Scabies is a progressive and uncomfortable condition for cats—and not the easiest for pet owners either. Officially known as Notoedric mange, it’s caused by the mite Notoedres cati, a close relative of the canine scabies mite.
While these mites can cause intense irritation and skin damage in cats, they do not reproduce or persist on humans, though transient itching may occur after contact.
Notoedric mange is highly contagious among felines, and often spreads rapidly between animals in close contact. If left untreated, it can cause severe discomfort and long-term skin damage.
What’s Really Happening Beneath the Surface?
From a natural health perspective, scabies isn’t just a parasite problem—it’s also a symptom of compromised skin health and weakened immune resistance. The skin, being one of the body’s major detoxification organs, often shows signs of internal imbalance.
Toxins may accumulate under the skin due to:
- A build-up of metabolic waste,
- Long-term exposure to chemical additives in processed cat food,
- Frequent pharmaceutical treatments (e.g. worming),
- Or simply an overwhelmed eliminatory system.
When the body can no longer process and expel these waste products effectively, the skin becomes more vulnerable to external parasites like mites.
Common Signs of Scabies in Cats
- Intense scratching or biting at the skin
- Red, inflamed rashes
- Patchy hair loss
- Crusted sores and scabbing, especially around the ears, face, and neck
A holistic, herbal approach to healing
Rather than targeting only the mites, a holistic protocol works to restore the skin's natural defenses and support the body in eliminating underlying causes.
- Start with Internal Detoxification
A herbal blood cleanser supports the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system in clearing internal toxins. Given over the course of a full feline blood cycle (around 12 weeks), this allows the skin to recover its resilience and often results in a natural resistance to parasitic re-infestation. - Topical Herbal Support
Where skin damage is advanced or infection is present, a gentle antiparasitic and antifungal herbal spray can be applied directly to the coat. One effective formula includes 20 drops of a specific herbal blend diluted in 20ml of Colloidal Silver, sprayed once daily after rinsing your cat in warm water. - Skin Repair and Recovery
In cases of scarring or thickened skin, a skin healing ointment or recovery spray helps restore elasticity, reduce inflammation, and promote new tissue growth.
Diet makes a difference!
We often see the best results when herbal protocols are paired with a natural, raw meat diet, and commercial cat food is phased out. Processed pet foods can contain preservatives, additives, and fillers that place additional strain on the liver and immune system. Returning to a species-appropriate diet supports both the internal healing process and the skin's long-term recovery.
Every cat is different
While this program has been successful for many cats, each case of mange or scabies may present slightly differently depending on the cat’s age, health status, and history. If you're unsure how to start, or if your cat has a more complex condition, we invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Our team can work with you to create a tailored herbal program that supports your cat’s healing, inside and out.
