Mange in Cats-What It Looks Like

Introduction

Mange is a term commonly used to describe skin infestations caused by mites. Although more often associated with dogs, cats too can be victims of mange, which may manifest in various ways depending on the mite species involved. Recognizing the signs early is critical so that a cat can receive prompt veterinary care, avoid complications, and reduce mite transmission to other pets or humans.

What is Mange (Mite Infestation) in Cats?

· Mange is not a single disease but a broad descriptor for skin disorders caused by mites (tiny parasitic arthropods).

· In cats, mange may be caused by mites that burrow into the skin (e.g. Notoedres cati) or ones that live on the surface (e.g. Cheyletiella).

· Some types are contagious (from cat to cat or via contaminated bedding), while others are more opportunistic (occurring when the cat’s immune defenses are lowered).

What causes “mange” in cats?

Multiple mite species can cause mange-like disease in cats. The most important ones you will hear about are:

· Notoedres cati (notoedric mange / feline scabies) — a cat-adapted, highly pruritic mite that often begins on the head/ears and can spread widely.

· Sarcoptes scabiei (sarcoptic mange) — primarily a dog/wild-canid mite but can transiently affect cats after contact; intensely itchy and potentially transmissible to humans for short periods.

· Otodectes cynotis (ear mites) — extremely common in kittens and often limited to the ear canal where dense, dark “coffee-ground” debris accumulates.

· Cheyletiella spp. (“walking dandruff”) — large surface-feeding mites that produce visible flaking and can move between dogs, cats and people.

· Demodex spp. — several Demodex species affect cats. Demodex cati often appears with underlying illness (immunosuppression), while Demodex gatoi is contagious between cats and generally pruritic.

Because these mites differ in behavior and contagiousness, identifying which mite is involved guides treatment, isolation decisions, and expectations for recovery.

What does mange look like?

The visual and behavioral clues below are the ones veterinarians use to suspect mite disease:

· Patchy or widespread hair loss (alopecia): Often begins at the ears, face, and neck with some species (e.g., Notoedres cati), and can progress to the trunk and limbs.

· Intense itching (pruritus): Cats may scratch, bite, or over-groom until the skin becomes raw; some mites (e.g., Demodex cati) may be less obviously itchy but still cause hair loss.

· Crusts, scabs and thickened skin: Chronic infestations lead to crusting and secondary skin changes — skin may look leathery or thickened in severe, prolonged cases.

· Dandruff and “walking dandruff”: Large flakes of scale, sometimes seen moving, are typical with Cheyletiella infestations.

· Ear signs: Shaking of the head, ear scratching, and dark granular ear discharge point to ear mites (Otodectes). The debris often looks like coffee grounds.

· Secondary infection signs: Foul odor, pus, weeping sores, or rapidly spreading redness suggest bacterial or yeast overgrowth that commonly follows extensive scratching.

Note: Many skin problems mimic mange — fleas, ringworm, allergic dermatitis, and endocrine disease can look similar. That’s why a vet usually confirms the cause with diagnostic tests before you start prolonged treatment.

Which mites produce which patterns?

· Notoedres cati (notoedric mange): Classic, highly pruritic cat-specific mite. Lesions classically start at the head/ears and spread, producing intense itching and crusting.

· Sarcoptes scabiei (sarcoptic mange): More commonly called the dog mange mite, but can occasionally affect cats (often via contact with infected dogs/wild canids). Starts on ears and limbs, and can cause severe itching; it is zoonotic (can cause temporary rash in people).

· Otodectes cynotis (ear mites): Extremely common in kittens. Primarily affects ears (dense, coffee-ground-like debris). Heavy infestations can sometimes be seen without a microscope and cause intense discomfort.

· Cheyletiella spp. (walking dandruff): Causes visible flaky debris along the dorsal midline; the flakes may appear to move. Can transfer between dogs and cats and may irritate people.

· Demodex spp.: Two important forms for cats — Demodex cati (generally associated with immunosuppression and not strongly pruritic) and Demodex gatoi (highly contagious among cats and often intensely itchy). Demodex mites have an elongated, cigar-shaped appearance microscopically.

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Differential diagnoses (what else looks similar)

Many skin conditions mimic mange: flea allergy dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, contact allergy, ringworm (dermatophytosis), bacterial or yeast infections, and endocrine or immune-mediated diseases. Because other, far more common problems can look like mange, veterinary evaluation is important.

How is mange diagnosed?

· Ear exam and microscopic exam of ear debris: Otoscopy and microscope exam can reveal Otodectes mites or their eggs in the ear canal. Ear mites are one of the easier mites to confirm.

· Skin scrapings: Superficial or deep skin scrapings are placed on a slide and examined microscopically. This is the standard initial test for burrowing mites like Notoedres and Sarcoptes, and for some Demodex infections, though some mites are hard to find and multiple scrapes or repeat testing may be necessary.

· Trichogram, tape preps, and cytology: Tape preps (for surface mites and scale), hair plucks, and cytology (to look for bacteria or yeast) are commonly used adjunctively.

· Response to empirical treatment: In some cases where mites are suspected but not found, a veterinarian may treat empirically and monitor for rapid clinical improvement; a dramatic response supports the diagnosis.

· Additional tests: Depending on the case, the vet may order blood tests to assess immune function, check for underlying illnesses (e.g. FIV, FeLV), or perform skin cultures for fungal/bacterial infections

Expected disease course & prognosis

With prompt, appropriate veterinary therapy most cats improve significantly within 1–4 weeks, with full resolution taking several weeks to a few months depending on mite species, severity, and whether secondary infections or underlying illnesses are present. Demodicosis tied to immune suppression (e.g., FeLV/FIV or metabolic disease) may require addressing the underlying condition before recurrence risk falls.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of mange in cats—such as patchy hair loss, intense itching, crusting, or flaky skin—is key to getting prompt veterinary intervention. Because several different mite species can be involved, and because many skin diseases look similar, diagnosis by a veterinarian via skin scrapings, ear checks, or therapeutic trials is essential. With proper medical treatment and supportive care, most cats recover well and regrow their fur.

References 

“Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) of Cats.” Merck Veterinary Manual. n.d. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/skin-disorders-of-cats/mite-infestation-mange-acariasis-scabies-of-cats

“8 Vet-Approved Home Remedies for Your Cat.” By Jamie Lovejoy, DVM. Published May 17, 2023; retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/vet-approved-home-remedies-cats

“Mange in Dogs and Cats.” By Michael W. Dryden, DVM, PhD. Reviewed by Angel Abuelo, DVM, PhD. Published Mar 2023; modified May 2025. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.msdvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/mange/mange-in-dogs-and-cats

“Notoedric Mange in Cats (Feline Scabies).” Veterinary Partner (VIN). n.d. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?catId=102903&id=4951396&pid=19239

“What to Do if Your Cat Has Mange.” Vetster. n.d. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://vetster.com/en/wellness/what-to-do-if-your-cat-has-mange

“Sarcoptic Mange in Cats.” Small Door Veterinary. n.d. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/sarcoptic-mange-cats

“Cat Mange and Scabies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.” WebMD. January 16, 2025; retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/cat-mange-scabies