Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with itchy red ear infection caused by Notoedres cati mites
By Mastan, Lorena-Eliza et al.·Published in Parasitology international·2026·Dermatology Clinic·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Notoedres cati-induced bilateral erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A one-year-old male European Shorthair cat was brought to the vet with severe itching, hair loss, and ear problems, including red and waxy ears. Tests confirmed he had a rare skin condition caused by a parasite called Notoedres cati, along with other infections. The vet treated him with a combination of topical and oral medications, including antiparasitics and antibiotics, along with anti-itch medication. After a few weeks of treatment, the cat showed significant improvement, with all symptoms resolving completely.
People also search for: cat ear infection treatment · cat skin problems mange · why is my cat itching and losing hair
Abstract
Notoedric mange, caused by Notoedres cati (N. cati), is a rare but severe parasitic skin disease primarily affecting stray cats, with zoonotic potential. This case report describes a one-year-old intact male European Shorthair presented with extensive cervico-facial skin lesions and systemic illness signs. Clinical examination revealed severe pruritus, alopecia, thick crusts, bilateral erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa and deep pyoderma, with the maximum severity score on the clinical mange scale. Complementary tests confirmed N. cati infestation through skin scrapings and ear wax examination, alongside concurrent Toxocara cati, Dipylidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis infections. Hematological findings indicated a systemic inflammatory response. Treatment comprised topical and systemic antiparasitics (esafoxolaner, praziquantel, eprinomectin and fenbendazole), oral antibiotics (cephalexin), antipruritic therapy (prednisolone), and supportive skin care. Follow-up examinations at days 8, 12, 15, and 21 demonstrated progressive clinical improvement, with resolution of mange, endoparasitic infections, otitis, and deep pyoderma by the end of treatment. This case highlights the need for early recognition and comprehensive management of notoedric mange, particularly in stray feline populations. The observed association between N. cati infestation and otitis externa suggests that its role in feline ear disease may be underestimated.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40975468/