In this article on our site we are going to talk about notohedral mange in cats, a disease caused by the mite Notoedres cati , capable of causing intense itching due to its way of life, as we will see. It is not a very common scabies but, as it is very contagious and, in addition, it can be transmitted to people, it is important that, if we suspect that our cat suffers from it, we go immediately to the veterinary center to treat both the cat and the environment..
Notoedres cati: characteristics and life cycle
Notoedres cati is a mite of the sarcoptid family Its life cycle will develop on the cat and lasts between one and three weeks. It feeds on the epithelium. The males and females mate on the skin and, after that, the female is the one that excavates subcutaneous galleries, feeding on the exudates and the tissue that is being damaged. In the galleries she is where she lays her eggs. When these hatch, the larvae emerge, which feed on the epithelium and molt into nymphs, which are the ones that finally transform into adult mites, thus completing the cycle.
Regarding the morphology of Notoedres cati, males and females are different. The adult mites are going to be small in size, since they only measure about 0.15-0.3 mm They are ovoid in shape and have short, thick legs, ending in in a kind of claws.
Notohedral scabies: contagion
Notoedres cati causes a highly contagious dermatitis that is transmitted by direct and indirect contact In this way, a cat can become infected after having been in contact with objects with which an infected cat has interacted or by having traveled through the same space.
Does Notoedres cati spread to dogs?
Cases of Notoedres cati have been found in dogs, but it is not common. Therefore, with the appropriate treatment and cleaning measures, it is likely that no other member of the household will be infected. The exception resides in cats, since among them it is a very contagious pathology.
Symptoms and diagnosis of notoedric mange in cats
The disease affects, above all, the head, although it may spread to other areas such as the front legs or the region perineal In addition, it stands out for causing an intense itching due to the subcutaneous excavation carried out by this parasite. The skin of the infested areas will be thickened, hairless and crusted These types of lesions are what will make the veterinarian suspect the presence of notohedral mange in our cat. This professional can confirm the diagnosis by performing a skin scraping and uncovering the mite or its eggs under the microscope. It is more likely to affect young or weakened animals, which will have a weaker immune system.
This pathology should not be confused with demodectic mange, which is a very rare type of mange in cats and would affect the head and neck, causing alopecia, and the ears, triggering otitis ceruminosa. It is very rare that it spreads to the rest of the body and, in addition, it usually controls itself. With a scraping of the skin or ear secretion it is possible to see these mites, usually Demodex cati, or their eggs. In this way, in case of doubt, one scabies could be perfectly distinguished from another.
Notohedral scabies treatment
The treatment can be topical or systemic Ivermectin as a treatment is a classic in the fight against notoedric mange in cats, although in There are currently other effective and safe options on the market, such as pipettes for mange in cats, which contain selamectin. Cat mange pills, such as milbemycin, can also be given, but these are often more difficult to get the cat to swallow.
It is very important to medicate and apply the treatment for mange in cats that the veterinarian stipulates, and not only to avoid contagion. Cats can die if they are not treated Medication must also be administered to all cats that live together and the environment must be disinfected to prevent a relapse.
Does Notoedres cati spread to humans?
Yes, it is possible that cat notohedral mange could be transmitted to humans, although in a transitory way. This means that the mite can survive on human skin but not reproduce, so it is said that the process is self-limiting Thus, in people it can only cause a slight dermatitis. Treating the cat or cats you live with should solve the problem.
Other common cat mites
The most common mite in cats is Otodectes cynotis, which also affects the head and face area and usually to cause external otitis. Also, Cheyletiella and Demodex gatoi are common. To make a quick diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment of mange in cats or otitis, it is necessary to go to the veterinarian in case of any sign that makes us suspect, such as itching, skin wounds, thickening, localized hair loss, etc.
