Notoedric mange - caused by Notoedres cati - is highly contagious and causes intense itching, crusting, and hair loss starting at ears and face. Unlike dog mange, feline mange has its own specific parasite. Treatment with selamectin or ivermectin is highly effective, resolving in 4-8 weeks with 2-4 treatments. All household cats must be treated simultaneously.
The Parasite Notoedres cati
Notoedres cati is a burrowing mite specific to cats, occasionally infesting dogs, rabbits, and humans. Direct contact transmits mites rapidly. The mite burrows into skin, laying eggs and triggering intense allergic inflammation. Related to but distinct from sarcoptic mange. Stray and multi-cat household cats are at highest risk.
All household cats must be treated simultaneously.
Signs & Diagnosis
Starts at ear edges, spreads to face, neck, and legs. Signs: extreme itching, thick crusts, hair loss, self-inflicted wounds, and restlessness. Skin scraping diagnosis shows mites, eggs, and fecal pellets under microscope. Multiple scrapings improve detection.
Mites visible on skin scrape confirmation.
Cost Breakdown $150-$400
Exam: $60-$100. Skin scraping: $40-$80. Treatment (selamectin, ivermectin, or lime sulfur dips): $50-$150. Antibiotics for secondary infection: $60-$120. Follow-up scrape to confirm cure: $80-$150. Medication cost multiplies per additional cat treated. Mites survive poorly off the host - no professional environmental treatment needed.
Treatment
Selamectin (Revolution) topical is most convenient. Ivermectin (200 µg/kg weekly × 4 doses) is highly effective. Lime sulfur dips work but are unpleasant. Imidacloprid/moxidectin (Advocate) shows high efficacy. Most cats respond in 2-4 treatments over 4-8 weeks.
Both highly effective in 4-8 weeks.
Total Cost $200-$500
Exam + diagnosis + full treatment course. Add $50-$150 per additional cat in the household (all must be treated).
Prognosis Excellent
Notoedric mange is highly curable with appropriate treatment. Recurrence occurs only if re-exposure happens (e.g., contact with untreated cats or strays).
Duration 4-8 Weeks
Full treatment course takes 4-8 weeks with 2-4 treatments. Clinical improvement is often visible within 2 weeks. A final skin scraping confirms cure.
Human Risk
Notoedres cati can temporarily infest humans, causing a self-limiting rash. The mites cannot complete their life cycle on humans and resolve without treatment within a few weeks once the cat is treated.
The Real Cost
$300typical cost
Vet exam + skin scraping + full treatment course for one cat.
Exam + skin scraping $100-$180
Treatment course $50-$150
Follow-up confirmation $80-$150
Red flags
Insurance Traps
Mange is an infectious disease - coverage depends on policy type and waiting period.
Coverage Basics Coverage
Most comprehensive accident/illness policies cover mange as an infectious/parasitic disease. Exam, scraping, and medications typically reimburse. Wellness-only plans exclude parasitic infections - preventive treatments only.
Prior Skin Disease Trap Pre-existing
Pre-enrollment skin disease, scratching, or ear problems may trigger pre-existing classification even if mange wasn't diagnosed. Common trap - mange symptoms overlap with allergies and ear mites.
14-Day Waiting Period Waiting period
Mange claims within 14 days of enrollment are denied as pre-existing. Enroll cats while completely healthy and symptom-free.
Multi-Cat Household Cost Multi-cat
Each enrolled cat has its own deductible and copay. Unenrolled household cats are treated at full cost.
Common Questions
Real answers about feline mange, treatment costs, and insurance coverage.
What type of mange do cats get?
Cats get notoedric mange from Notoedres cati (feline scabies). Related to but distinct from sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei). Cats occasionally acquire sarcoptic mange from dogs, but notoedric is predominant.
How do cats get mange?
Direct contact with infested cats spreads mange. Outdoor cats, strays, and multi-cat household cats are at highest risk. Newly adopted strays may carry mites asymptomatically. Kittens are particularly susceptible.
What are the signs of mange in cats?
Signs start at ear edges and face: intense itching, thick crusts, hair loss, reddened skin, self-inflicted wounds, restlessness. Without treatment, spreads to paws and body. Secondary bacterial infections are common.
How is mange diagnosed in cats?
Skin scraping confirms diagnosis under microscope - mites, eggs, and fecal pellets visible. Multiple scrapings from different sites improve detection. Classic presentations may be treated empirically without lab confirmation.
How is mange treated in cats?
Selamectin (Revolution) topical, 2-3 monthly applications. Ivermectin (200 µg/kg weekly × 4 doses) also highly effective. Lime sulfur dips work but are unpleasant. Imidacloprid/moxidectin (Advocate) shows high efficacy. All household cats must be treated simultaneously.
Can humans catch mange from cats?
Notoedres cati causes a temporary pruritic rash (arms, neck, torso). Mites cannot complete their life cycle on humans, so the rash self-resolves within weeks once the cat is treated.
Does pet insurance cover mange treatment in cats?
Most comprehensive accident/illness policies cover mange as parasitic infection. Exam, scraping, and medications typically reimburse. Risk: pre-enrollment skin disease/scratching may trigger pre-existing denial. Wellness-only plans exclude parasitic infections.
How long does mange treatment take in cats?
Significant improvement within 2 weeks. Full course 4-8 weeks with 2-4 treatments. Follow-up scraping confirms cure. Recurrence only with re-exposure - keep treated cats away from strays.
My mother-in-law's boxer. Problem. $1,200 in tests, no answers. Another vet solved it with $8 pills. When you're scared, you'll pay anything - and some vets price accordingly. So I built what I couldn't find: real costs, real exclusions, plain language. Not selling policies.
Sources
Research and data used to compile this profile.