Mange in Cats: Is it a Common Occurrence
Feb 20,2025 | puaintapets
Mange is a skin condition caused by mites, and it can affect many animals, including cats. While it’s more commonly associated with dogs, cats are also susceptible to mange, though it is less common in felines. Mange can cause discomfort, irritation, and hair loss, and if left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues.
In this article, we will explore the types of mange that affect cats, the symptoms to look out for, the causes behind the condition, and the treatment options available to help your cat recover.
What is Mange in Cats?
Mange in cats is a skin disorder caused by microscopic parasites called mites. These mites burrow into the skin or live on the surface, causing irritation, inflammation, and hair loss. There are two primary types of mange that can affect cats: Demodectic mange and Sarcoptic mange, both of which are caused by different types of mites.
Demodectic Mange (Demodicosis)
Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites, which naturally live on the skin of most mammals, including cats. Under normal circumstances, these mites don’t cause any harm. However, if a cat’s immune system becomes weakened, the number of mites can grow uncontrollably, leading to Demodectic mange.
Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. These mites are highly contagious and can spread from one animal to another, including from dogs to cats. Unlike Demodex mites, Sarcoptes mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching and inflammation.
Both types of mange can cause similar symptoms in cats, though Demodectic mange is typically less severe than Sarcoptic mange.
Symptoms of Mange in Cats
There are several main symptoms of cat mange:
I. Skin symptoms
The sick cat usually has hair loss in one or more places, and the hair loss starts from the eyes and ears, and then develops to the whole body.
- Reddening of the skin
The skin after hair loss is red, with rash-like nodules, and the subcutaneous tissue is thickened with the development of the disease.
- Crusting
The skin develops scaly crusts and the edges of the ears are thickened.
- Itching
Sick cats will scratch the affected area due to itching, the hair will fall off, and the local skin will appear hemorrhagic scratches, and in some cases, yellow water will flow out after the skin is broken, emitting a foul odor.
II. Ear symptoms
- Increased ear wax
If infected with ear scabies, there will be a large amount of brownish-black ear wax, sick cats will have symptoms such as head tossing and ear scratching, and even cause otitis externa.
Also Read: Cat Ear Mites vs. Wax: Understanding the Differences and How to Manage Them
III. Other symptoms
- Restlessness
Sick cats will behave very uneasily because of itching, unable to keep still or even lie down to rest.
- Loss of appetite
Cats usually have a poor appetite due to itching.
- Irritability
Sick cats may become grumpy due to physical discomfort.
What Causes Feline Mange?
Feline mange is mainly caused by the following:
1. Parasite infection
Mange mites: Cat mange disease is mainly caused by the infection of feline dorsal anal mites of the dorsal anal mite genus of the mange mite family. The development process of the mange mite includes four stages: egg, larval mite, wakame and adult mite. It is mainly parasitized on the ears, face, eyelids and neck of cats, which will lead to itchy skin, hair loss, scabs and other symptoms in cats.
Ear Mites: Mange in cats can also be caused by a mange infection from ear mites. Ear mites can hide in the skin tissue and cause skin disease through direct contact with cats infected with mange. The common symptoms are reddish-brown or black coffee-like secretion in the ear canal, itchy skin, hair loss and other symptoms.
2. Environmental factors
Humidity: Humid environments are prone to harbor pathogens such as mange bacteria and mites, increasing the risk of cats being infected with mange. For example, the rainy season in the south or cats living in damp basements, bathrooms and other environments can lead to mange.
Unhygienic: Cats living in unclean environments, such as cat nests, litter boxes, food bowls, water bowls and other supplies that have not been cleaned and sterilized for a long time, are prone to breeding pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and parasites, which can lead to mange.
Contact with infectious agents: contact with other animals suffering from mange, such as stray cats, sick pet cats, etc., or contact with items contaminated by sick animals, such as combs, towels, cat nests, etc., may lead to mange infection in cats.
3. Cats' own factors
Low immunity: When cats have low immunity due to age, disease, malnutrition, etc., the resistance of the body is weakened and they are easily attacked by pathogens such as mange bacteria and mites, which can cause mange. For example, young cats, elderly cats, cats with chronic diseases, and cats with unbalanced diets for a long time are more prone to mange.
Damaged Skin Barrier: Damage to the skin barrier of cats, such as damage to the skin due to trauma, over-bathing, use of irritating bathing products, allergies, etc., will also increase the chances of mange infection.
How to Treat Mange in Cats?
Treatment for mange in cats will depend on the type of mange and the severity of the symptoms. The most common treatments include:
1. Topical or Oral Medications
- Amitraz: A topical medication used to kill the mites. It is commonly used to treat Sarcoptic mange in cats.
- Ivermectin: An oral medication that kills both Demodex and Sarcoptes mites.
- Selamectin: A topical solution that can help treat Demodectic mange.
2. Medicated Shampoos and Creams
Shampoos or topical creams containing antiparasitic agents can help soothe the skin and kill the mites. These may be used alongside other medications to provide relief from itching and inflammation.
3. Antibiotics
If your cat develops a secondary bacterial infection due to excessive scratching, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
4. Regular Grooming and Bathing
While your cat undergoes treatment, regular grooming and bathing can help soothe the skin, remove dead skin cells, and keep the fur free from parasites. Be sure to use a gentle, vet-recommended shampoo.
5. Treating Underlying Health Conditions
If your cat’s immune system is compromised due to illness, your vet will also address the underlying health condition to help strengthen the immune system and prevent future outbreaks.
Also Read: How Do You Treat Mange On A Cat
How to Prevent Mange in Cats?
FAQs
How long does it take for mange to heal in cats?
The healing time for mange depends on the type of mange and the severity of the infection. With proper treatment, mild cases can begin to improve within a few weeks, but more severe cases may take a few months to fully recover.
Can mange in cats be transmitted to humans?
Feline mange can be transmitted to humans. Feline mange is usually caused by a feline dorsal anal mite infection, a parasite that can be transmitted between cats and humans. When humans come into contact with a cat infected with feline mange, they can become infected. Therefore, if you find that your cat at home is infected with feline mange, it should be treated and quarantined in time to prevent it from spreading to its owner and other pets.
Are there any home remedies for mange in cats?
While some home remedies may be claimed to help, it is not recommended to rely solely on home remedies. Mange should be treated under the guidance of a veterinarian, as improper treatment can lead to worsening of the condition.
Conclusion
Mange in cats is a treatable condition caused by mites that can lead to skin irritation, hair loss, and discomfort. By understanding the symptoms and causes of mange, you can work with your veterinarian to effectively treat and manage the condition. With prompt care, most cats can recover fully from mange and regain their healthy, shiny coats.
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