Mange in cats, while perhaps not as commonly discussed as in dogs, is a skin condition that can cause significant discomfort for your feline friend. Characterized by hair loss, relentless itching, and potential skin damage, mange in cats is caused by parasitic mites. While it might sound alarming, understanding the different types of mange, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing the available treatments can help you ensure your cat’s well-being.
It’s important to note that while mange isn’t the most frequent skin issue in cats, it should definitely be considered if more common culprits like fleas have been ruled out. Addressing mange promptly is crucial to alleviate your cat’s suffering and prevent potential complications.
While mange itself is rarely a veterinary emergency, if your cat exhibits signs of systemic illness alongside skin issues, such as lethargy, weakness, or a loss of appetite, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
Decoding the Types of Mange in Cats
Just like in dogs, different types of mites are responsible for causing mange in cats. Understanding these distinctions is key to effective diagnosis and treatment. There are three primary types of mange that affect cats:
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Demodectic Mange (Demodicosis): This type is caused by Demodex cati mites. Interestingly, these mites are often considered part of the normal skin fauna of cats, meaning they can live on the skin without causing problems. However, when a cat’s immune system is weakened, these mites can proliferate, leading to demodicosis. Another type, Demodex gatoi, is also associated with feline mange and, unlike D. cati, is contagious.
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Notoedric Mange (Feline Scabies): Caused by Notoedres cati mites, notoedric mange is highly contagious among cats and is often considered the feline equivalent of sarcoptic mange in dogs. This type of mange is known for causing intense itching and noticeable skin lesions.
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Cheyletiellosis (“Walking Dandruff”): Cheyletiella blakei mites are responsible for this type of mange. Often referred to as “walking dandruff” because the mites are visible to the naked eye as moving white flakes, cheyletiellosis is also contagious and can cause mild to moderate itching and skin scaling.
Occasionally, other mites can cause skin problems in cats. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are a 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 also affect cats, it is less common.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Mange in Cats
Mange mites, whether they are crawling on the surface or burrowing into your cat’s skin, cause significant irritation. Identifying the symptoms early is crucial for prompt treatment and relief.
Common symptoms of mange in cats include:
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Hair Loss (Alopecia): This is a hallmark sign of mange in cats. Hair loss can be localized or widespread, depending on the type and severity of the infestation.
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Itching (Pruritus): Mange is notoriously itchy. Cats may scratch, rub, and lick excessively, leading to further skin damage. The intensity of itching can vary depending on the type of mange.
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Skin Lesions: Mange can manifest in various skin lesions, such as:
- Rashes: Redness and inflammation of the skin.
- Sores: Open wounds or breaks in the skin due to scratching or mite activity.
- Miliary Dermatitis: Characterized by small, crusty bumps on the skin, often felt more easily than seen.
- Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex: This can present as raised, red, and oozing patches of skin, sometimes associated with D. gatoi mange.
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Excessive Grooming and Hair Pulling: Particularly with D. gatoi mange, cats may overgroom, especially on their abdomen, leading to hair pulling and bald patches.
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Chin Acne or Skin Problems Primarily on the Chin: D. cati mange can sometimes manifest with skin issues concentrated around the chin area.
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Crusty Skin: Notoedric mange often results in thick, crusty skin, especially around the head and neck.
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Moving Skin Flakes: In cheyletiellosis, you might notice skin flakes that appear to move, giving the appearance of “walking dandruff.”
It’s important to remember that these symptoms are not exclusive to mange. Many other feline conditions, including flea infestations, skin infections, allergies, and ringworm, can present with similar signs. Therefore, veterinary diagnosis is essential for accurate identification and treatment.
Unraveling the Causes of Mange in Cats
Understanding how cats contract mange is crucial for prevention, especially for contagious types.
For contagious forms of mange like cheyletiellosis, notoedric mange, and D. gatoi demodectic mange, direct contact with an infected cat is the primary mode of transmission. Mites can easily transfer from one cat to another during close contact. These mites can also survive for a short period off a host in the environment. This means that transmission can also occur through contaminated environments or objects, such as grooming tools, bedding, or shared living spaces.
In contrast, D. cati demodectic mange has a different underlying cause. D. cati mites are considered part of the normal feline skin microbiome. They typically only become problematic when a cat’s immune system is compromised. Factors that can suppress a cat’s immune system and potentially lead to D. cati demodicosis include:
- Underlying diseases
- Age (very young or old cats)
- Stress
- Certain medications that suppress the immune system
Veterinary Diagnosis of Mange in Cats: Getting to the Root of the Problem
Diagnosing mange in cats accurately requires a veterinary examination and often involves specific diagnostic tests. Your veterinarian will follow a systematic approach to determine if mange is the cause of your cat’s skin issues.
The diagnostic process typically begins with:
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Physical Examination and History: Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam of your cat, paying close attention to the skin lesions and hair loss patterns. They will also ask you detailed questions about your cat’s lifestyle and health history. Be prepared to answer questions such as:
- Does your cat go outdoors?
- Are there other pets in the household, and are any of them (or humans in the family) experiencing skin problems?
- Has your cat been ill recently or have any chronic health conditions?
- What medications or supplements is your cat currently receiving?
