PetsBestRx Frequently Asked Questions

Notoedric Mange is also known as feline mange. It is the form of mange mites cats most commonly contract. Although cats may have other forms of mange, it is uncommon.

This form of mange is caused by a tiny mite known as Notoedres cati. It is a scaly skin disease which begins around the ears, although it can spread to other areas of the body.

This type of mange can be spread between cats, dogs and rabbits. The mites are external and burrow under the skin of the cat causing an extreme amount of itching and damage to the hair follicles. The cat will most often experience hair loss, dry scaly skin and extreme itching. The cat may also incur a secondary infection due to excessive scratching.

Feline scabies is a microscopic mite that is also known as notoedric mange. The mite on your cat is very much like the sarcoptic mange mites found on dogs. A mange mite can spend its entire life on your cat. The female mite burrows into your cat’s skin. Once burrowed underneath your cat’s skin, she can lay several eggs as she digs deeper. Once the female finishes laying her eggs, she will die.  About three to eight days later the eggs will hatch and larvae will appear. The larvae will have six legs. The mites can affect any breed of cat. Some symptoms of cat mange is hair loss near the ears and the face, itchiness or thick or wrinkled skin.

If your cat scratches itself too much it can cause them to have a secondary infection or staph infection. This is why it is very important to treat your pet as soon as you know they are having a problem with mange. You can try to prevent mange on cats by keeping your pet away from stray cats or any cats that may be infected with mange mites. The notoedric mange is contagious so you must treat your environment. Mange mites can bite humans but they cannot burrow into the skin.