Mange in cats: Signs, symptoms and treatments

Updated 16/09/2024

Mange in cats is a very distressing illness. It can completely debilitate an affected kitty and is just as painful as it looks like it is. To understand how best to help cats with this type of skin problem, let’s find out exactly what mange in cats is, how to recognize signs of mange in cats, what to do to prevent mange in cats, and finally what can be done to make the better.

This is a rather nasty itch to scratch, but one that can be treated. Let’s find out what to do and solve the problem of mange in cats.

What is mange in cats?

Mange in cats is not a common complaint amongst most domesticated kitties, particularly those in a happy and clean home. However, it does exist as a skin disease that can cause intense itching, hair loss, and raw, scabbed areas of skin that can cause mobility issues and temporary blindness around the eyes.

There are a few different types of mange in cats, but it’s caught from different parasites (often Demodex mites) that burrow into their skin and cause a nasty reaction. It’s very sore and often painful for kitties, so it’s important to take them straight to the vet if you notice any excessive itching or missing patches of fur.

Types of mange in cats

Sarcoptic mange in cats

Also known as canine mange, sarcoptic mange is found in a few different mammals including cats. However, this type of mange mite is caught by an infected animal such as a dog sharing the same living space - this means even indoor cats are susceptible to picking up this irritating illness.

Demodectic mange

This is caused by Demodex mites that can live in both the hair follicles and oil glands of a cat. It displays the usual mange in cat symptoms like intense itching, swollen and red skin, and hair loss. It’s less common than Sarcoptic mange. 

Otodectic mange

Also known as ear mites, otodectic mange occurs inside a cat’s ear canal which can be very uncomfortable for them. These mites burrow right into the outer and inner ear of a cat and can cause permanent damage to their eardrums (and hearing) if not treated.

Notoedric mange (also known as feline scabies)

This is arguably the most common type of mange in cats and is often what you’ll see on stray cats. Like the other forms of mange, it causes severe irritation which can lead to the fur falling out and the skin crusting over.

Walking dandruff (Cheyletiellosis)

A strange name, yes, but it makes sense if you ever see what these mites look like, which are small, white pieces of dandruff. Just like the other nasties on this list, walking dandruff is also contagious to humans. Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands and any clothing they may have come into contact with.

Symptoms of mange in cats

Early mange in cats can first be picked up from these signs:

• Overgrooming
• Hair loss and bald patches with irritated skin
• Mild skin lesions - redness and inflammation
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Intense itching

Later stages of mange can look like:

• Raw, scabbed, crusty skin
• Numerous bald patches
• Flaky skin
• Chin acne
• Rashes and sores on the skin

How to treat mange in cats

Despite being unpleasant to witness, mange in cats is very treatable. Vets will often start by treating mange with various oral medicines to build up their immune systems and kill off those pesky parasites. This will then be followed up with topical shampoos and creams which must be used as often as instructed. While mange in cats can cause an alarming amount of fur loss, once treated their fur will begin to grow back. However, in some very serious cases, the skin can be too damaged for fur return.

Is mange in cats contagious?

Unfortunately, it is but luckily isn’t common amongst household cats. Sadly, you’ll often find mange in cats who are homeless or feral - parasites breed best in dirty conditions and are easily passed from one cat to another once caught. Preventing mange can be easier said than done - just don’t let them come into contact with other cats that have mange - but catching it early means a less painful experience for your kitty.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

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