How do you diagnose mite bites acquired from an animal?

Clinically, patients present with pruritic red bumps, most commonly on the arms, breasts, and abdomen. The most common sources of these animal mites are cats infested with Cheyletiella species. This nonburrowing mite exhibits “bite and run” tactics, so it is not likely to be found on the patient’s body. The key to making the diagnosis is to have the animal examined by a veterinarian who is familiar with these parasites. The diagnosis is established by a cellophane tape preparation taken from the cat, dog, or rabbit, demonstrating either the six-legged larval form or the eight-legged adult. Unlike the scabies mite, Cheyletiella has well-developed, clawlike mouth parts.