Notoedric mange in cats, also called scabies, is a highly
contagious skin disease that is caused by a mite. Notoedric mange in
cats causes excessive scratching and can be spread to humans.
About Notoedric Mange in Cats
Notoedric mange in cats is caused by the mite Notoedris cati. The mite burrows under the cat’s skin and lays eggs. About six to eight days later, the baby mites are born and the cycle continues. Notoedric mange in cats is extremely uncomfortable for the infected cat. It usually causes the cat to scratch so much that they often cause sores and wounds with their nails.
How Notoedric Mange Is Transmitted
Notoedric mange in cats is passed directly from cat to cat. This
type of mange is more prevalent in outdoor cats than in indoor cats,
since indoor cats usually don’t have much interaction with cats other
than those in the same household. Notoedric mange can infect cats of
any sex, age or breed.
Symptoms of Notoedric Mange in Cats
A cat who has notoedric mange will scratch non-stop and will likely cause sores. Hair loss can also occur with scabies. Notoedric mange in cats usually begins at the ears, then spreads to the face and neck. The mange can also spread to the feet and abdomen, probably from the cat grooming herself. In addition, because of the way that cats curl up into a ball, the mites can jump from the cat’s abdomen to the tail. If the notoedric mange is left untreated, the cat’s skin will become thickened and covered with yellow-tinted crust. Skin infections can also occur, in addition to enlarged lymph nodes.
Diagnosis of Notoedric Mange in Cats
Only a veterinarian can diagnose notoedric mange. The veterinarian
will use a blade to scrape an area of the skin that is severely
effected. The blade will pick up any mites that are in that area. She
will then look at the sample underneath the microscope. If the cat has
notoedric mange, the veterinarian will be able to detect a high number
of mites.
Treatment of Notoedric Mange in Cats
It can be difficult to treat mange in cats because the medications
can be highly toxic and cats are very sensitive. The most effective
course of treatment involves shaving a cat’s hair, if it is long, so
that the medication can come in good contact with the skin. The cat is
then bathed in a cleansing shampoo to remove any scales or scabs on
skin. Then the cat should have a two to three percent lyme-sulphur dip
applied to her entire body. This usually needs to be done once a week.
Most mange in cats is resolved in six to eight weeks.
Prevention of Notoedric Mange in Cats
Because notoedric mange in cats is very contagious, it can be hard to prevent it if you have an outdoor cat. If you have an indoor cat that has notoedric mange, it is recommended that you isolate the cat from other animals until the condition is resolved. In addition, your cat can spread notoedric mange to humans as well. While the mite doesn’t affect humans as severely as it does cats, it can cause itching.