Mange in cats

Mange is a skin disease caused by mites too small to see with the naked eye. It is much more often talked about in dogs, but cats can be affected too. Knowing the signs helps you get your cat to the vet early, before the skin becomes sore or infected.

What is mange?

Mange is the general name for skin disease caused by mites living on or in the skin. In cats, the form caused by Demodex mites is called demodicosis or demodectic mange. Other mites cause different forms of mange, so the name alone doesn't tell you which treatment is needed.

Signs of mange in cats

Signs vary with the type of mite, but can include:

• patchy hair loss, often around the head, eyelids, ears and neck, and sometimes on the flanks;
• scaly, flaky or crusty skin;
• sores or lesions on the skin;
• itching, scratching or overgrooming.

Left untreated, the skin can become sore and infected. Many other conditions cause similar signs, so contact your vet rather than guessing.

What causes mange in cats?

Several mites can cause mange in cats, including Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi and Notoedres cati (feline scabies). Your vet will identify which one from skin scrapings or hair samples.

Demodex gatoi

This mite lives on the surface of the skin and is contagious. It can pass between cats that live together.

Demodex cati

This mite lives in the hair follicles. Problems are usually linked to an underlying illness that affects the immune system or metabolism, such as diabetes. When the cat's defences are weakened, the mites can multiply and cause skin disease.

Notoedres cati (feline scabies)

This mite causes a form of mange often called feline scabies. It spreads between cats by close contact.

Other mites

Ear mites and Cheyletiella mites can also cause itching and skin problems in cats. Your vet can check for these at the same time.

How vets diagnose mange

Your vet will examine your cat and usually take skin scrapings or hair samples to look for mites under a microscope. If an underlying illness is suspected, they may suggest further tests.

How mange is treated

Your vet will recommend treatment based on the type of mite. Contagious types may mean treating every cat in the household. If your cat has an underlying health problem, treating that is part of the plan too.

Don't use home remedies or over-the-counter products for suspected mange. Never use a product made for dogs on a cat, as some dog products are toxic to cats.

Can mange in cats be prevented?

There is no single way to prevent mange, but you can lower the risk and catch it early:

• take your cat for regular health checks, so underlying illnesses are picked up;
• watch for changes in your cat's coat and grooming habits;
• if one cat is diagnosed with a contagious type, follow your vet's advice on treating the others;
• keep up with parasite control your vet recommends.