Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.
As a veterinarian, I come across scruffy cats like Ziggy all the time.
His persistently scabby skin and hair loss had puzzled his owner for months. They tried shampoos, salves and powders on this patient cat. But despite their efforts, Ziggy’s skin condition just wouldn’t get better.
He finally came to the vet clinic and after a few tests we discovered he was suffering from demodectic mange. With targeted treatment, Ziggy’s skin healed completely in just a few months. This story highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment for this often misunderstood condition in cats.
Let’s explore the topic of demodectic mange, why cats get it and how you can treat it.
Overview of Demodectic Mange in Cats
Demodectic mange, or demodicosis in cats, is a skin issue caused by excessive numbers of Demodex mites.
These microscopic mites are less than 1/100th of an inch long and live in a cat’s skin. These eight-legged parasitic mites primarily feed on skin oils. Normally harmless in small numbers, their overgrowth leads to symptoms like hair loss and scaly skin.
Fortunately, demodicosis is uncommon in cats and often only affects the skin in and around their ears.
Unlike some other mites, it’s not contagious to humans and with appropriate veterinary care, most cats recover well.
Causes of Feline Demodicosis
Did you know there are not one but four species of Demodex mites that can cause problems for cats? The two most common are Demodex cati and Demodex gatoi. Scientists have also recognized two less common species: D. murilegi and D. obliquus.
Here’s a surprise – while D. cati is not contagious, D. gatoi can be passed to other cats! And, D. gatoi seems to have a favorite geographic location – the Gulf Coast of the U.S.
Other risk factors include older age and weakened immune systems. Cats with conditions like diabetes or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are more prone developing this type of mange.
Any breed of cats can develop this problem. No particular breeds have been identified as having a higher risk.
| Mite Type | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Demodex cati | Often linked to immune-compromising conditions (diabetes, FIV, FeLV, steroid therapy). Not contagious between cats. |
| Demodex gatoi | Contagious between cats. More common in the Gulf Coast region. Spreads through casual contact. |
Recognizing the Symptoms
Spotting demodicosis in cats is key to getting them help. Here’s what to watch for:
Cats with Demodex may lose hair, have redder skin, and even develop thickened or scaly skin. Look out for scabs, sores, and, occasionally, itching.
There are a few different symptoms that tend to occur with each species of mite. But it’s hard to tell the difference based only on symptoms.
- D. cati Symptoms: This type usually causes hair loss, redness, and crusty patches, mostly around the head, including lip sores. Interestingly, this species usually doesn’t make cats itchy.
- D. gatoi Symptoms: This one’s a bit sneakier. It can lead to a lot of over-grooming, severe itching, and red, scaly skin, especially on the top of the body, belly, and legs.
Remember, each cat reacts differently, so some might be itchier than others!
More from NPHQ Veterinarian
Read about other causes of scruffy cat skin…
Diagnosing Demodicosis
Many cat skin problems look the same. That’s why it’s impossible to diagnose demodicosis based on symptoms alone.
Diagnosing mange in cats often requires some detective work for veterinarians. Here’s how they crack the case:
- Testing: Vets use skin scrapings, hair plucks, skin biopsies, or fecal tests to search for mites.
- Response to Trial Treatment: D. gatoi mites are extra difficult to find with tests. Sometimes if a vet is suspicious of mites, they will start a trial treatment. Diagnosis can be based on a cat’s response to treatment.
Your vet may recommend other tests to check for other diseases that can suppress a cat’s immune system.
Treatment
Treating feline demodicosis requires a strategic approach. Some treatments are administered orally (by mouth), while others are topical (applied to the skin).
Here’s a table of common treatments:
| D. cati | D. gatoi |
|---|---|
| Oral ivermectin | Topical lime sulfur dip |
| Topical Advantage Multi for Cats® | Oral ivermectin |
| Oral or topical Bravecto® | Topical Advantage Multi for Cats® |
| Topical Revolution Plus® |
These treatments must be used long enough to make sure the mites are gone before they are discontinued. It takes 2-4 months on average to clear the mites. Complicated cases may take longer.
Prognosis for Cats with Demodectic Mange
Fortunately, this disease is not fatal! The prognosis is good with proper treatment and monitoring. Some cats with D. cati need ongoing treatment to keep mites under control.
Preventing the Spread of D. gatoi in Multi-Cat Homes
D. gatoi can spread between cats in the same home. If your cat is diagnosed with this type of mite, discuss the following steps with your vet:
- Check and Treat All Cats: Even if they don’t show symptoms, check all cats in homes with D. gatoi and treat them if needed.
- Separate Healthy Cats: If possible, keep cats with demodicosis away from those without it.
Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about treating your house. Demodex mites don’t survive well in the environment and don’t spread to cats from surfaces or objects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Share Your Cat’s Story
If your cat has demodectic mange, we’d love to hear about your experience. You can help all of us cat parents who are struggling with the same problem. Leave a comment below telling us about your cat’s symptoms and what sort of treatments you tried
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