Mange in cats: Everything you need to know

What is mange in cats ?

Mange is a skin disease caused by parasites. These are mites that live on the skin and cause all sorts of problems.

There are many types of scabies, classified according to the mite that causes them. Sarcoptic mange is caused by 
Sarcoptes scabiei , notoedric mange by Notoedres cati, and so on. The other types of mange—otodectic, demodectic, and cheyletiellosis—each have their own causative mite. It’s important to know that there are different types of scabies, as it manifests differently depending on the mite responsible.

The most common types of mange in cats are otodectic (ear mange) and notoedric. These two are very similar and are also the most severe and contagious. Visit your veterinarian to learn how you can protect your cat from these mites every three months in the most convenient way.

Mange in cats: symptoms

Mange in cats is contagious

The most veterinarily relevant mange diseases are highly contagious. Your best friend can catch mange if they come into contact with an infected cat, dog, or wild animal. And don’t forget, you could catch it too!

Mange in cats: treatment

Fortunately, treating mange in cats isn’t complicated, but you must use products specifically formulated for this type of mite. 
How do you cure mange in cats? It’s very easy: ask your veterinarian about the best way to keep them under control and protect your best friend with specific antiparasitic treatments to prevent this insidious skin condition.

However, if your cat has this disease, it’s very important that your veterinarian makes a diagnosis, as mange in cats is often associated with immunocompromised animals (cats with feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus), malnutrition, or simply contact with stray cats living in unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, as we’ve mentioned, the symptoms of mange are not exclusive to this disease, and if it’s something else, the treatment won’t be effective.

What is the difference between mange and ringworm in cats ?

Mange and ringworm are not synonymous; they are two distinct diseases. Mange is caused by a mite, a tiny parasite in the tick family, while ringworm is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes.

Ringworm appears as a circular or oval lesion, usually on the head, with scaling, hair loss, and itching. That’s right! The symptoms of ringworm in cats are practically identical to those of mange and cannot be distinguished by sight alone. And since the treatment for each disease is different, a diagnosis from your veterinarian is essential.

In most healthy cats, the infection resolves spontaneously within a few weeks. However, treatment is necessary to speed up this process due to the risk of transmission to people and other animals, and because some cats cannot clear the infection without treatment.

It is recommended that your veterinarian make the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Protect your cat against mange with the continuous use of long-lasting antiparasitic treatments and, if at any time your cat develops any skin problems, #MyPet, and go to your veterinarian.