Cat Mange: Understanding, Treating, and Preventing Mite Infestations

Mange in cats, while perhaps less commonly discussed than in dogs, is a skin condition that causes discomfort and visible symptoms. Like their canine counterparts, cats can experience hair loss, intense itching, and skin damage due to mange. This condition is caused by parasitic mites, and there are primarily three types of mange that affect felines, each stemming from different mite species.

While mange might not be the first skin issue that comes to mind for cat owners, it’s an important consideration when more prevalent causes of skin problems, such as flea infestations, have been ruled out. Identifying and addressing mange promptly is crucial for your cat’s comfort and health.

In most instances, mange isn’t a critical emergency. However, immediate veterinary attention is necessary if your cat exhibits signs of systemic illness alongside skin issues. These signs include lethargy, weakness, or a noticeable decrease in appetite. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that needs to be addressed alongside the mange.

Types of Feline Mange: A Closer Look

Understanding the different types of mange is the first step in effective treatment. In cats, we mainly see three types of mange, each caused by a specific mite:

• Demodex cati: This mite causes demodectic mange, also known as feline demodicosis. Interestingly, Demodex cati is considered a normal resident of a cat’s skin, living in small numbers within hair follicles. Problems arise when these mites proliferate excessively, often due to a weakened immune system. This form of mange is typically less contagious and more related to the individual cat’s health.
• Demodex gatoi: This type of mite also leads to demodectic mange, but it is considered contagious among cats. Demodex gatoi mites live on the surface of the skin rather than within hair follicles, making them more easily transmissible through direct contact. This form of mange is often associated with intense itching and can be more challenging to manage in multi-cat households.
• Notoedres cati: Responsible for notoedric mange, also known as feline scabies. This is a highly contagious type of mange in cats, comparable to sarcoptic mange in dogs. Notoedres cati mites burrow into the skin, causing severe itching and crusty lesions, primarily around the head, ears, and neck. Due to its highly contagious nature, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent spread to other animals and even humans in rare cases.

Occasionally, other mites can cause skin issues in cats. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are a very common cause of ear infections and can sometimes extend to the skin around the ears and head. While Sarcoptes scabiei, the cause of sarcoptic mange in dogs, can sometimes affect cats, it’s less common than the types listed above.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Mange in Cats

Mange mites, whether they are crawling on the skin surface or burrowing beneath it, cause significant irritation. This irritation manifests in a range of noticeable symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms early is vital for seeking timely veterinary care.

Common symptoms of mange in cats include:

• Hair Loss (Alopecia): One of the most visible signs of mange is hair loss. This can appear in patches or be more generalized, depending on the type and severity of the infestation.
• Intense Itching (Pruritus): Mange is characteristically itchy. Cats will scratch, rub, and groom excessively in an attempt to relieve the irritation. This constant scratching can further damage the skin.
• Skin Lesions: Mange can lead to various skin lesions. These can include:
  • Rashes: Redness and inflammation of the skin.
  • Sores: Open wounds or breaks in the skin due to scratching or the mites themselves.
  • Miliary Dermatitis: This presents as small, crusty bumps across the skin, often felt more easily than seen.
  • Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex: This can manifest as raised, red, and sometimes oozing patches of skin. It’s a more severe skin reaction that can be associated with various underlying issues, including parasitic infestations.
• Excessive Grooming and Hair Pulling: Particularly with Demodex gatoi, cats might overgroom to the point of pulling out their hair, especially on their abdomen, in response to the intense itch.
• Chin Acne or Skin Issues on the Chin: Demodex cati may sometimes be associated with skin problems primarily affecting the chin area, resembling feline acne.
• Crusty Skin: Notoedric mange, in particular, is known for causing thick, crusty skin, especially around the head and neck region. This can be very distinctive and a strong indicator of this type of mange.
• Moving Skin Flakes: Cheyletiellosis, caused by Cheyletiella mites (often called “walking dandruff”), can present with skin flakes that appear to move. These are actually the mites themselves, and this is a key diagnostic clue.

It’s important to remember that these symptoms are not exclusive to mange. Conditions like flea allergy dermatitis, skin infections (bacterial or fungal), environmental or food allergies, and ringworm can all cause similar signs. Therefore, a veterinary diagnosis is crucial to determine the exact cause of your cat’s skin issues and receive appropriate treatment.

