Frontline for Mange in Cats

Two types of mites cause mange in cats: burrowing and non-burrowing. Common types of cat mange are otodectic mange (caused by ear mites,) and notoedric mange, also known as cat scabies, according to Mange in Cats. Mange causes excessive itching, skin rashes and raw crusty areas on the cat's skin. Veterinarians often prescribe Frontline to cure and prevent future infestations of mange-causing mites.

  1. Function

    • Frontline contains the broad spectrum insecticide fipronil, which kills parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites before they lay their eggs, according to the Cat Health Guide. One product in the line, Frontline Spray, eliminates existing fleas and ticks on a cat, and also works to eliminate mange-causing mites.

    Benefits

    • One of the benefits of using Frontline to treat cat mange is that the medication does not carry an expiration date, according to the Frontline website. This means it is possible to store the Frontline medication in case a cat or dog in your household develops mange in the future.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Frontline offers preventative products that kill fleas, ticks, mange-causing mites and other parasites on contact rather than killing existing parasites on the cat's skin. Applying these preventative products to your cat monthly can help prevent future occurrences and keep your cat healthy, according to veterinarians at Placerville Veterinary Clinic in El Dorado County, California.

    Warning

    • Side effects of Frontline products are rare. Irritation can occur on the skin surrounding the application site in some cases. This irritation usually goes away, but if it persists the cat should see a veterinarian for a checkup, according to the Frontline website.

    Alternatives

    • Ivermectin and Milbemycin are anti-parasitic medications often used in the treatment of mange in both cats and dogs. Other treatment options include an Amitraz dip or a lime-sulfur dip combined with cat shampoo, according to Mange in Cats. A veterinarian might prescribe a cortisone cream to relieve excessive itching or a topical antibiotic for any open sores to prevent bacterial skin infections.