Can Cats Get Mange From Dogs

Mange is a skin condition caused by parasitic mites that can affect both cats and dogs. While the condition is more commonly associated with dogs, cats can also be susceptible to mange. If you have both cats and dogs in your household, it’s natural to wonder whether your cat can catch mange from your dog. The short answer is yes, cats can get mange from dogs, but the likelihood and severity depend on the type of mite involved.

In this article, we will explore the different types of mange, how mange can spread between species, symptoms to look out for in cats, treatment options, and preventive measures. 

 

Understanding Mange: What Is It?

Mange is caused by an infestation of mites, which burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, inflammation, and hair loss. There are two main types of mange that can affect both dogs and cats:

1. Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) 

   Sarcoptic mange is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. This type of mange is highly contagious and can easily spread between animals, including from dogs to cats. In fact, it can also be transmitted to humans in a condition known as scabies. The mites burrow into the skin, causing severe itching, redness, and the formation of scabs.
Related:
Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs
Sarcoptic Mange in Cats

2. Demodectic Mange (Demodicosis) 

   Demodectic mange, caused by Demodex mites, is less common and typically affects dogs more than cats. This type of mange is usually not contagious between animals, as the mites are considered part of the normal skin flora but can overpopulate due to a weakened immune system. While less likely, demodectic mange can sometimes be transferred from dogs to cats if both animals have compromised immune systems.

There are other types of mites that can cause mange-like symptoms in cats, such as Notoedres cati (feline scabies) and Cheyletiella mites (walking dandruff), but these are usually species-specific. 

Can Cats Get Mange From Dogs?

Yes, cats can get mange from dogs, especially sarcoptic mange (scabies), which is highly contagious and can easily spread between species.

The mites responsible for sarcoptic mange can jump from one host to another through close contact. If your dog has sarcoptic mange and shares bedding, grooming tools, or close physical interaction with your cat, the risk of transmission is high.

While demodectic mange is less likely to spread from dogs to cats, it is still a possibility, especially if both animals have weakened immune systems. In such cases, the mites can spread from one animal to another, leading to similar skin issues in cats.

How Does Mange Spread Between Cats and Dogs?

Mange mites are typically spread through:

1. Direct Contact 

   Direct physical contact between animals is the most common way mange spreads. If your cat and dog groom each other or play closely, mites can easily move from the infected dog to the cat.

2. Shared Bedding and Grooming Tools

   Mange mites can survive for short periods off the host’s body. This means they can infest areas like bedding, grooming brushes, or even furniture. If your cat and dog share the same living space, there is a chance your cat may come into contact with mites left behind by the infected dog.

3. Prolonged Exposure in Multi-Pet Homes 

   The longer an infected dog and cat live together without treatment, the higher the risk of transmission. In multi-pet households, an outbreak of mange can quickly spread among pets if not addressed promptly.

Symptoms of Mange in Cats

If your cat contracts mange from your dog, the symptoms may not be immediately apparent. However, as the infestation worsens, several signs of mange will become noticeable:

1. Severe Itching and Scratching

   Mange causes intense itching due to the mites burrowing into the cat’s skin. You may notice your cat scratching or biting at affected areas more than usual.

2. Hair Loss  

   As the mites damage the cat’s skin, the hair in the affected areas may fall out in patches, particularly around the head, neck, ears, and legs.

3. Redness and Inflammation

   The burrowing mites cause the skin to become inflamed, leading to redness and irritation. In severe cases, the skin may become thickened or crusty.

4. Scabs and Sores 

   As your cat scratches and bites at the itchy areas, sores and scabs may develop. These can become infected if left untreated, leading to further complications.

5. Restlessness and Irritability  

   The constant discomfort and itching caused by mange can make your cat restless, irritable, and less likely to engage in its usual activities.

6. Ear Problems 

   In some cases, mites may also infect the cat's ears, leading to ear scratching, head shaking, and the production of dark, waxy ear discharge.

Diagnosing Mange in Cats

If you suspect your cat has contracted mange from your dog, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly. A veterinarian will perform a thorough examination, which may include:

• Skin Scraping:
  This involves taking a small sample of the affected skin and examining it under a microscope to detect mites or their eggs.
• Visual Inspection:
  The vet will look for signs of mange, such as hair loss, scabs, and skin redness, particularly around the face, ears, and legs.
• Medical History:
  If your dog has been diagnosed with mange, inform the vet, as this increases the likelihood that your cat has been exposed.

Treatment for Mange in Cats

Once mange is confirmed, treatment should begin immediately to relieve your cat’s symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Treatment options include:

1. Topical Medications 

   Mite-killing ointments or creams may be applied directly to the affected areas. These medications contain ingredients that eliminate mites and soothe irritated skin.

2. Medicated Baths or Dips 

   Special medicated shampoos or dips are often used to treat mange. These products are designed to kill mites and relieve itching. Regular baths may be necessary to ensure the mites are completely eradicated.

3. Oral Medications 

   In some cases, oral medications are prescribed to kill mites from the inside out. These medications work systemically to treat the entire body and prevent further mite infestations.

4. Steroids and Antibiotics 

   If the cat’s skin is severely inflamed or infected due to scratching, the vet may prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation and antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections.

5. Cleaning the Environment 

   To prevent reinfection, it’s essential to thoroughly clean the cat’s living environment. Wash bedding, toys, and any grooming tools the cat may have used. Disinfect surfaces the cat and dog commonly share.

Preventing Mange in Cats

While mange can be treated, prevention is always the best approach. To prevent your cat from contracting mange from your dog or any other source, consider the following:

1. Regular Vet Checkups

   Regular veterinary checkups for both your cat and dog can help detect mange early, before it spreads between pets.

2. Maintain a Clean Living Environment 

   Regularly clean your pet’s bedding, toys, and living space to minimize the risk of mite infestations. Vacuum and wash shared areas to remove any mites or eggs.

3. Keep Your Pets Healthy  

   A strong immune system can help pets resist mange. Ensure your cat and dog have balanced diets, exercise regularly, and receive proper medical care to maintain their overall health.

4. Separate Infected Pets  

   If one of your pets is diagnosed with mange, isolate the infected pet from others until treatment is completed. This helps prevent the spread of mites.

FAQs

1. Can cats get mange from dogs?

   Yes, cats can contract mange from dogs, especially sarcoptic mange (scabies), which is highly contagious and can spread between species.

2. How do I know if my cat has mange?

   Signs of mange in cats include severe itching, hair loss, red and inflamed skin, scabs, and restlessness. If your cat shows these symptoms, consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

3. Can humans get mange from cats or dogs?

   Yes, humans can contract scabies from cats or dogs with sarcoptic mange. The mites can cause itching and skin irritation in humans, but they cannot reproduce on human skin and will eventually die off.

4. How do I treat mange in my cat?

   Mange in cats is treated with mite-killing topical medications, medicated baths, oral medications, and sometimes antibiotics or steroids. A veterinarian will determine the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of the condition.

5. How long does it take to treat mange in cats?

   Treatment for mange in cats typically lasts several weeks. It’s essential to follow the vet’s treatment plan and schedule follow-up visits to ensure the mites have been fully eliminated.

6. Can mange be prevented?

   Mange can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene, regular vet checkups, and keeping pets healthy. Isolating infected pets and cleaning their environment also help minimize the risk of spreading mange.

Mange is a serious skin condition that can affect both cats and dogs. By being proactive in recognizing the signs of mange and seeking prompt veterinary care, you can ensure your cat’s health and prevent the spread of mites between your pets.