By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Mange is a catch-all word for skin disease caused by mites, and cats can be affected by several different kinds. Some cause crusty ears and an itchy face, some cause flaky dandruff along the back, and some barely itch at all. Mange is far less common in cats than in dogs, which is one reason it is often missed or mistaken for allergy. It is also one of the situations where a well-meaning owner can accidentally poison a cat by reaching for the wrong product.
Key takeaways
- Several mites cause mange in cats, including Notoedres (feline scabies), Demodex, Cheyletiella and ear mites.
- Some types are highly contagious to other cats, and a few can cause a temporary itchy rash in people.
- Signs include itching, hair loss, crusts and scabs, especially on the head, ears and neck.
- Never use dog flea or mite products on cats. Many contain permethrin, which can cause seizures and death in cats.
- Effective, cat-safe treatments are available from your vet.
Types of mange in cats
Notoedric mange (feline scabies)
Caused by Notoedres cati, a burrowing mite closely related to the dog scabies mite. It is uncommon in Australia but intensely itchy and highly contagious between cats. Crusting typically starts at the edges of the ears and spreads to the face, eyelids and neck, giving the skin a thickened, grey, wrinkled look. People can develop a temporary itchy rash after close contact.
Demodectic mange
Two Demodex species affect cats:
- Demodex cati lives in hair follicles and is normally present in small numbers. Disease usually appears when a cat's immune system is weakened by illness such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), diabetes, or cancer, or by long-term steroid treatment. Signs include patchy hair loss and scaling around the eyes, head and neck, sometimes with ear wax build-up.
- Demodex gatoi lives on the skin surface, is contagious between cats, and tends to cause itching and overgrooming, often with symmetrical hair loss on the belly, flanks and legs.
Cheyletiellosis (walking dandruff)
Cheyletiella mites live on the skin surface and cause scaling along the back, sometimes with mild itch. If you look closely, the flakes can appear to move. It is contagious between cats, dogs and rabbits and can cause itchy red bumps in people.
Ear mites
Otodectes cynotis is the most common mite in cats, especially kittens. It causes dark, crumbly, coffee-ground wax in the ears, head shaking and scratching. Severe scratching can cause wounds behind the ears and ear haematomas. Ear mites spread easily between cats and dogs in the same household.
Trombiculid mites (chiggers)
Seasonal larval mites, sometimes picked up outdoors, appear as tiny orange-red dots, often around the ears, toes and belly.
Signs to watch for
- Scratching, especially at the head, ears and neck
- Overgrooming or barbering the fur, sometimes hidden because cats groom in private
- Hair loss, often patchy or symmetrical
- Crusts, scabs, and small bumps (miliary dermatitis)
- Thickened or wrinkled skin on the ears and face
- Dandruff, especially along the back
- Dark discharge in the ears and head shaking
- Wounds from scratching
Many of these signs overlap with flea allergy, food allergy and ringworm, so a vet examination is needed to confirm the cause. Our article on cat dermatitis covers these other causes.
When to see a vet
Book an appointment if your cat is scratching more than usual, losing fur, or has crusts or ear discharge. See a vet promptly if:
- The skin is broken, raw, infected or smelly
- Your cat is lethargic, losing weight or not eating
- Several pets in the household are affected
- Family members are developing itchy red bumps
How vets diagnose mange
Your vet will examine your cat's skin and ears closely and may use:
- Ear swabs examined under the microscope for ear mites
- Skin scrapings, superficial or deep depending on the mite suspected
- Tape impressions or flea combing to collect surface mites and scale
- Faecal examination, because cats sometimes swallow mites while grooming
- Blood tests to look for underlying disease in cats with Demodex cati
Some mites, especially Demodex gatoi, are hard to find, so your vet may recommend a treatment trial.
How mange is treated
Most types of mange in cats respond well to modern, cat-specific parasite treatments, including spot-on and oral products registered for cats. Your vet will choose the product based on the mite involved, your cat's age and weight, and their health. Ear mites may also need ear cleaning and ear treatment. Secondary skin infections may need treatment, and cats with underlying illness need that addressed too.
Because several types are contagious, your vet will usually recommend treating all in-contact cats and dogs, and washing bedding, blankets and grooming tools.
Products to avoid
- Dog flea and tick products containing permethrin. Even a small amount can cause tremors, seizures and death in cats. Cats can also be poisoned by close contact with a recently treated dog. Read every label.
- Essential oils, including tea tree oil. Cats are especially sensitive, and these can cause liver damage and neurological signs.
- Old-fashioned dips and sulfur treatments unless prescribed by your vet.
- Ivermectin products made for livestock, which can be toxic at the wrong strength.
Preventing mange
- Use a broad-spectrum, cat-safe parasite preventative year round.
- Check new cats and kittens for ear mites and skin problems before introducing them.
- Keep your cat indoors or in a secure enclosure to reduce contact with stray cats and wildlife.
- Keep up regular health checks, especially for older cats or those with FIV.
FAQ
Can I catch mange from my cat?
Notoedres and Cheyletiella can cause a temporary itchy rash in people, which usually settles once the pet is treated. Ear mites and Demodex do not infest people.
Can my dog get mange from my cat?
Ear mites and Cheyletiella can spread between cats and dogs. Demodex cati does not.
How long does treatment take?
Many cats improve within a few weeks, but treatment often continues for several weeks to fully clear the mites.
Are indoor cats at risk?
Less so, but mites can arrive on a new pet or through contact with an infested animal.
Talk with a vet
If your cat is itchy or losing fur, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can look at photos, help narrow down the cause, and advise on cat-safe next steps. Talk to a Dial A Vet vet. If your cat has been exposed to a dog flea product and is twitching or trembling, contact an emergency vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 straight away.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Mange in dogs and cats
- Mueller RS, Rosenkrantz W, Bensignor E, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats: clinical consensus guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology. Veterinary Dermatology. 2020;31(1):4-25.
- International Cat Care: Permethrin poisoning in cats
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Ear mites
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
