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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Exam + diagnosis + full treatment course. Add $50-$150 per additional cat in the household (all must be treated).
Notoedric mange is highly curable with appropriate treatment. Recurrence occurs only if re-exposure happens (e.g., contact with untreated cats or strays).
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.
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.
Mange is an infectious disease - coverage depends on policy type and waiting period.
My mother-in-law took her German boxer to the veterinary emergency room - $1,200 in tests, no answers. A different vet solved it in minutes with $8 pills.
Research and data used to compile this profile.
