Cat mange can be of several types and is a condition that will affect the cat’s skin causing constant scratching, skin flaking or bumps. The type of cat mange should be diagnosed, as some types of mange are contagious to other cats, dogs and even humans.
Demadex Cat Mange
Some types of cat mange are not contagious, while others may be transmitted to other felines, canines and even humans.
Demadex, also known as Demodectic mange is a type of feline mange that can be transmitted to other cats and dogs through contact with the skin, bedding or food bowls. This type of mange cannot be transmitted to humans.
The condition will be signaled by bald patches, extreme itchiness and red, scaly skin. Secondary bacterial infections may also occur. The Demodectic mange may affect certain parts of the body or may affect the entire body.
Sarcoptic Mange
Sarcoptic mange is a condition that affects dogs more often than cats. The sarcoptic mange will cause crusty skin, itchiness and hair loss.
The sarcoptic mange or the scabies is a disease that may be transmitted to humans and other cats and dogs. The scabies are highly contagious and are caused by mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These organisms can survive on the cat’s skin but are not able to survive on different surfaces such as bedding or furniture. Consequently, the sarcoptic mange may be transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat’s skin.
Feline Scabies
Feline scabies, caused by the Notoedres cati mites can be transmitted to other cats and dogs, as well as humans.
The condition will cause crusty skin, hair loss, itchiness, skin bleeding and sores.
Cheyletiella Mange
The walking dandruff or the Cheyletiella Mange is caused by a mite and will cause skin flaking and large, itchy bumps on the skin. This type of mange is contagious and may affect humans as well.
Diagnosing Feline Mange
A skin scraping test will determine the type of mange that affects your pet. If your pet is affected by a type of mange that is contagious to humans, you will need to get suitable treatment as well. Talk to your doctor for a suitable prescription.
Treatment for Cat Mange
The treatment of cat mange will consist of cutting the cat’s hair short and administering frequent baths with sulfur based shampoos. Get a hypoallergenic shampoo that contains 2 or 3% lime sulfur and use this once or twice per week.
Ivermectin may also be administered in cats with mange; however, it should only be administered if the vet recommends it, as Ivermectin hasn’t yet been approved for use in felines.
Typically, the cat mange will heal in 6 to 8 weeks.
Get rid of the bedding, or boil the bedding, to prevent the re-infection with mange. If you have a household with several cats, you should administer treatment to all of them.