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Mange is a skin condition usually found in dogs, but cats can also be affected by it. Mange causes cats to be very uncomfortable and look patchy, but it is a treatable condition.
Cause
Cats get mange from mites which are either burrowing or non-burrowing. Burrowing mites dig into a cat's skin to lay eggs, while non-burrowing mites eat a cat's skin scales.
Signs
Cats with mange typically feel the need to scratch themselves frequently, as they feel a severe itching sensation. Mange also sometimes causes splotchy hair loss and inflamed skin.
Types
Cats usually get mange via ear mites, which focus on the ear canal, or notoedric mange, which is contagious and causes hair loss. Other types of mange such as demodectic mange, cheyletiella mange, sarcoptic mange, and chiggers are possible but rare in cats.
Prevention
To reduce their odds of getting mange, cats should be kept away from stray animals which may have the ailment. Indoor cats have less chance at developing mange than outdoor cats.
Treatment
Mange can be treated by giving a cat de-worming medication, which comes in pill or liquid form from a veterinarian. The cat must get de-worming medication several times over the course of a few weeks in order to correct the problem.
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