Notoedric mange (feline scabies) is a highly contagious mite infestation caused by Notoedres cati that causes intense itching, crusty skin, and hair loss, primarily on the face, ears, and neck. It spreads rapidly between cats and can temporarily affect humans. Treatment with antiparasitic medication is effective and typically resolves the infestation within weeks.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What Is Notoedric Mange in Cats?
Notoedric mange is caused by Notoedres cati, a burrowing mite closely related to the Sarcoptes scabiei that causes sarcoptic mange in dogs. The mite burrows into the superficial layers of the skin, where females lay eggs, triggering intense hypersensitivity and secondary inflammation. As described in Nelson & Couto's Small Animal Internal Medicine, notoedric mange was historically prevalent in North America and Europe but declined following widespread use of ivermectin-based preventives; it remains more common in feral and unvaccinated cat populations and in areas with high stray density. The condition is highly contagious: one infected cat in a multi-cat household typically results in rapid spread to all cats.
Signs of Notoedric Mange
Signs usually begin on the tips of the ears and face, then spread:
- Intense pruritus (itching) — the cat scratches vigorously at its face, ears, and neck
- Crusting and scaling — thick, yellowish-grey crusts form on the ears, face, and neck
- Hair loss (alopecia) — starting behind the ears and spreading across the face; in severe cases, over the entire body
- Skin thickening and lichenification — chronically affected skin becomes thickened and grey
- Self-excoriation wounds — the cat scratches so intensely it creates open sores and secondary bacterial infection
- Emaciation — in neglected, debilitated cats with heavy infestations
The AAFP-AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines, 2021 emphasize that skin disease in cats warrants full physical examination because pruritic dermatoses often have multiple concurrent causes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is by skin scraping — the vet takes a superficial or deep scrape from the edges of a crust and examines it under a microscope for mites, eggs, or fecal pellets. False negatives occur because mites can be scant. When scabies is strongly suspected based on clinical signs and response-to-treatment trial is appropriate, some vets treat empirically. Diagnosis costs $50–150 for skin scraping. A full skin panel including fungal culture to rule out ringworm costs $150–300.
Treatment
Effective treatments include:
- Selamectin (Revolution) — monthly spot-on, off-label for notoedric mange; typically 2–3 doses 30 days apart; $30–60 for a treatment course
- Ivermectin — injectable or oral, used in cats at appropriate feline doses (not from dog formulations); $20–60 per course
- Lime sulfur dips — old-fashioned but effective; 2–4 weekly dips at your vet or at home with caution; $30–80
- Moxidectin/imidacloprid (Advantage Multi) — emerging evidence of efficacy
All in-contact cats must be treated simultaneously regardless of whether they show signs, or re-infestation will occur within weeks. Bedding, blankets, and fabrics should be washed in hot water.
The WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, 2011 note that immune-compromised or malnourished cats have significantly worse outcomes from parasitic skin disease — addressing nutritional status is part of holistic treatment.
Can Humans Get Notoedric Mange?
Notoedres cati can temporarily infest human skin, causing intense itching and papular rash — most commonly on forearms, abdomen, and anywhere the cat has been held. Human infestation is self-limiting because the mite cannot complete its lifecycle on human skin, but lesions can persist 2–4 weeks after the cat is treated. Treating the cat is the only necessary intervention; no human antiparasitic treatment is typically needed unless lesions are severe (consult a physician).
When to See a Vet
Call your vet today if:
- Your cat is scratching its face, ears, or neck intensely with crusting visible
- You notice grey-yellow crusts or scaly skin on the ear tips or muzzle
- Any family member develops an unexplained itchy rash after contact with the cat
- You have multiple cats and one is scratching more than usual
Go to the ER immediately if:
- The skin has open, infected wounds from self-trauma
- Your cat has stopped eating and is becoming debilitated
- You notice signs of secondary bacterial skin infection (swelling, pus, fever)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is notoedric mange the same as ringworm in cats? No — notoedric mange is a mite infestation; ringworm is a fungal infection. Both cause hair loss, but mange produces intense itching, thick crusting, and starts at the ears and face. Ringworm typically causes circular bald patches with mild scaling and less severe itching. A vet can distinguish them with skin scrapings and fungal culture.
How contagious is notoedric mange to other cats? Extremely contagious — direct contact transmits mites within hours. All cats in the same household must be treated simultaneously even if asymptomatic, or re-infestation is inevitable. The mite does not survive long off the host, so environmental decontamination (hot-wash bedding, vacuum carpets) is helpful but less critical than treating all cats.
How long does notoedric mange treatment take? Most cats show significant improvement within 2–3 weeks of starting treatment. Full resolution of crusting and hair regrowth takes 4–8 weeks. Two to three treatment doses spaced 2–4 weeks apart are typically needed to kill all life stages of the mite.
What does notoedric mange treatment cost? Skin scraping and diagnosis: $50–150. Treatment medication (selamectin or ivermectin): $30–60 per cat. Secondary infection treatment (antibiotics): $40–100. Total for a single cat: typically $150–350. Treating multiple cats simultaneously reduces per-cat cost.
Can I treat cat scabies at home without a vet? You should not attempt to use dog-formulated ivermectin or permethrin products on cats — permethrin is toxic to cats and can be fatal. Confirm the diagnosis and get a safe, feline-appropriate treatment from your vet. Over-the-counter cat flea products are ineffective against mites.
Still Not Sure if Your Cat Needs a Vet?
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