Mange in cats is a skin problem caused by very small parasitic mites that either dig into or live on a cat’s skin. Mange itself isn’t a disease, but a reaction to these mites invading the skin. Cats with mange usually feel very itchy, may lose fur, and often have damaged skin.
Mange is less common in cats than fleas, but when a cat keeps having skin problems that don’t respond to flea treatments, mange should be considered. These mites can make a cat extremely uncomfortable, leading to intense itching, skin sores, and in serious cases, other health problems if not treated.
How Does Mange Affect Cats?
Mange can cause mild to serious skin issues in cats. Mites make cats itchy by crawling on or inside their skin. Most problems are from the cat scratching, licking, or biting because of the itch, which can break the skin, cause redness, and allow other infections to start.
Mange also leads to obvious fur loss, often in patches, and different types of sores or scabs. In bad cases, the skin can become thick, wrinkled, or crusty. Some cats may act differently, like losing interest in food or becoming restless. Getting treatment fast is important to keep the problem from getting worse or spreading.
Is Mange in Cats Contagious to Humans or Other Pets?
Some types of mange in cats can easily spread to other animals and even people. Types like Notoedric mange (feline scabies), Cheyletiellosis (walking dandruff), and Demodectic mange from D. gatoi can pass from one pet to another, and even cause short-term itching in humans.
Mites usually spread by direct contact, but they can also survive for a short time on beds, grooming tools, or toys. This makes it important to treat all pets in the home if one has mange, even if others don’t show signs. While Notoedric mange and Cheyletiellosis can irritate people’s skin, they cannot live on humans for long. Demodex cati is not considered contagious because these mites live normally on cats and only cause issues if the cat’s immune system is weak.
Types of Mange in Cats
Mange in cats isn’t just one illness; different types are caused by different kinds of mites. Each type has its own signs and needs specific treatment to get rid of the mites and help the cat recover.
Notoedric Mange (Feline Scabies)
Notoedric mange, also called feline scabies, is very itchy and contagious. It is caused by the Notoedres cati mite, which burrows into the cat’s skin. Symptoms usually start around the ears, head, and neck with crusty skin and hair falling out, and the problem can quickly spread over the whole body. The skin might get yellow or gray and thickened. Cats scratch so much they injure themselves, and this can let bacteria in. Because it spreads easily between animals and can affect humans, quick treatment is needed and cats should be separated from others if possible.
Demodectic Mange (Feline Demodicosis)
Demodectic mange is due to mites from the Demodex group. There are two main types: D. cati and D. gatoi. D. cati mites are usually present on healthy cats and only cause problems when a cat’s immune system is weak. This can lead to patchy fur loss and crusty skin, but not always severe itching. D. gatoi mites, on the other hand, are contagious and cause lots of itching, especially on the belly.
Otodectic Mange (Ear Mites)
Ear mites are one of the most common forms in cats and caused by Otodectes cynotis. These mites live in the ear canal and survive on skin oils and wax. Symptoms include head shaking, scratching ears, and a dark, grainy discharge in the ears. Untreated, ear mites can harm the ear canal. They spread quickly among pets.
Cheyletiellosis (Walking Dandruff)
This is caused by Cheyletiella blakei mites and is known as “walking dandruff” since you can sometimes see the mites moving on the skin, especially along the back. This type spreads easily in homes with multiple animals. Cats might be itchy, but some show almost no signs.
Trombiculosis (Harvest Mites)
Trombiculosis comes from the larval stage of chigger mites. Cats get these from lying on the ground outside-mainly in late summer and fall. These little orange-red mites stick to the cat’s skin for a few days, mostly around the head, ears, feet, and belly. It causes red spots, bumps, hair loss, or crusts, and can be very itchy.