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Skin Scrapings and Microscopic Examination: The most common diagnostic test for mange is a skin scraping. Your veterinarian will collect skin samples, either by pressing clear tape against the skin or gently scraping the skin surface with a scalpel blade. These samples are then examined under a microscope to identify mites.
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Other Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the suspected type of mange and your cat’s overall health, your veterinarian may recommend additional tests, including:
- Fecal Examination: To rule out internal parasites and assess overall health.
- Flea Combing: To confirm or rule out fleas as a contributing factor.
- Blood Work: To evaluate your cat’s overall health and identify any underlying conditions that might be contributing to skin problems or a weakened immune system.
In some cases, even if mites are not found during skin scrapings, your veterinarian may recommend starting mange treatment. This is because some types of mites, particularly Demodex mites that live deep in hair follicles, can be challenging to detect on skin scrapings. A positive response to treatment can help confirm the diagnosis.
Effective Treatment Strategies for Mange in Cats
Fortunately, numerous effective treatments are available for feline mange. The optimal treatment plan will depend on several factors, including:
- The type of mange diagnosed
- Your cat’s age and overall health
- The severity of the infestation
Common treatment options prescribed by veterinarians include:
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Topical Medications:
- Moxidectin (Advantage Multi®): This topical solution is effective against various parasites, including some mange mites.
- Fluralaner (Bravecto® Topical): Bravecto topical solution offers broad-spectrum parasite control and is effective against certain types of mange mites.
- Selamectin (Revolution®): Revolution is a topical medication that treats fleas, heartworms, and ear mites and is also effective against some mange mites.
- Fipronil (Frontline®): While primarily known for flea and tick control, fipronil can also be used to treat cheyletiellosis in cats.
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Lime Sulfur Dips: Lime sulfur dips are a traditional treatment for mange. They involve applying a diluted lime sulfur solution to the cat’s entire body. While effective, they can be messy, have a strong odor, and may stain fur.
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Amitraz Dips: Amitraz is another dip treatment option, but it is used less commonly in cats than in dogs and requires careful veterinary supervision.
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Oral Medications:
- Ivermectin (Heartgard®): Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication that can be effective against some types of mange mites. It is typically given orally or by injection.
- Milbemycin (Interceptor®): Milbemycin is another oral medication that can be used to treat certain types of mange.
It’s crucial to never administer any mange treatment to your cat without consulting your veterinarian first. Many of these medications require a prescription, and the correct dosage and application are critical for safety and effectiveness. Using the wrong product or dosage can be harmful to your cat.
Recovery and Long-Term Management of Mange in Cats
With appropriate treatment, cats with mange typically show improvement within a week or two. The first sign of recovery is often a reduction in itching. Skin healing and fur regrowth may take longer, depending on the severity of the initial condition.
In severe mange cases, or if secondary bacterial skin infections have developed due to scratching, your veterinarian may also prescribe medications to:
- Control itching (anti-inflammatory drugs or antihistamines)
- Treat secondary skin infections (antibiotics)
It’s also essential to consider treating other pets in your household, even if they are not showing symptoms. They may be asymptomatic carriers of mites, which can lead to re-infestation and treatment failure. Consult your veterinarian about the best course of action for all pets in your household.
If your cat’s symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected after starting treatment, contact your veterinarian. Further diagnostic tests or adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary.
Preventing Mange in Cats: Proactive Measures
Prevention is always preferable to treatment. Preventive strategies vary depending on the type of mange:
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Contagious Mange (Cheyletiellosis, Notoedric Mange, D. gatoi Demodicosis):
- Limit Outdoor Access: The most effective way to prevent contagious mange is to keep your cat indoors, minimizing contact with potentially infected cats.
- Preventive Medications: Many of the medications used to treat mange (such as Bravecto® and Advantage Multi®) can also be used preventatively. These products are often effective against a broad spectrum of external parasites, including fleas and ticks, in addition to certain mange mites. Regular use of these products, as recommended by your veterinarian, can provide ongoing protection.
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Non-Contagious Mange (D. cati Demodicosis):
- Maintain a Healthy Immune System: Since D. cati demodicosis is often linked to immunosuppression, supporting your cat’s overall health is key. This includes:
- Providing a high-quality, balanced diet.
- Minimizing stress.
- Avoiding unnecessary use of immunosuppressive medications (when possible and under veterinary guidance).
- Promptly addressing any underlying health issues by seeking regular veterinary care.
- Maintain a Healthy Immune System: Since D. cati demodicosis is often linked to immunosuppression, supporting your cat’s overall health is key. This includes:
Mange in Cats: Frequently Asked Questions
Is mange in cats contagious to humans?
Notoedric mange and cheyletiellosis are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans. However, human infestations are usually self-limiting and less severe than in cats. If you suspect you may have contracted mange from your cat, consult your physician. Demodectic mange caused by D. cati is not considered contagious to humans.
What does a cat with mange look like?
Cats with mange typically exhibit symptoms like itchiness, hair loss, and skin lesions. The appearance can vary depending on the type of mange and the severity of the infestation. However, these signs are not unique to mange and can be associated with other skin conditions.
Can a cat survive mange?
Yes, with proper and timely treatment, most cats recover fully from mange without long-term effects. However, untreated mange, especially severe cases of notoedric mange, can be debilitating and potentially fatal if left unaddressed due to secondary infections and complications. Early veterinary intervention is crucial for a positive outcome.
