Cat Scabies

"Feline Scabies is also called notoedric mange or feline mange. A mite infestation, particularly in cats and kittens, is caused by specie of mites called “Notoedris Cati”. Cat scabies is characterized by severe pruritus or itching, crusts and alopecia (hair loss).  A localized form of lesions can be noticed on the ear, neck & head. This disease can turn into a generalized form eventually, which means that it can spread over your cat’s body. The treatment plan involves aggressive care, isolation from other cats and pets, lime –sulfur dips and a systemic treatment in case of generalized form. This disease can be transmitted to humans & other animals thus it possesses a zoonotic (Diseases Transmitted from animals to humans) importance too."  

The specie of mite which infests cats for cat scabies is called “Notoedris Cati”. The "Notoedris Cati" mite burrows into the skin, penetrating in to deep skin tissues. Female mites lays eggs deep in the skin, while the larvae hatched from eggs grows as a nymph and then molts into an adult. The entire life cycle takes 2 – 3 weeks.  Notoedris Cati, can infest humans as well as other animals.

Signs & Symptoms of Cat Scabies

Feline scabies is characterized by severe pruritus (severe itching) and irritation.  Initially the signs appear at the ears, neck & head.  Head shake and severe scratching is common. Alopecia or hair loss is seen frequently. The edges of ear starts with hair loss, and thereafter hair loss continues to the head then on to the neck.

There are two clinical forms of feline scabies, localized & generalized.

Localized cat with scabies involves itching, irritation, alopecia and crust formation at the ears, head and neck region. Cats infested with mites becomes restless; shake their head frequently, continually scratch their head & may react more aggressively to you or others.

Generalized cat with scabies usually exists when a cat has scabies and it is left untreated.  Signs of alopecia, irritation and redness may spread to whole head region. Fever and mild illness may also be noted in rare cases.

Diagnosis of Feline Scabies

The  signs and symptoms mentioned above that characterize feline scabies are usually helpful in diagnosing scabies. Skin scrapings are also helpful in confirming a diagnosis. Your veterinarian will  make sure the Cat scabies isn’t confused with a similar condition called feline demodicosis, which is another form of mange. 

Treatment of Cats with Scabies

Treatment of cat scabies involves the use of a  lime-sulphur dip at an interval of 10 days.  Lime–Sulfur has proved to be most effective way to treat cat scabies. A popular dip that is available over the counter is offererd by Dermisil. The advantage of dermisil is that it can be mixed into your cat's regular shampoo, which minimizes a negative reaction to an unfamiliar dip or shampoo. If you cat will tolerate a different shampoo, then bathing diseased cats with a quality shampoo containing antiseptics along with dipping is effective.

Other options include a Selamectin injection administered at an interval of 2 – 3 weeks. Ivermectin injection is also effective but adverse effects have been reported in kittens.

You will also have to make sure that are area where you cat lives is free from mites.  We suggest using a product designed for use in the home such as Benzarid.

Side Effects of Feline Scabies Medications

Sudden death has been reported in kittens administered with Ivermectin. Amitraz is effective, but higher concentrations have adverse allergic effects in cats. Cat scabies may be transmitted to humans & other animals, also cats with severe infestation may react aggressively towards others.  Because of this, caution should be used when handling a cat who is undergoing treatment of this condition.

Prevention of Cat Mange

Preventing frequent contact with other cats & especially with affected cats lessens the chances of infestation. Hygienic measures should be taken as a priority and diseased cats should be isolated. An immediate and appropriate treatment plan should be followed as initial signs appear. 

References:

Merck Veterinary Manual (Merck & Co. 2008)

J. Brahmas., et al. Veterinary Parasitology, (Delhi Publishers, India 2004)

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