Mange Dip for Cats

Mange occurs when the cat becomes infected with mites, such as sarcoptic mites. These mites burrow into the skin, causing issues such as redness, scaling and inflammation. At the veterinarian, a skin scraping will be taken and examined beneath a microscope to confirm the presence of mites.

  1. Shampoo

    • Prior to using a mange dip, a cat will need to be thoroughly cleaned with a gentle cleansing shampoo to ensure that the mange dip is allowed to fully penetrate the skin.

    Sulfur-Lime Dip

    • Sulfur-lime dips are the most common and safest option for treating feline mange. These dips, used weekly, are available through prescription only and contain a lime sulfur solution and calcium polysulfide.

    Safety Precautions

    • While the product is safe for cats, the owner should wear gloves during application. The owner should also avoid getting the solution into sensitive areas such as the nose, eyes and genitals.

    Additional Options

    • Some cats may simply refuse or be too difficult to treat using a mange dip. For these cats, additional options exist. Medications containing ivermectin can be used to effectively cure mild cases of mange.

    Considerations

    • At home, daily vacuuming is necessary to get rid of any household mites that are present. Additionally, bedding should be washed regularly and any areas that the cat frequents should also be cleaned regularly.