Fur Mites (Lynxacariasis)
Fur mites, caused by Lynxacarus radovskyi, are found in certain areas such as Florida, Texas, and some tropical places. These mites make the fur look like it has “salt and pepper” sprinkled in. They cause itching and hair loss, with the level of itchiness varying. People can rarely catch these mites from their cats but it’s unlikely.
| Type of Mange | Main Symptoms | Contagious? |
|---|---|---|
| Notoedric (Feline Scabies) | Itching, crusty skin starting around ears, severe fur loss | Yes |
| Demodectic (D. cati) | Patchy fur loss, mild itching, crusting | No |
| Demodectic (D. gatoi) | Severe itching, fur pulling, usually abdomen | Yes |
| Otodectic (Ear Mites) | Ear scratching, shaking, dark waxy discharge | Yes |
| Cheyletiellosis (Walking Dandruff) | White flakes, mild to severe itching along back | Yes |
| Trombiculosis (Chiggers) | Orange dots on skin, local redness, crusts, itching | No (direct exposure needed) |
| Fur Mites (Lynxacariasis) | Salt-and-pepper fur, hair loss, variable itching | Rare in humans |
What Causes Mange in Cats?
Mange comes from parasitic mites that settle on the skin, hair, or in the ears. How the cat catches mange depends on the type of mite. Some catch it from other animals, some only get problems if their own immune system is weak.
How Do Cats Get Mange?
Most cats get mange from contact with another animal that has mites. This is how types like feline scabies, walking dandruff, and D. gatoi mange are passed around. Multi-cat homes, shelters, or feral colonies are especially at risk because cats interact closely.
Mites can also sometimes be picked up from bedding, toys, or furniture, since they can survive away from a host for several days. That’s why thorough house cleaning is important when treating mange, to keep it from coming back.
What Causes Mange in Indoor Cats?
Even indoor cats can get mange. They can catch it from another pet that goes outside or from a newly adopted animal. Some mites, such as Demodex cati, can become a problem if a cat’s immune system gets weak due to sickness or stress, not from another animal. In these cases, treatment needs to focus on helping the cat regain its health as well as getting rid of the mites.
Symptoms of Mange in Cats
- Itching, scratching, licking, and biting at the skin
- Patchy or wide areas of fur loss
- Red or inflamed skin
- Scabs, crusts, bumps, or sores-sometimes wet or oozing
- Thickened or wrinkled skin in bad cases
- Seeing white moving flakes (walking dandruff)
- Ear mites: lots of scratching, head shaking, and dark ear wax
- Cats may seem restless, lose their appetite, or act more tired
Since these match symptoms of many other issues (like flea allergies, ringworm, or skin infections), it’s necessary to bring your cat to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Mange in Cats
To diagnose mange, the vet will take a full medical history and closely check your cat’s skin. They will usually take samples-like a skin scraping, tape test, or ear swab-to look for mites or eggs under the microscope. Sometimes, stool samples are tested to see if any mites were swallowed while the cat was cleaning itself.
Since some mites are difficult to find, especially if the cat is a frequent groomer, a vet may decide to treat the cat for mites and see if symptoms improve. Blood tests may also be used to check for illnesses that can weaken your cat’s immune system and make mite problems more likely.
Is Mange an Emergency?
Mange isn’t usually an emergency, but waiting to start treatment can let the problem get much worse. Itching and scratching can lead to deep skin injuries and infections, which are painful and tough to treat. In rare, very severe cases, like with Notoedres cati, or in cats already unhealthy, it can turn into a more serious problem. If your cat stops eating, is very weak, or extremely sick, take them to the vet right away.
Treatment Options for Mange in Cats
Vets treat mange in cats using prescription medication, tailored to the type and severity of the mite problem. Carefully follow your vet’s instructions-never try to treat mange on your own since some medicines for dogs or human products can poison cats.
Prescription Medications and Topical Treatments
Common prescribed treatments include:
- Moxidectin (Advantage Multi®): A liquid put on the skin that works against several types of mites.
- Fluralaner (Bravecto®): A topical treatment to kill mites for weeks.
