Demodectic Mange in Cats

Demodectic mange--or feline scabies--is caused by a mite living in cats' hair or skin. There are two types of mites: demodex cati and demodex gatoi. Siamese and Burmese cats--and Oriental cats in general--are more often affected by mange mites.

  1. Symptoms

    • Cats with demodectic mange suffer hair loss.

      Demodectic mange is very uncomfortable and affected cats are itchy and depressed. Symptoms may be localized or generalized. Localized means that a cat has bald, scaly and thickened areas on ears, neck, eyelids and head. Generalized demodectic mange also affects the legs and body.

    Underlying Causes

    • Demodex mites are often found in animals with poor immune responses. For example, cats with diabetes, feline immunodeficiency virus or leukemia, or who have had prolonged steroidal use are more susceptible to mange.

    Diagnosis

    • Demodectic mange especially affects Oriental breeds.

      Visual signs are indicative; many vets can diagnose on sight. However, the specific mite needs to be identified, so a skin scrape from an affected part needs to be examined under a microscope.

    Treatments

    • Lime sulfur baths are effective but not easily administered. An Amitraz solution can be applied to affected parts. However, for all-over treatment, most vets use oral ivermectin. The drug--usually used against cat fleas and ticks--isn't licensed for use on mange but is recognized by vets to be safe and effective.

    Recovery

    • Cats with demodectic mange recover well; fur regrows quite quickly after the mites are killed. It's vital to spot and treat any underlying diseases, and some cats need a course of antibiotics to heal infected lesions.