What is mange in cats? Mange is a skin disease caused by mite infestations. There are different types of mites that cause different types of mange, but all have similar symptoms. Cat mange is uncommon but is highly contagious, so early treatment is important.

What Causes Cat Mange?

Mange is caused by tiny parasites called mites that bite the skin causing itching, inflammation, flaking and hair loss. Some mites can also affect humans, so keep an eye out for any symptoms and get in touch with your GP if you’re concerned. There are many different types of mites and cat mites.

The different types of mange that can affect cats are:

• Demodectic mange: this is an inflammatory skin disease caused by the demodex cati and demodex gatoi mites. Demodex cati live in the hair follicles and sometimes ear canals of cats with a poor immune system. Demodex gatoi live on the skin, in the top layer, and can be found on healthy cats.
• Sarcoptic mange: this is also called canine scabies and is a type of mange caused by the Sarcoptes species of mite. Cats usually become infected with these through contact with an infected dog. Symptoms include sores, hair loss and itching.
• Notoedric mange: also known as feline scabies. This has similar symptoms to canine scabies but is caused by the Notoedres cati mite. It’s very rare in the UK but highly contagious. The most affected areas are the edges of the ears and the face, which is why it’s often referred to as ‘head mange’.
• Otodectic mange: these are ear mites (otodectes cynotis) that affect the ears as the mites burrow inside the ear canal. They cause intense itching and can result in ear infections and damage to the ear drum. Mange cats will scratch and shake their head a lot.
• Walking dandruff (Cheyletiellosis): this is also referred to as ‘fur mites’. These mites can be seen with the naked eye and look like small white flakes of skin, hence the name ‘walking dandruff’. They also cause lots of scurf or dandruff formation on the cat’s skin.
• Trombiculosis: commonly known as Chiggers or harvest mites (neotrombicula autumnalis), they’re seen mainly in autumn. Harvest mites live in rural areas and attach themselves onto passing cats. The mites lay eggs on the cat’s skin and the larvae then feed on blood. The larvae can be seen by the naked eye and look like tiny, red, or bright orange oval dots - tending to cluster around the ears, head, belly, or feet.

What are the Feline Mange Symptoms?

Cats may not initially show any signs of mange in its early stages. As the condition progresses, the most common feline mange symptoms in cats include excessive itching, hair loss and redness. There may also be some skin crusting or small bumps on the skin.

Ear mange will cause an excessive build-up of wax that looks dark and dry. This can be seen in the ear or may fall out as the cat scratches and shakes its head. Severe mange can be really smelly.

How Can Cats Get Mange?

Mange is more common in cats that spend time outdoors, but all cats are at risk from this itchy skin disease. Most mites are transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal or indirectly from items like bedding.

Some mites can be found in the environment and will latch on to a passing cat. Other mites, like demodex mites, are naturally present on all cats in small numbers, which are controlled by the immune system. These mites only become a problem when the cat’s immune system isn’t working properly, then the mite numbers can grow.

How Will My Vet Diagnose Mange?

Your vet will need to carry out some tests to work out what type of mange your cat has. In most cases, they’ll take some skin scrapings to look at under a microscope. A skin scrape involves making a small graze on your cat’s skin, which may be slightly uncomfortable for them, but is necessary for both diagnosis and treatment. Most mites and eggs are too small to be seen by the naked eye.

It’s likely that your vet will also want to take a blood sample to test for any underlying diseases that may have caused a weakened immune system. Diseases they may want to rule out include diabetes, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Mange Treatment for Cats

Do I put cat my down if it has mange? No! Mange can be easily treated. The type of treatment will depend on what mites your cat is infested with, but all types of mange will require cat mange medication.

If your cat has an underlying condition that’s affecting their immune system, this will also need treating. Euthanasia would only be an option if the underlying condition was untreatable.

While treating cat mange, keep your cat isolated from any other pets. Mites can live on bedding, toys, carpets and furniture for a limited time. Make sure to clean any items your infected cat may have been in contact with to avoid the mites spreading.

How to Prevent Mange in Cats

Mange is more common in places where cats congregate, this is because the mites can easily transmit from one cat to another. It’s difficult to keep your cat away from places like this, but regular flea, tick and worm treatment will help to reduce the risk of most forms of mange.

Some mites are naturally present on a cat’s body in small numbers but can increase if their immune system is low. Kittens, elderly cats, and those recovering from surgery or an illness, are most at risk. Maintaining a healthy diet and clean environment will help to keep your cat fit, healthy and mite free.

There are various types of mange in cats, but all are treatable. The mites that cause mange are either naturally present on the body or transmitted from an infected animal.

Cats with mange treatment should be isolated to prevent transmission to other pets. The main symptoms are itching, redness and hair loss, but your cat may not show these signs straight away. Check your cat’s skin regularly so you can get them treated early.

Everypaw Cat Insurance

Everypaw's Cat Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your kitty will be well looked after. 

Get a quote

 

Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis - www.vetlexicon.com/felis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.