Warbles are the larval stage of botflies (Diptera: Cuterebridae) that inhabit the skin and subcutaneous tissues of various animals, including cats. These flies are indigenous to North America and are renowned for their unique parasitic life cycle. Adult botflies lay their eggs near the entrances of animal burrows or on the fur of potential hosts.

Warbles and “wolf worm” are colloquial terms that describe the same thing—the larval form of the Cuterebra fly. The adult fly itself is sometimes referred to as the North American rabbit or rodent fly. If a cat becomes infested with the Cuterebra larvae, which encyst or “hide” in different tissues, the cat is said to have Warbles.

Warbles affect cats when our felines spend time outdoors, exploring rabbit or rodent burrows. The larvae stick to the cat’s fur instead of a rabbit’s or rodent’s and follow the same life cycle. Any cat can get warbles at any age. The most common place to find warbles on cats is just under the skin on the head or neck.

Warbles burrow under your cats skin, making them feel itchy and uncomfortable. Do not attempt to remove a warble yourself. Take your furry friend to the vet for treatment. Warble is a type of skin infection that affects cats. It is caused by the larvae of the botfly and is a common problem in outdoor cats.