A cat with mange isn't a happy cat. In fact, depending on the type of mange it has, the cat can become almost crazy from the itching it can cause. This means that if you even suspect your cat has some type of mange, you need to know about treatment for mange in cats.
The most common types of mange in cats
There are five types of mange that can affect cats. Three types of mange, demodectic mange, cheyletiella mange and sarcoptic mange are rarely found in cats. However, cats can suffer from a form of mange called ear mites (Otodectic Cynotis), as well as notoedric mange which is also called feline scabies or head mange.
The symptoms of mange in cats
The symptoms of otodectic mange is irritation and inflammation of the cat's ear canal. If the condition is really severe, you might also see a substance oozing from the cat's ear.
Notoedric mange is caused by burrowing mites and causes hair loss and crusty skin. These usually start on the cat's ears but will then rapidly spread to its eyelids, neck and face.
Treatment for mange in cats
How you treat your cat for mange will differ a bit, depending on the type of mange that has affected your cat. For example, if your cat has notoedric mange, one recommended treatment is to clip all of the cat's long hair and then bathe the cat with a gentle shampoo or a shampoo specially designed for mange such as Dermisil for Mange.
You will then need to apply a 2% to 3% lime sulfur dip (Lymdip) to the cat's entire body. Given the way many cats respond to shampooing and dipping, you may have to sedate it to do the procedure. You will have to repeat the shampoo and dip every seven days until the mange is cured, which can take as long as six to eight weeks.
Treatment of otodectic mange in cats
While the treatments listed above will cure many forms of mange, otodectic mange is different and requires a different treatment.
The reason for this is because the mites that cause otodectic mange in cats infest the cat's ear canals, instead of its head or body – which is why otodectic mange is usually called ear mites.
These microscopic mites get deep into the cat's exterior ear canals. Just a few mites can cause the cat to scratch and shake its head furiously as it tries to dislodge the mites.
The best treatment for cat otodectic mange is to first clean the cat's ears, while bathing it, using a cotton-tipped applicator to get into the deep recesses of the ears. You should also allow water into the cat's ears. It is important that you do this properly as dirty ear canals provide wax and cellular debris that will shelter the mites, making it difficult for ear medications to kill them.
You then will need to medicate the ears using a miticide ear preparation as prescribed by your vet. This will most likely be Nolvamite, Cerumite, Mitox, Acarex, or Tresaderm. The drug, Tresaderm, contains not just a miticide, but also an antibiotic, and a steroid to relieve itching. When you use one of the medications on the cat's ears, be sure to follow all the instructions you were given by your vet and those that came with the drug.
Ivermectin as a treatment for mange in cats
If you take the cat to your veterinarian for treatment, he or she will most likely treat the cat with the drug Ivermectin, as this is the preferred treatment for most types of mange in cats. If your cat has notoedric mange, the vet will most likely give the drug by injection, weekly for four weeks. If the mange affecting your cat is demodectic mange, the vet may apply a topical solution of rotenone or diluted amitraz solution.
The most common treatment for ear mites consists of lime sulfur drops instilled into the cat's ear. There are also several topical treatments for ear mites, including Milbemite and Tresaderm.
In addition to the Ivermectin and lime sulfur dips, sarcoptic mange can sometimes be treated with the topical product, Revolution® Flea Spray as it can be a safe and effective way to cure this type of mange.
The drug Milbemycin (Interceptor®) is sometimes used to treat sarcoptic mange, as is Amitraz (Mitaban®).
Medicated shampoos for the treatment of mange in cats
It is also possible your vet will recommend that you treat your cat with a medicated shampoo. Do not use a product that has been prescribed for dogs unless your vet tells you to, as it may not be safe for use on cats. A dandruff shampoo may also help.
Cortisone for the itching
If your cat has been suffering from excessive itching, your vet may prescribe cortisone to relieve it. He or she may also prescribe a topical antibiotic solution to treat any open sores and an oral antibiotic medication for any bacterial skin infections that the excessive scratching may have caused.
You should be aware that notoedric mange is very contagious. If your cat is diagnosed with this type of mange, you need to have all household pets treated.
Wash all the cat's bedding
No matter which type of mites have infested your cat, you will need to wash all its bedding in hot water and disinfect the areas surrounding its sleeping area. This will prevent the cat from becoming re-infested. You might also consider a product such as Benzarid to treat the cat's environment as it is designed to safely remove mites from inside the house.
Treatment for mange in cats isn't that difficult
As you can see, treatment for mange in cats is fairly simple and inexpensive. If you see that your cat is losing hair in places, particularly around the eyelids and head, or scratching excessively, either get it to your vet. Your cat will thank you for it.
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