Feline scabies is a rare but very contagious disease caused by [[Notoedres|''Notoedres cati'']], a burrowing mite. It has not been reported in the UK as of yet. Canine scabies mite, ''[[Sarcoptes scabiei]]'' var. ''canis'' infection can occur in the cat, but is rare and thought to occur mainly when the animal is immunosuppressed. Cases should be screened for [[FeLV]] and [[FIV]] infection and other serious internal disease if this mite is found on them. Affected animals develop [[Sarcoptic Mange#Clinical Signs|similar signs to those in the dog]] i.e. crusting and scale associated with local alopecia, but may not be significantly pruritic.
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Feline scabies is a rare but very contagious disease caused by [[Notoedres|''Notoedres cati'']], a burrowing mite. It has not been reported in the UK as of yet. Canine scabies mite, ''[[Sarcoptes]] scabiei'' var. ''canis'' infection can occur in the cat, but is rare and thought to occur mainly when the animal is immunosuppressed. Cases should be screened for [[FeLV]] and [[FIV]] infection and other serious internal disease if this mite is found on them. Affected animals develop [[Sarcoptic Mange#Clinical Signs|similar signs to those in the dog]] i.e. crusting and scale associated with local alopecia, but may not be significantly pruritic.
The burrowing of female mites meads to damage of keratinocytes and leads to cytokine release.
The burrowing of female mites meads to damage of keratinocytes and leads to cytokine release.