Understanding the Causes of Mange in Cats

Mange in cats is primarily acquired through the transmission of mites. The common routes of transmission and other contributing factors vary depending on the type of mange:

• Contagious Mange (Notoedric mange, Demodex gatoi demodicosis, Cheyletiellosis): Most often, cats contract contagious forms of mange through direct contact with another cat that is infested with mites. This can occur through:

  • Direct Cat-to-Cat Contact: Playing, fighting, or simply being in close proximity to an infected cat.
  • Shared Environment: Mites can survive for a short period off a host in the environment. Therefore, transmission can also happen through contaminated environments or objects, such as bedding, grooming tools (brushes, combs), or even in multi-cat environments like shelters or boarding facilities.

• Non-Contagious Mange (Demodex cati demodicosis): Demodex cati mites, as mentioned earlier, are often considered part of the normal feline skin microbiome. Infestations with Demodex cati are generally not contagious and are more indicative of an underlying issue with the cat’s immune system. The overgrowth of these mites can be triggered by:

  • Immunosuppression: Conditions or factors that weaken a cat’s immune system, such as illness, stress, poor nutrition, young age, old age, or certain medications (like corticosteroids), can allow Demodex cati mites to proliferate unchecked.
  • Underlying Diseases: Systemic diseases that compromise the immune system can make a cat more susceptible to Demodex cati overgrowth.

Understanding the cause and transmission method is important not only for treating the affected cat but also for implementing preventive measures, especially in multi-cat households or environments where cats have outdoor access.

Diagnosing Mange in Cats: What to Expect at the Vet

A definitive diagnosis of mange is crucial for effective treatment. Veterinarians employ a systematic approach to identify mange and rule out other potential causes of skin problems. The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Physical Examination and History: The first step is a thorough physical exam of your cat. The veterinarian will carefully examine the skin lesions, hair loss patterns, and overall condition of your cat. They will also gather important information about your cat’s:

   • Lifestyle: Is your cat indoor-only or does it go outdoors? Outdoor cats have a higher risk of exposure to contagious mites.
   • Contact with Other Animals: Are there other pets in the household, and have any of them (or even human family members) been experiencing skin problems? This can help determine potential sources of contagion.
   • Health History: Has your cat been ill recently or does it have any chronic health conditions? Underlying health issues can predispose cats to certain types of mange.
   • Medications and Supplements: Inform your veterinarian about any medications or supplements your cat is currently receiving. Some medications can suppress the immune system, potentially contributing to Demodex cati overgrowth.

2. Skin Scrapings and Microscopic Examination: The cornerstone of mange diagnosis is identifying the mites themselves. The veterinarian will collect skin samples to examine under a microscope. Common methods include:

   • Superficial Skin Scraping: A scalpel blade is used to lightly scrape the surface of the skin to collect mites that live on the surface, like Demodex gatoi and Notoedres cati.
   • Deep Skin Scraping: For Demodex cati, which lives within hair follicles, a deeper scraping may be needed to collect samples.
   • Tape Impression: Clear tape can be pressed against the skin to pick up mites and skin debris, particularly useful for Cheyletiella mites that live on the skin surface.

3. Other Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the initial findings and suspected type of mange, the veterinarian may recommend additional tests to rule out other conditions or assess your cat’s overall health:

   • Fecal Examination: While not directly for mange mites, fecal exams can help rule out internal parasites and assess overall health.
   • Flea Combing: To confirm or rule out fleas as a contributing factor to the skin issues.
   • Blood Work: Blood tests can help identify underlying health problems or immune system issues that might be contributing to or complicating the mange.

4. Empirical Treatment: In some cases, even if mites are not found on skin scrapings (as some mites can be difficult to detect), if mange is strongly suspected based on clinical signs and history, a veterinarian might recommend starting treatment for mange. This is called empirical treatment – treating based on suspicion and clinical presentation.

A thorough diagnostic approach ensures accurate identification of mange and helps guide the most effective treatment strategy for your cat.

Effective Treatment Options for Cat Mange

Fortunately, various effective treatments are available for Cat Mange. The optimal treatment plan will be tailored to your cat’s specific situation, considering factors like age, overall health, the type of mange diagnosed, and the severity of the infestation. It’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian before starting any treatment for mange in cats. Never use over-the-counter or home remedies without veterinary guidance, as some can be ineffective or even toxic to cats.

Common veterinary-prescribed treatments include:

• Topical Medications: Many effective topical treatments are available, often in the form of spot-on solutions applied to the skin. These may contain active ingredients like:

  • Moxidectin (e.g., Advantage Multi®): A broad-spectrum parasiticide effective against various parasites, including mange mites, fleas, heartworms, and intestinal worms.
  • Selamectin (e.g., Revolution®): Another broad-spectrum medication effective against fleas, heartworms, ear mites, and certain types of mange mites.
  • Fipronil (e.g., Frontline®): Primarily known for flea and tick control, fipronil can also have some efficacy against certain mange mites.
  • Fluralaner (e.g., Bravecto® Topical): A newer generation parasiticide offering longer-lasting protection and effective against fleas, ticks, and mites.

