Notoedric mange, also known as 'feline scabies' is caused by a parasitic mite called Notoedres cati (Reference 1). These mites are related to the same mite that causes sarcoptic mange in dogs (Reference 1). Fortunately, these mites are extremely rare in the United States, with the highest concentrations occurring in certain geographic areas such as southern California. (Reference 2).
Signs of Notoedric Mange in Cats
The most common sign of notoedric mange is an intense itching of the skin, particularly beginning around the ears before progressing down the back of the cat. The affected skin may become scabby with a thick or crusty appearance (References 1, 2, 3).
In cats where notoedric mange is left untreated, excessive itching may cause raw, inflamed skin. This often leads to secondary bacterial infections which will also need treatment (Reference 3).
Diagnosis of Notoedric Mange
The most common way for a veterinarian to diagnose notoedric mange is through examination of skin scrapings. Your vet will take samples of the skin scrapings and view them beneath a microscope in order to find the offending mites. (References 1, 2, 3).
Treatment of Notoedric Mange
If your cat has medium to long fur, then their hair must be trimmed to allow for the prescribed treatments in order to fully penetrate to the skin (References 1, 2, 3). For the majority of cats infected with feline scabies, a daily shampoo will be used in addition to a daily or weekly 2% to 3% lime sulfur dip. This process will need to be repeated until the mites have fully died off, which may take up to eight weeks in severe cases (Reference 1).
Your veterinarian may also prescribe a product called Revolution. Revolution for cats is prescribed for flea, worm and tick prevention however it has also been shown to be effective for aiding in the treatment of notoedric mange (Reference 3).
Is Notoedric Mange Contagious?
Notoedric mange is extremely contagious between cats. If you have a multiple cat household, all cats must be treated. Even if there are no symptoms present in other cats, there is no guarantee that symptoms will not eventually develop. These mites will affect any cat, regardless of breed, sex or age (References 1, 2, 3).
It is also possible for you or your family to contract these mites as well. However, in most cases the mites that jump hosts to humans will die off without any necessary treatment (References 1, 3).
Warnings
There are several treatments for mange that are safe for dogs but can be dangerous to cats. Some of these products are used to treat Notoedres mites in dogs, however these same products can be toxic to cats. Most cats have a higher sensitivity to products that would otherwise be considered safe, particularly for use in dogs (Reference 1).
In addition, the medication ivermectin has been used to successfully treat sarcoptic mange in dogs but is not approved for treating mange in cats. Ivermectin is a medication that is used off-label and injected into the skin for treating mange in dogs. However, ivermectin is the active ingredient in a common heartworm preventive known as 'Heartgard,' and is not intended for treating mange in either dogs or cats (Reference 1).
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