The Life Cycle of Notoedres Cati

• The mite that causes feline mange burrows in tunnels along the upper layers of the cat's skin. The females create the tunnels in order to lay their eggs. These eggs produce larvae, which leave the tunnels to live on the skin's surface.
  
  On the skin, the larvae create molting pouches, where they molt into the nymphal stage, followed by the adult stage. Mating occurs in the adult stage, and males die shortly afterward. The impregnated females continue the cycle and can live approximately two months.
  
  

Transmission and Distribution

• The transmission of feline mange from one cat to another generally occurs during larval and nymphal stages. Larvae and nymphs live on the surface of the cat's skin and can infect other cats in close proximity.
  
  If they are away from a host, the mites dehydrate easily and are short-lived. Notoedres cati is found globally.
  
  

Signs of Infection, and Diagnosis

• Early signs of feline mange are often seen as lesions around the ears. The lesions spread to the face and paws. Lesions can also appear in the genital area, because cats frequently lay in a curled position, allowing the mites to spread. The infection progresses to hair loss, thickened skin that appears wrinkled, and patches of crust that are yellowish-gray.
  
  A veterinarian diagnoses feline mange by taking a skin scraping from one of the hairless areas of infected skin and identifying the mites under a microscope.
  
  

Secondary Infection

• A cat with feline mange can develop a secondary infection if the mange is not treated promptly. Secondary infections are usually caused by bacteria in the skin lesions. Secondary infections are often the cause of death in cats and other animals with feline mange that has gone untreated.
  
  

Treatments

• A cat with feline mange can be bathed so that the crusts do not interfere with the medicated treatment.
  
  Medicinal treatments that kill mites are called acaricides. These medications do not guarantee the cat will be cured of mange, as relapses can occur. Care must be taken to remove bedding and disinfect the cat's environment with acaricides. The cat can be given antibiotics to treat secondary infection.
  
  

Prevention

• Because Notoedres cati is short-lived without a host, prevention comes mainly through limiting contact with other carriers. Cats showing signs of mange should be treated immediately to prevent an outbreak.