Mange is a skin disease, caused by a microscopic ectoparasite that can occur in numerous animal species, including humans, and it is found all over the world. It is spread by contact, produces a series of symptoms that make it easily recognizable and usually has an easy solution.
As soon as we detect any symptoms in our pets, we must quickly go to our trusted veterinarian to proceed with the corresponding tests and act as soon as possible. In this article on our site we are going to focus on mange in cats, what are its symptoms and its treatment
Types of mange in cats and their parasites
The ectoparasite that causes scabies is a mite, of which there are several species and subspecies that can affect in different ways. We find mites that dig tunnels in the skin of the affected animal, since they feed on it, and mites that instead of digging in the skin, stay on the surface and feed on the keratin.
Focusing on domestic cats, we find that the most common types of mange are, from most to least affected in felines:
- La notohedral mange, produced by Notoedres cati. It occurs mainly in cats and is the most common scabies. It is characterized by being localized, since what this type of mite does is form small nests, grouping together.
- The ear scabies or of the ears, caused by the mite Otodectes cynotis. It occurs mainly in cats and occasionally in dogs. It is characterized by presenting the external auditory canal, although in severe cases of infestation, it can spread to other areas of the face.
- The cheilethielosis or “walking dandruff”, caused by Cheyletiella blackei. It can be confused with dandruff, but if you look closely you can see how the mites move. It occurs mainly in cats and sometimes in dogs.
- The demodectic mange, produced by Demodex cati. It occurs mainly in dogs (Demodex canis), but occasionally in cats.
Are there cats prone to mange?
The answer is that you are not more likely to get scabies because you are of one race or another, or of no particular race. Therefore, any domestic feline of any breed, mongrel and even of any age, can have scabies as long as it is not anticipated or treated.
How is mange spread in cats?
Mange is always spread by contact with another infected animal with the mites responsible for it, or with objects that said animal can touch or use For this reason, we must always pay close attention to the contact that our feline may have with other animals susceptible to being infected, either because it lives inside and outside the house (it lives in contact with the outside) or because we have an animal already sick in the same house.
If we detect that one of our animals has scabies, we must separate the sick animal from the rest and start treatment (prescribed by the veterinarian), preventing any garment or object from passing to other of our animals. Likewise, it will be necessary to disinfect beds, feeders, blankets and toys that may have been infested with mites.
Is mange in cats contagious to humans?
This type of scabies is rarely spread to humans, except for cheyletiellosis, which can spread to humans even though it affects us more temporarily. Thus, when asked if mange in cats is contagious to humans, the answer is that, most feline mange is not Only the so-called "dandruff walker" can spread to people. Likewise, cases of Notoedres cati have been found that have also been infected to humans and dogs.
Symptoms of mange in cats
As there are different types of mange caused by different types of mites, the symptoms can be very diverse, but in the case of cats the most common and easily recognizable signs that can help us discoverhow to tell if a cat has mange are:
- Concern. Our cat will not be able to sit still or lie down due to the discomfort caused by the mites.
- Excessive itching, especially on the head and ears, which is where scabies attacks the most. This itching causes profuse scratching and licking of the affected areas.
- Hair loss in cats in affected areas.
- Redness of the skin and inflammation of the area, accompanied by eczema and peeling of the affected skin.
- Wounds and scabs. After uncontrolled scratching and licking, wounds and scabs are produced that can easily become infected, so it is very important to follow the treatment given by the veterinarian.
- In the case of scabies in the ear area, as it affects the inside of the ear, we will find excess dark earwax that can lead to otitis. In the extreme case of getting out of control, it can cause bleeding or hemorrhages in the ears and even perforation of the eardrum.
If you suspect that your cat has a skin problem, we advise you to read this other article on our site on How do I know if my cat is sick?
How to cure mange in cats? - Treatment
How to cure mange in cats? As treatments against various types of ectoparasites or external parasites, there are different products that we can buy in specialized stores or at veterinarians for this purpose. Some of these products are:
- Tablets, tablets, capsules and pastes. Internal treatment that can be a combination against ectoparasites and endoparasites.
- Injectables.
- Shampoo, aerosols, sprays, powders, ear drops, etc. Some products are: Sentry HC Earmite ree, Mita-Clear, ZooPharma Extra Mild Allergy, etc. It is important to note that treatment collars that do work against parasites such as ticks and fleas do not usually work against mites. For this reason, it is important to make sure that the product we buy does act against mites in case we want to prevent or treat mange in cats.
- Ivermectin. It is a veterinary prescription drug designed to combat nematodes and mites, mainly. It comes in several formats and it is essential that a veterinarian indicates its use, as well as its dosage.
Medicines for mange in cats
Treatment with ivermectin to cure mange in cats is usually the most common, however, there are more and more other drugs that offer excellent results. Some examples of these medications are amitraz, milbemax, selamectin, or milbemycin tablets.
It should be noted that the treatment of mange in cats must be carried out by a veterinarian, since tests must be done to determine the type of scabies and the degree in which it is found to decide which will be the most effective treatment to eliminate it, while being the least aggressive for our feline. In general, curing mange in cats is simple, since in most cases the use of a suitable shampoo and the administration of an antiparasitic product is usually sufficient. However, we insist, it must be the specialist who determines the best treatment.
How to prevent mange in cats?
A adequate deworming and a quality feed are the key to preventing mange in cats. There are many antiparasitic products that act against these mites, both to prevent a possible infestation and to combat it. Thus, we can make use of pipettes, which are for external application. Generally, its application is monthly, but we must follow the instructions of the leaflet of each specific product.
However, the above product is not the only one that can help us prevent mange in cats, since some tablets act against internal and external parasites at the same time, antiparasitic shampoos also have a powerful effect preventative, just like sprays.
Home remedies for mange in cats
As a complement to veterinary treatment, we can apply a series of home remedies to treat mange in cats, such as the following:
White vinegar for mange in cats
Vinegar can be used in many ways against these mites due to its antiparasitic effect, its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Thus, we can dilute it in a little water and massage the affected areas with this solution. Of course, we will avoid injuries so as not to cause pain in the animal. On the other hand, we can moisten a sterile gauze in the same solution and pass it through the inside of the ear, in case this area is affected.
In addition, vinegar is an excellent preventive method against mange in cats, fleas and ticks. To use it, we simply have to mix it with the shampoo, in equal parts, and bathe the animal as usual.
Oils to treat mange in cats
Both olive oil, corn oil and almond oil are indicated to relieve the symptoms of mange in cats. They are not a home remedy to cure it, but they are to combat itching, inflammation and redness.
Other remedies to cure mange in cats
To discover the most recommended home remedies for feline scabies, don't miss this other article: "Home remedies to cure scabies in cats".
