Scabies affects many different animals, from cats and dogs, to even humans! While many people mistake it for a disease, scabies (called mange in animals) is actually an infection caused by parasites in the skin. Knowing the signs is the best way to help and heal your furry friend!
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Mange in Cats
Some types of mange are caused by mites that live under cats’ skin naturally, but others are due to mites that are considered parasites.
Scabies will usually only make your cat itchy and uncomfortable, however, left untreated, it may become dangerous. When a cat itches and scratches, they rip open the skin which leads to yeast or bacteria infecting the skin. If mange is left untreated long term, the skin may thicken and the sores will cover the body. If this happens the cat will become emaciated and be at extreme risk of not surviving.
Demodectic Mange
Demodex mites are naturally existing mites that can cause demodectic mange when their population gets out of control. This mostly happens when the cat’s immune system is compromised, and they are unable to fight the mite population as it grows rapidly.
As older cats, cats with compromised immune systems, FIV+ or FHV+ cats are especially vulnerable to demodectic mange, it is especially important to support the immune system. You may strengthen your cat’s immune system through a combination of proper nutrition, reduced stress, and daily use of natural remedies that support immune health. BestLife4Pets Cat Allergy Relief & Immune Support Remedy is formulated to support your cat's health with all natural homeopathic ingredients.
Sarcoptic Mange
What is considered ‘scabies’ in dogs and humans is typically sarcoptic mange – usually called canine scabies as it is common in dogs, but cats can also get infected. This type of mange is caused by parasitic mites that are very small, oval in shape and light colored. You wouldn’t be able to see these mites, but you would be able to see their effects on your cat’s skin.
Sarcoptic mange is very contagious, so if a dog in your house has mange, there is a high likelihood that your cat is also infected, and all humans are at risk of getting it too.
Notoedric Mange
Another type of mange in cats is notoedric mange, which is called feline scabies. It is similar to sarcoptic mange in that it is a parasite (the Notoedres mite) that causes severe skin infections. Feline scabies has many of the same symptoms as sarcoptic mange and is also highly contagious to other cats. If you have more than one cat in the house and one of them happens to get infected, it is best to separate them from the rest.
As most of these mites are contagious to dogs, know how to best help your dog by reading, "How Do I Get Rid Of My Dog's Mange?".
Symptoms of Mange: How Do You Know If Your Cat Is Infected?
It may be tricky to notice the first symptoms, and even trickier to figure out why your cat is itchy.
So how do you know if your cat has scabies?
Generally, most cat parents suspect there may be a problem because they see their cat scratching themselves more often. Because scabies is a skin infection, it makes the infected part itchy and uncomfortable, and your cat is likely trying to find relief by scratching. They may also try to soothe themselves by biting or licking the itchy spots. However, giving in to the urge to itch will backfire on your pet. Since the skin is already irritated, scratching or biting it may make the condition worse and end up irritating it even more.
Signs that your cat may have scabies include:
- Restlessness due to being uncomfortable
- Intense scratching due to itchiness
- Excessive grooming and licking
- Hair loss in patches that may start from the face and extend down the rest of the body
- Scaly skin
- Swelling or bumps on skin
- Cat scratching their ear
Alongside the mites, the scratching and biting will also start causing inflammation in the skin. This results in hair loss since the follicles underneath will likely be weakened, and you are likely to see scaly patches on the cat’s skin.
There may also be sores and scabs that look uncomfortable, and sometimes also pustules, which are bumps filled with pus or fluid.
If your cat’s ears are infected, there will be a lot of earwax and mite residue, and your cat may try to relieve the pain by laying their ears flat or shaking their head. Mites sometimes start as a cat ear infestation or infection, and then travel down to the rest of the body.
Some types of mites are contagious to humans. It is important to promptly treat your cat, and work to get rid of any mites in the environment. If you notice mite bites appearing on your own skin, take action quickly.
You will likely feel itchiness and swelling in the infected spot. For people who are otherwise healthy, the mites will die off once the cats are mite free. For those who are immunocompromised, it may be more a challenge to overcome and seeking professional treatment is wise.
It’s a lot more difficult to get rid of mites on pets, though, so it is best to know the signs and symptoms of mange and scabies. By knowing them or at least being able to identify them, you can make sure you get your cat treated in time.
Treatment for Scabies in Cats
Mite eggs can linger, even if adult mites are killed, and these eggs will hatch after some time and cause flare ups. While the mites are easy to kill, it will take some time to remove the eggs. You’ll most likely notice the skin healing and fur growing back about a month after you start treatment.
There are also some home remedies for scabies, such as using diluted apple cider vinegar on the cat’s skin. The acidity in the vinegar helps get rid of parasites, but it’s not so strong that it’s dangerous for the cat. This is just a temporary fix, and you will still need to get your cat proper medication and treatment if you want them to get better for good.
Cats will lick their skin, so it is important that any topical treatment is safe to be possibly ingested.
Raw Honey
Raw manuka honey has antibacterial and antioxidant benefits, and the honey will soothe the irritated skin. While we should not actively feed our cats honey, if they lick off the raw manuka honey (or other raw honey is a good choice) being used to help sooth the itch, it has benefits too and will not harm the kitty.
Olive or Coconut Oil
Olive oil or coconut oil may help to soothe the itchiness of the skin caused by sores and rashes. Simply apply a thin layer over the red or itchy spots, and it can kill some mites and replenish the skin’s moisture, leading to less scratching and pain.
Cats have very sensitive skin, so make sure to stay away from harsh pest control products like insecticides and sprays. Instead, you can try over-the-counter remedies that can help relieve the itch and get your cat feeling better.
BestLife4Pets Mange Relief for Cats is all-natural and side-effect free, so you can focus on keeping your cat happy and healthy. As a reminder, while your cat is undergoing scabies treatment, you should keep them isolated from other pets in the house and clean up everything they’ve come in contact with, like their litter box or bed. This is to make sure that there’s no chance of reinfection or mites spreading to other cats.
Preventing Scabies in Cats
A cat with a strong immune system is less likely to get mites. Proactively supporting your cat's health with BestLife4Pets Cat Allergy Relief & Immune Support Remedy may help them to be stronger and better able to fight off mites, and stay healthier overall. It’s also really important to keep your cat’s home clean.
Mites usually come from outside, so keeping things tidy in their living space helps quite a bit. Be sure to wash their bedding often and clean their litter box regularly. Indoor cats usually have fewer problems with pests, but sometimes, mites can still sneak in from outside.
If you do suspect mites, first try using natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar and BestLife4Pets Mange Relief for Cats. Be sure to stick to the treatment plan so it doesn’t escalate or come back. If you catch scabies early, it may be treated easily.
The key is to know the signs and start battling the mites as soon as possible. With the right treatment and a little patience, your cat will feel better soon!
If your dog is struggling with mites, please read, "How Do I Get Rid Of My Dog's Mange?" for tips to help your pup.
