Mange in Cats: Recognising and Treating Feline Skin Parasites

Mange conditions in cats including notoedric mange, demodex, and cheyletiellosis cause significant welfare impacts from pruritis and skin damage. Recognition and treatment are essential.

Key Facts

Notoedric mange (Notoedres cati) is highly contagious between cats and causes intense pruritis and crusting on the face
Feline demodicosis caused by Demodex cati is usually associated with underlying immune suppression
Cheyletiella mites cause walking dandruff — visible movement of surface scale under magnification
Most feline mange conditions respond well to licensed treatments including selamectin and moxidectin

Welfare Considerations

Mange causes significant suffering through intense, persistent pruritis leading to self-trauma, excoriation, and secondary bacterial infection. Notoedric mange spreads rapidly in multi-cat environments. Demodecosis in cats should prompt investigation for underlying immunosuppressive conditions including FIV, FeLV, and diabetes. Treatment must address both the mite infestation and any secondary infections. Environmental decontamination is essential for contagious species to prevent reinfection.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary attention for any cat showing facial crusting, hair loss, or intense scratching
Isolate affected cats from others in multi-cat households until mange is confirmed and treatment initiated
Treat all in-contact cats when contagious mange is diagnosed, even if asymptomatic
Investigate for underlying immunosuppressive disease in cats with demodecosis recurrence or severe presentation