Mange Mites

Mange is an uncommon condition in cats, but, when it does occur, one of two types of mite may be responsible.

The minute, microscopic mange mite Notoedres cati is responsible for the feline form of scabies or notoedric mange. This is a very contagious skin disease that readily spreads from one cat to another. The mites live and breed in burrows within the upper layers of skin and cause very severe irritation. The infestation usually begins at the ear tips and spreads downwards across the forehead and the rest of the face. The cat tries to relieve the irritation by rubbing its head against objects and using its paws, and the mites may then be transferred to these as well. The hair is rubbed off and falls out and the skin becomes thickened, wrinkled and scabby.

Demodectic or follicular mange (demodecosis) is rarer still in cats and is caused by another type of microscopic mite, Demodex canis, which is a common parasite of dogs. The mites inhabit the hair follicles, and in cats the infestation usually affects the skin surrounding the eyes and the eyelids. Bare, reddened patches appear as the hairs fall out and there may be a musty smell.

Diagnosis of both forms of mite infestation is normally carried out at a veterinary clinic by microscopic examination of skin samples. Treatment is by means of the various insecticidal preparations that are used to control fleas and are also effective against mites. These parasites cannot survive for long away from their host animal so extensive repeated treatment of the cat's environment is not necessary. Since notoedric mange is so contagious, however, the affected animal should be isolated from others, but all cats in contact must be treated at the same time. The bed and bedding of the cat or cats should be boil-washed or disinfected.