• Lime Sulfur Dips: Lime sulfur is a topical solution that has been used for many years to treat various skin conditions, including mange. It involves bathing the cat in a diluted lime sulfur solution. While effective, it can be messy, have a strong sulfur odor, and may temporarily stain fur yellow.

• Amitraz Dips: Amitraz is another dip treatment option, primarily used for demodectic mange. It’s important to use amitraz products specifically formulated for cats and under veterinary supervision, as it can have potential side effects.

• Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed, particularly for demodectic mange.

  • Ivermectin (e.g., Heartgard®): While primarily a heartworm preventative, ivermectin can be used off-label to treat certain types of mange. Dosage and administration must be strictly under veterinary control due to potential toxicity, especially in certain cat breeds.
  • Milbemycin Oxime (e.g., Interceptor®): Similar to ivermectin, milbemycin is also primarily a heartworm and intestinal worm preventative but can be used to treat mange under veterinary guidance.

It’s important to note that the frequency and duration of treatment will vary depending on the type of mange and the chosen medication. Most treatments require repeat applications or administration over several weeks to ensure complete eradication of the mites and their eggs.

Recovery and Long-Term Management of Mange in Cats

With appropriate and timely treatment, cats with mange typically show improvement within a week or two. The first sign of recovery is usually a reduction in itching. Skin healing and fur regrowth may take longer, depending on the severity of the initial skin damage.

In some cases, particularly with severe mange or secondary skin infections, additional medications may be needed:

• Anti-itch Medications: To provide relief from intense itching while the primary mange treatment takes effect. These might include antihistamines or corticosteroids (used cautiously and short-term).
• Antibiotics or Antifungal Medications: If secondary bacterial or fungal skin infections have developed due to skin damage and scratching, these will need to be treated concurrently.

Treating Other Pets and Environmental Management:

• Treating All Household Pets: For contagious types of mange (Notoedres, Demodex gatoi, Cheyletiellosis), it’s essential to treat all cats and even dogs in the household, even if they are not showing symptoms. Asymptomatic carriers can harbor mites and lead to re-infestation.
• Environmental Cleaning: While environmental survival of mites is limited, cleaning and washing bedding, grooming tools, and areas where the cat spends time can help reduce environmental mite burden, especially for contagious types of mange.

Follow-up Veterinary Visits:

• Regular follow-up visits with your veterinarian are crucial to monitor treatment progress, ensure mites are eradicated, and address any secondary issues. Skin scrapings may be repeated to confirm the absence of mites.

Long-term Management and Prevention:

• For cats that have had Demodex cati demodicosis, addressing underlying health issues and ensuring a strong immune system is crucial for long-term management and preventing recurrence.
• For contagious forms of mange, prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to infected cats. Keeping cats indoors reduces the risk. For outdoor cats, regular preventative parasite control with products effective against mites can be beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mange in Cats

Is cat mange contagious to humans?

• Notoedric mange (feline scabies) and cheyletiellosis (“walking dandruff”) are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans. However, human infestations are usually self-limiting and milder than in cats. If you suspect you have contracted mange from your cat, consult your physician. Demodectic mange (Demodex cati and Demodex gatoi) is generally not considered contagious to humans.

What does mange look like on a cat?

• The appearance of mange can vary depending on the type and severity. Common signs include hair loss, itching, and skin lesions. Crusty skin, rashes, sores, and excessive grooming are also typical. However, these symptoms are non-specific and can be seen in other feline skin conditions.

Can a cat die from mange?

• While most cats recover fully from mange with treatment, severe cases, particularly of notoedric mange, can be serious and even life-threatening if left untreated. Secondary skin infections and systemic illness in debilitated cats can also complicate the prognosis. Prompt veterinary treatment is crucial for a positive outcome.

By understanding the types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cat mange, you can be a proactive cat owner and ensure your feline companion stays healthy and comfortable. Always consult with your veterinarian for any skin issues your cat may be experiencing to get an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment plan.

WRITTEN BY

Jennifer Coates, DVMVeterinarian

Dr. Jennifer Coates is a highly respected veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with extensive experience in veterinary medicine and pet health communication. Her expertise and clear communication style make complex pet health topics accessible to pet owners.