Flystrike (myiasis) is a serious and painful condition where flies lay eggs in soiled fur - prevention through hygiene and monitoring is the most effective welfare intervention.
Cat flystrike welfare requires recognising that it represents a catastrophic welfare failure that is almost entirely preventable. The condition progresses from egg laying to active tissue destruction within hours in warm weather. Daily inspection of at-risk cats - those with reduced mobility, obesity, dental disease or long fur - enables detection before significant tissue damage occurs. Addressing underlying conditions that predispose to soiling is the most sustainable prevention. Veterinary treatment when flystrike is detected must be immediate - delay significantly worsens outcomes. Public awareness that flystrike affects cats as well as the more commonly discussed rabbit flystrike is an important welfare education priority.