Mange is a skin disease that causes inflammation, itching, and other irritation to your cat’s skin. It is caused by Demodex or Sarcoptic mites, which strangely enough are often present in your pet’s fur with no negative consequences.

Mange only develops if your cat has a problem with his immune system or if his body begins to produce hormones or oils in excess; when either of these things occurs, the mite population is able to grow unchecked. Once the mange mite population crosses a certain threshold, your cat will begin to experience problems with his fur and skin.

There is no specific reason one cat may develop mange while another may not. The mites that cause mange live on almost all cats, but only become a problem when your cat is experiencing some sort of unrelated health issue. Because mange in cats is relatively rare, veterinarians don’t know much about why exactly it develops or doesn’t develop beyond the fact that it happens when the mite population is allowed to grow unchecked.

There are two primary types of Demodex mites. One is related to immune disorders and other diseases, while the other is very contagious and can be transferred between cats that share space. Sarcoptic mites are dominated by a single specie. If you have more than one pet, keep an eye on all of them.

A cat experiencing mange will show a variety of signs of discomfort. It may be restless, lying down only to get back up again and relocate. Mange is also associated with itching and scratching. However, the most noticeable symptom of mange is patchy hair loss, mostly on the face and ears. Mange in cats can also cause symptoms in humans; interacting with a cat infected with mange could leave your hands or arms covered in red bumps.

The most noticeable symptom of mange is patchy hair loss, mostly on the face and ears.

Because there are different types of mange mites that can cause the same symptoms, it helps to know what you’re dealing with. Mange mites in cats cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Dealing with mange in cats is a simple but involved process. Spray the affected skin with EcoMange for Dogs & Cats (yes, you can use it on your kitty too) and let it dry. EcoMange is a no-rinse botanical spray that soothes itchy, red, irritated skin, and it costs a fraction of a vet visit. Keep going for the full schedule (every other day for one week, then once a week until no longer needed), even once things look better. If your cat seems unwell, the symptoms are spreading or not improving, or you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, check with your veterinarian.

Botanical sprays such as EcoMange let you avoid harsh chemicals. Be aware that some mange treatments for dogs are toxic to cats.

Mange isn’t a one-step process. Recovery can take up to 4 weeks, and you may need to wash or replace your cat’s collar, toys and bedding to prevent it from coming back. Skin and fur need time to heal.

Mange is a frustrating problem, but it’s a curable condition. It is important to note, however, that mange in cats is often indicative of an underlying health problem, so keep an eye on your cat’s overall health.