🪳 Vet Guide to Notoedric Mange in Cats (Feline Scabies) – 2025 Edition 🐱🧴

Notoedric mange, also known as feline scabies, is a rare but highly contagious skin condition caused by the Notoedres cati mite. This mite belongs to the same family as the mites responsible for sarcoptic mange in dogs. Though uncommon, when it does occur, it causes severe itching and a distinctive crusty skin disease, typically starting at the ears and spreading to the face and body. In this 2025 guide, Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc explains how to spot, treat, and prevent this parasitic skin disease in cats. 🩺🐾

🧬 What Is Notoedric Mange?

Notoedric mange is caused by the microscopic mite Notoedres cati. These mites burrow into the skin, causing intense inflammation and itchiness. It’s part of the Sarcoptidae mite family, which also includes the scabies-causing mites in dogs and humans. 🐛

This condition is relatively rare in most areas of the United States, but regional outbreaks do occur. Without prompt treatment, notoedric mange can spread to cover a cat’s entire body. 😿

🔍 Symptoms of Feline Scabies

• 🟤 Crusty, scabby lesions starting on the ears
• 😾 Intense itching and scratching
• 🧼 Scales and hair loss on the face, neck, and eventually the entire body
• 🔁 Worsening over time without treatment

Early detection and treatment are essential, as this mite causes significant skin inflammation and discomfort. 😢

🔬 How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a skin scraping of the affected areas, which is examined under a microscope. If mites or eggs are seen, diagnosis is confirmed. 👁️

However, not finding mites does not rule out notoedric mange. A treatment trial is often used when symptoms and exposure suggest this condition. 🧪

📢 Important Note:

If one cat in the household is diagnosed, it’s likely that all cats need to be treated. These mites spread quickly via direct contact. 🧍‍♂️➡️🐱

🔄 Is It Contagious?

Yes! Notoedres mites can infect:

• 🐈 Other cats in the household
• 🐶 Dogs
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Humans (transient infections)
• 🐇 Rabbits

Though they don’t survive long off their host (only a few days), direct contact makes transmission common in multi-pet homes. 🏠

💊 Treatment Options in 2025

Thanks to modern veterinary medicine, treating notoedric mange is more effective and less invasive than ever before. Below are Dr. Duncan Houston’s treatment recommendations: 🧴

🧬 1. Isoxazoline Class Products

Originally developed for flea and tick prevention, these have proven effective against mites, including Notoedres cati. 🚫🪳

• 💊 Fluralaner (Bravecto®)
• 💊 Lotilaner (Credelio®)
• 💊 Sarolaner (Revolution Plus®)

Although not specifically approved for feline scabies, these products are used off-label with excellent results. A single dose is usually effective, and monthly use helps prevent recurrence. ✅

🧴 2. Selamectin (Revolution®)

• 🧪 Originally made for fleas, heartworms, and parasites
• 💉 Topical application
• 💊 Effective against Notoedres cati even though not FDA-approved for it

💧 3. Moxidectin (Advantage Multi®)

Monthly topical that also covers heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, and fleas. Another off-label but highly effective mange treatment. 🩺

💉 4. Ivermectin Injections

This was the traditional mange treatment before isoxazolines became available. It is still used, especially in more severe or generalized cases. 💉

• 📆 Dosing every 1–2 weeks for 4 weeks
• ⏳ Recovery typically begins quickly

🛁 5. Lime Sulfur or Amitraz Dips (Old School)

Used less often today, these dips are effective but come with drawbacks:

• 👃 Strong odor (rotten eggs)
• 🎨 Stains fabric, fur, and jewelry
• 😾 Cats often resist bathing
• ⚠️ Amitraz may cause sedation in pets and headaches in humans

Dips are now typically reserved for patients who can't take modern oral/topical medications. 🧴

🏠 Managing the Household

Because the mites are highly contagious, all pets in the household should be treated simultaneously. Ensure bedding is washed and environments are disinfected. 🧼

Pets that do not show symptoms could still be carriers and reinfect others if not treated. Prevention is key. 🧽

📲 Ask A Vet for Help

If your cat is experiencing crusty ears, itchy skin, or has been in contact with another symptomatic cat, reach out on the Ask A Vet app. Dr. Duncan Houston and our team of licensed veterinarians can help you diagnose, treat, and manage notoedric mange effectively. 📱🐱

Visit AskAVet.com for trusted online veterinary support anytime, anywhere. 🐾

💬 Final Thoughts

Notoedric mange is rare but treatable. With early diagnosis, proper medication, and whole-house treatment, affected cats can recover quickly and live itch-free. 🐱💖

Don't wait for the scabs to spread—Dr. Duncan Houston and Ask A Vet are here to guide you every step of the way. 🩺