Cat Hair Loss and Mange

Cat mange is an uncommon skin disorder. It occurs in cats due to an infestation of mites that cause irritated skin and hair loss. It can be highly contagious and is capable of being passed on to humans and other household pets.

  1. The Cause

    • Cat mange is caused by burrowing mites and non-burrowing mites. The non-burrowing mites feed off of skin as well as tissue, fluid and blood. Burrowing mites lay eggs underneath the cat's skin, forming tunnels. These eggs hatch into larvae, becoming nymphs and then adults.

    Ear Mites

    • The most commonly found type of cat mange, otodectic mange, is caused by ear mites (otodectes cynotis). This type of mite does not burrow under the skin and only causes irritation by feeding on skin scales, skin fluid, and blood. This mite is capable of causing bacterial and fungal infections in the ear.

    Head Mange

    • Head mange is otherwise known as notoedric mange and cat scabies. This type of mange commonly causes hair loss and crusty skin due to mites digging underneath the cat's skin. Most cats will scratch excessively where mites are located, causing dry, damaged and bleeding skin. This mange is highly contagious for other pets as well as humans.

    Diagnosis

    • When you believe a cat has a form of cat mange, it is essential to get medical help. Veterinarians are capable of determining the type of mite involved with a sample from the affected cat. Proper medication will be given depending on the mite.

    Treatment

    • Ivermectin is a topical treatment for cat mange that is applied by the veterinarian. It can also be administered as a four-week course of injections in cases of notoedric mange. There are a variety of other treatments, including Dermisil, Cortisone for itching and other topical antibiotics.