Mange in Cats: Uncovering the Root Causes

Mange in cats is a skin condition caused by parasitic mites, leading to itching, hair loss, and discomfort. Understanding what causes mange and how to treat it is vital for any cat owner. This guide provides detailed information about mange in cats, from its causes and symptoms to prevention and care.

What Is Mange?

Mange is a skin disease caused by mites that burrow into or live on a cat’s skin. These mites can cause intense itching, inflammation, and secondary infections.

Types of Mange in Cats

1.Demodectic Mange

• • • The Demodex Mite: Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites. These mites are normally present in small numbers on a cat's skin as part of its normal microflora. However, when a cat's immune system is weakened, the mites can multiply rapidly.
    • Immune System Weakness: Factors that can weaken a cat's immune system include underlying diseases such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Stress can also play a role. For example, a recent move, the addition of a new pet to the household, or a change in the cat's diet can cause stress, which may lead to a weakened immune system and an overgrowth of Demodex mites.

2.Sarcoptic Mange

• • • The Sarcoptes Mite: Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. These mites are highly contagious and can be transmitted from other infected animals, such as dogs or wild animals that come into contact with the cat.
    • Poor Hygiene and Environment: Cats living in unhygienic environments are more susceptible to sarcoptic mange. Overcrowded shelters or areas with poor sanitation can increase the risk of mite infestation. Additionally, cats that are allowed to roam freely outdoors may come into contact with infected animals more easily.

Signs of Mange in Cats

1. Skin lesions 

• Hair loss: cats infected with mange will experience localized hair loss, and the area of hair loss may appear round, oval, or irregularly shaped.
• Erythema: The affected skin will appear red, which is caused by an inflammatory reaction.
• Flakes: mange causes the skin cuticle to proliferate and produce large amounts of flakes, which may appear grayish-white or silvery-gray in color.
• Scabs: in severe cases, scabs will appear on the affected skin, which are formed when the skin breaks down due to scratching by the cat.
• Itching:When a cat is infected with mange, the skin will become intensely itchy, which is caused by the mange worms moving within the skin.
  The cat will lick, bite and scratch the affected area frequently and may even scratch itself bleeding.

2. Other symptoms 

• Loss of appetite: due to the discomfort of itching, cats may experience a loss of appetite.
• Weight loss: prolonged itching and discomfort can affect your cat's eating and resting, leading to weight loss.
• Fever: in cases of severe infection, cats may develop a fever.

What Causes Mange in Cats?

Mange is a skin condition caused by the mange mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) and is contracted primarily through direct contact. Here are the main causes of feline mange.

• Mange mite infection

Mange mites are the main cause of feline mange; they parasitize the surface of the cat's skin, reproducing and surviving by digging skin tunnels. The mange mites have a life cycle of about 2-3 weeks, during which time they lay eggs, hatch and develop within the skin, leading to skin inflammation and itching.

• Transmission by direct contact

Feline Mange is highly contagious and healthy cats become ill through direct contact with a cat infected with mange. This contact can occur in multi-cat households, catteries, pet stores or other places where cats gather.

• Indirect contact transmission

Mange mites can be transmitted indirectly to healthy cats through contaminated environments, litters, toys, towels and other items. Mange mites can survive in the environment for several days after leaving the host, so indirect contact is also an important way to spread Mange in cats.

• Immunocompromised

Immunocompromised cats are more susceptible to contracting mange. This includes kittens, older cats, cats with other diseases (e.g. feline AIDS, diabetes, etc.), and cats under stress.

Also Read: Signs of Diabetes in Cats: Causes, Treatment, Prevention, and Daily Care

• Environmental factors

Crowded, unsanitary environmental conditions favor the spread of mange. Warm, moist environments can promote the survival and reproduction of mange mites, so keeping the cat's living environment clean and dry is crucial to preventing feline mange.

• Malnutrition

Malnourished cats, especially those lacking vitamins and minerals, may have impaired skin barrier function and are more susceptible to mange.

• Skin Injuries

Broken or traumatized skin can provide an entry point for mange mites to enter the skin, so cats with skin damage are more susceptible to mange infection.

• Genetic factors

Certain cat breeds may be genetically susceptible to mange, but the exact mechanism of inheritance is not fully understood.

How to Treat Mange in Cats?

