Mites & Mange In Cats: Symptoms & Treatment

Have you ever wondered what causes mange in cats? Read on to find out more, including the symptoms of mange and mites in cats and how to treat and protect your cat.

What is mange in cats?

Mange is a skin disease caused by parasitic mites that can affect both kittens and cats. Mites are tiny, external parasites that can lead to severe irritation of the skin or ears which can significantly impact your cat’s quality of life.

Types of mange in cats

There are two main types of mange in cats:

Otodectic mange caused by ear mites (Otodectes cynotis)
Notoedric mange, also known as feline scabies, caused by a mite called Notoedres cati

How do cats get mange?

Ear mites in cats are typically spread from direct contact with other cats or dogs.
Notoedric mange is highly contagious and is spread by contact with an infested cat

Symptoms of mange in cats

What does mange look like on a cat? The signs of mange vary depending on the type of mite involved:

Otodectic mange (ear mites): Scratching around head and ears, head shaking, dark discharge and unpleasant odour from the ears.
Notoedric mange (feline scabies): Intense itching, crusting and scaling of the skin, hair loss.

Many of the signs of mange in cats can be caused by other skin conditions, such as allergic skin disease, so it is important to consult your vet to confirm the diagnosis.

Cat mange treatment

Thankfully, there are effective treatments available to treat mange in cats. NexGard SPECTRA^® Spot-On for Cats is highly effective at treating ear mite infestations and notoedric mange.

Monthly treatment with NexGard SPECTRA^® protects cats against ear mites and notoedric mange, as well as fleas, ticks, heartworm, lungworm and intestinal worms (including tapeworms). It provides the most complete parasite protection, all in one easy, monthly application

FAQs

Can humans get mange from cats?

The mites that cause notoedric mange in cats can also infest humans. The main symptom of these cat mites on humans is intensely itchy skin lesions which are temporary and will resolve if the cat is treated or the person has no further contact with it.
Is mange contagious in cats?

Yes, both ear mite infestations and notoedric mange are contagious and can spread easily between cats. Ear mites can also spread between cats and dogs.

Does mange go away on it’s own?

No, mange will not resolve on its own but luckily there are effective treatments available for cats with mites and mange. NexGard SPECTRA^® Spot-On for Cats is highly effective at treating ear mite infestations and notoedric mange.

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