green ball in her nose. I thought it was a little booger because we thought she had a cold. We’ve been running the humidifier for her to loosen up the stuff in her nose. However, today, I saw the green ball again. I successfully grabbed it with my fingernail. What I thought was just a booger in her snotty nose came out a WORM. It looked like a little green larva. After doing some research, it looks to be a botfly larva. I can’t find any lumps on her body. I’ve checked her body, and she doesn’t seem to have a lump (not that she’s very but anyways so it would be easy to see). But should I be worried still? Even if I got the larvae?
Botflies Average Cost
From 528 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$600
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