The treatment of mange in cats mainly includes the following aspects.

1. Isolation and sterilization

Isolate the sick cat from other pets to avoid infection.

Thoroughly disinfect the cat's living environment, toys and litter to prevent the spread of fungal spores.

2. Topical medication

Use antifungal ointments or sprays, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole and other ingredients, and apply them directly to the affected area.
For more severe cases, medicated baths containing miconazole can be used for treatment.

3. Systemic treatment

If mange is extensive or spreads rapidly, oral antifungal medications such as ashwagandha, itraconazole or terbinafine hydrochloride may be needed, but the medication should be used according to the doctor's instructions because these medications may have side effects.

4. Nutritional supplementation

Provide nutritionally balanced food and increase the intake of vitamins (especially B vitamins) and Omega-3 fatty acids to enhance the immunity of cats.

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5. Skin care

Shave the hair around the affected area for medication, keep the skin dry and clean to avoid secondary infection.
Use anti-fungal shampoo for bathing, 1-2 times per week.

6. Environmental management

Keep the home environment clean and dry, avoid excessive humidity, and sunbathe regularly to sterilize and reduce fungal spores in the environment.

7. Regular review

Regularly return to the veterinarian during treatment to observe the progress of the disease and adjust the treatment program. Continue to observe for a period of time after healing to prevent recurrence.

8. Prevent transmission to humans

Mange is a zoonotic disease, owners need to pay attention to their own protection during the treatment period, and be diligent in disinfecting and washing hands after contacting cats.

How to Prevent Mange in Cats?

In order to prevent cat mange, you can start from the following aspects.

1. Maintain environmental hygiene 

Regularly clean the cat's living environment, including the litter box, food bowl, water bowl, litter box, etc. Thoroughly clean and disinfect at least once a week.

Keep the room dry and ventilated and avoid humid environments, as fungi and parasites are more likely to breed in humid environments.

Regularly clean and disinfect the cat's toys, bedding and other supplies to prevent the spread of mange bacteria.

2. Enhance the cat's immunity 

Provide nutritionally balanced food to ensure that cats consume enough protein, vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain skin health.
Avoid excessive stress and minimize the impact of environmental changes on your cat, as stress can lead to decreased immunity.
Take your cat for regular medical checkups to identify and deal with potential health problems in a timely manner. 

3. Prevent contact infection 

Avoid contact between cats and animals with mange or other skin diseases, especially in multi-cat or multi-pet households.
If there is a new member joining the family, whether it is a cat or other pets, they should be isolated and observed to ensure that there is no skin disease before allowing them to come into contact.
Limit the scope of outdoor activities for cats and avoid contact with stray animals, which may carry mange bacteria.

4. Daily care 

Regularly comb the cat's fur, which not only removes dust and stray hairs, but also promotes blood circulation and strengthens the skin's resistance.
Control the frequency of bathing to avoid over-bathing that destroys the natural oil layer of the skin. It is recommended to bathe once every 1-2 months and use cat-specific shower gel.
Ensure that the cat's fur is thoroughly dried after bathing, especially in areas that are prone to moisture such as skin folds and ears.

5. Prevent parasitic infections 

Regular internal and external deworming is recommended every 1-3 months to prevent parasitic infections such as mange mites.
Avoid cats contacting the environment that may carry parasites, such as grass and sand.

6. Avoid sharing personal belongings 

Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, combs, etc. with cats, as mange bacteria can be transmitted to people through these items.
Wash your hands promptly after contacting your cat, especially after dealing with its skin problems, to prevent the spread of the germs.

By taking the above precautions, the risk of mange in cats can be greatly reduced. If the cat shows symptoms suspected of mange, it should be taken to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and spreading to other animals or people.

When to See a Veterinarian

Signs of Severe Infestation
Seek immediate veterinary care if your cat has extensive hair loss, severe itching, or open sores.

Persistent Symptoms Despite Treatment
If symptoms continue after treatment, consult your vet for alternative options or additional testing.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, mange in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including mite infestation, immune system weakness, poor hygiene, nutritional deficiencies, and genetics. Cat owners should be vigilant for signs of mange, such as hair loss, skin itching, and scabbing. If mange is suspected, it is important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Maintaining a clean environment, providing a balanced diet, and reducing stress can all help in preventing mange in cats.