Scabies in Cats: causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention


The scabies in cats is a disease that occurs in the skin. It is highly contagious and for this reason it is recommended that as soon as you suspect that a cat has symptoms, you should take it immediately to the vet.

In order not only to diagnose and treat, but also to prevent other pets that may inhabit the home from becoming infected.

As you progress, we will tell you more about scabies in cats. What is it, what are the types of scabies, its symptoms, treatment, tips to prevent it and more.


Causes of scabies in cats

The scabies in cats is caused by mites, which are very small animals, almost microscopic, similar in appearance to a spider.

Mange in cats is quite contagious and can be transmitted through physical contact with a previously infected cat.

However, there are different types of mites which develop different types of scabies.

Types of mites that cause mange in cats

There are 4 types of mites that cause mange in cats.

And therefore also 4 different types of scabies that can appear and manifest different symptoms.

  • Notoedres cati mite: This type of mite only affects cats and also produces the most common type of mange in felines. At first they only affect the head and ears of the cat, but later they can affect the whole body. The type of scabies produced by this mite is called notohedral scabies.
  • Otodectes cynotis mite: This is the mite that causes otitis in felines. It is not a mite that only affects cats, it can also affect dogs. And the type of scabies produced by him is called Sarna Otodecticaes
  • Cheyletiella blakei mite: This type of mite is distinguished from others because it is similar to dandruff. Even sometimes due to lack of knowledge, its effect can go unnoticed and taken as simple dandruff. This type of mite produces Scabies Cheiletiellosis. Although it is called by some people as walking dandruff.
  • Demodex cati mite: This type of mite is mostly common in cases of mange in dogs, although it also usually affects some cats. They produce a type of mange known as demodectic mange, which is the least contagious of the 4 above, as the mites lodge in the animal’s hair follicles.

Symptoms of scabies in cats

Although there are different types of scabies in cats, below we will name the main symptoms that usually occur in most cases so that you are alert if you see any signs of these in your cat.

  • Skin rash
  • Irritations
  • Intense itching
  • Burning skin
  • Loss of hair
  • Weightloss
  • Low spirits
  • Redness of the skin in the affected areas
  • Wounds and skin scabs.
  • Bad smell in wounds.

Treatments to combat and prevent scabies in cats

Initially, if you suspect that your cat is suffering from this disease, it should be taken to the vet to be examined and diagnosed to start a proper treatment.

Depending on the type of scabies and the state of severity in which it is found.
The first advice that should be given to start a treatment against scabies is that the affected cat should be isolated from other pets and even people in the home.

Well, the disease can be transmitted to both animals and humans.

All objects belonging to the feline such as beds, pillows, cushions, toys, feeders and even the areas where it remains the most must be washed and disinfected.

Also, during the treatments, avoid your skin having direct contact with your cat.

After the diagnosis, the veterinarian will proceed to apply the antibiotics, both intravenous and cutaneous.

And the treatment time will last depending on the degree of severity in which the patient is.

There are also some home remedies, such as white vinegar, sulphur, boric acid, and essential oils or plant extracts such as oregano, pennyroyal, and rosemary.

However, we recommend that before applying anything to your cat’s skin, you consult an expert veterinarian beforehand.


Prevention of scabies in cats

The best way to avoid having to fight a disease such as scabies in your cat is to apply prevention methods.

In this way, you will contribute to maintaining your cat’s health by applying the following tips:

  • Hygiene: Try to be aware not only of your cat’s body hygiene. But periodically wash and disinfect your blankets and your bed. In order to eliminate any parasites that may be living there.
  • Pipettes: It is important to deworm your cat regularly. However, consult your vet to provide the appropriate dewormer based on his age and weight.
  • Tablets: Another way to deworm your cat but orally.
  • Use of antiparasitic dry baths : In addition to shampoo and soaps to combat parasites, you can also use a dry bath that protects your cat’s skin.
  • Antiparasitic vaccines: Injectable antiparasites that keep your cat warned.
  • Visits to the vet: It is important that you be aware of strange behaviours in your cat. For example if you see that it is scratching more than normal, if you see some kind of breakout or dermatitis on its skin and even if you see it in low spirits. In order that in case you are presenting symptoms of scabies, the disease is detected and treated in time.

We hope that this article can be useful in your search for information on ” Scabies in cats ” and do not forget that the first thing is prevention to protect it from contracting any disease. 


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