- Lime Sulfur Dips: Baths in a lime sulfur solution, recommended for some mites. These can have a strong smell and may stain, so follow all safety tips.
- Ivermectin / Milbemycin: Oral medications sometimes used against mange (off-label for this use in cats).
- Fipronil (Frontline®) and Selamectin (Revolution®): Spot-on treatments for some types, especially ear mites.
Other medicines might be given for itching (like steroids), antibiotics for skin infection, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Managing Mange at Home
- Give all prescribed medication exactly as the vet says
- Don’t stop early-finishing treatment is critical
- Clean your cat’s bedding, toys, and areas they like
- Wash bedding in hot water
- Talk to your vet about treating other pets, even if they look healthy
- Keep your affected cat away from others until your vet says it’s okay
- Groom your cat regularly and keep their living area stress-free
- Feed them healthy food to help their body fight the mites and heal
How Long Does Mange Take to Heal?
Cats often feel less itchy within a week once treatment is started, but full healing of the skin and regrowth of fur may take 1-2 months or even longer in serious cases. Don’t stop treatment even if your cat seems better-eggs can survive and hatch after the fur looks normal. Regular check-ins with your vet help make sure the mites are completely gone.
What Happens If Mange Isn’t Treated?
Without treatment, mange leads to ongoing itching, pain, and infection. The skin gets worse, fur keeps falling out, and the cat may stop eating and waste away. In some cases, especially with highly aggressive mites or sick cats, mange can be deadly. Untreated contagious mange also puts other pets and people at risk.
Aftercare and Preventing Relapse
Recovery isn’t finished after treatment ends. Keep following your vet’s instructions to help your cat’s skin heal and their fur grow back. Return for check-ups, keep your house and your cat’s environment clean, and keep an eye out for any new skin problems.
- Continue all medication as directed by your vet
- Baths may help itchy skin-ask your vet what’s safe
- Clean and disinfect bedding, toys, and grooming tools
- Watch for new signs of infection or itching
- Provide nutritious food and a calm home to support recovery
Can Cats Recover from Mange?
Yes. Most cats will recover fully with proper care and medicine. If you spot skin problems early and get your cat to the vet, the outlook is nearly always good. In rare, very serious cases, or if mange is ignored, it might be a more severe threat, especially for already sick cats.
How to Prevent Mange in Cats
How to Keep Your Cat Safe from Mange
- Keep indoor cats inside and away from unknown animals
- Quarantine new pets before introducing them to your cats
- Use parasite prevention products recommended by your vet
- Keep your home and your cat’s living area clean-wash bedding, vacuum floors, and disinfect surfaces
- Feed a balanced diet and take your cat to the vet for regular check-ups to keep their immune system strong
Are There Vaccines to Prevent Mange?
There are no vaccines for mange. Prevention depends on keeping your cat healthy, treating any new cases quickly, keeping the home clean, and using regular parasite preventatives.
Mange in Cats FAQ
Can Humans Get Mange from Cats?
Some mange mites, like those causing feline scabies and walking dandruff, can temporarily bother people and cause red, itchy bumps. These mites can’t survive long or reproduce on humans, so the itching goes away after treating the cat and cleaning the home. If you develop a rash after contact with a cat with mange, see your doctor.
How Can I Tell if My Cat Has Mange?
If your cat is scratching a lot, losing fur, or has red, scabby, or crusty skin, and especially if it is not getting better with regular flea treatments, mange could be a cause. Seeing a vet for proper testing is the only way to know for sure, since many skin problems look alike.
How Much Does Mange Treatment for Cats Cost?
The cost depends on what type of mange your cat has and how bad it is. A vet visit and tests can range from $30-$200. Medicines like spot-ons or oral treatments may cost $30-$100 per treatment or more. Multiple visits and additional medicines for infections or itching will add to the price. Always ask your vet about costs before starting treatment.
