Companion Animals

Cat Feline Notoedric Mange Welfare

Notoedric mange is a highly contagious mite infestation causing intense pruritus and welfare compromise in affected cats.

Key Facts

Sarcoptes-like Notoedres cati mites cause severe facial and neck crusting in affected cats
The condition is extremely pruritic and affected cats scratch constantly, causing self-trauma
Notoedric mange is highly contagious to other cats and can temporarily affect humans
Treatment with selamectin or ivermectin is effective but may require multiple applications
Feral cat populations can serve as a reservoir, with spread to owned cats through close contact

Welfare Considerations

Cats with notoedric mange experience intense, constant pruritus that severely disrupts normal behavior and causes significant self-trauma. Treatment is effective but disease causes considerable suffering before diagnosis in many cases.

What You Can Do

Seek prompt veterinary assessment for cats with facial crusting and intense scratching
Treat all in-contact cats simultaneously to prevent reinfection
Avoid contact with feral cats showing facial crusting in areas where mange is known