Notoedric Mange Cures

Notoedric mange, also called feline scabies, causes severe itching and hair loss, and is extremely contagious. Caused by the tiny mite notoedres cati, notoedric mange is transmitted from infected cats to other cats or through grooming materials or environments in which the mite is present. Feline scabies typically presents itself as hair loss, often accompanied by itching and crusts. Fortunately, a few treatments are effective in eliminating this irritating illness.

  1. Shampoo and Dip

    • According to PetEducation.com, the current recommended treatment for notoedric mange involves shaving the cat if the hair is long then bathing her in a gentle, cleansing shampoo. Afterwards, a 2-percent to 3-percent lime sulfur dip should be applied to the entire cat. This treatment should be repeated every seven days until the scabies is resolved, which can take anywhere from six to eight weeks. While this dip is typically effective, it has a rotten egg smell. Moreover, some cats severely protest the bathing and dipping process and, as a result, need to be sedated.

    Amitraz Dip

    • PetPlace.com states that while amitraz dip is often effective in resolving notoedric mange, it is an off-label use of the product and can cause toxicity in cats. Cats can be quite sensitive to medications, more so than other animals, such as dogs; therefore, they sometimes cannot tolerate medications dogs usually can, such as amitraz dip.

    Ivermectin Injections

    • Ivermectin is a medication that is typically used to treat sarcoptic mange in dogs. Recently, however, it has been used off-label to treat notoedetric mange in cats. According to PetPlace.com, ivermectin has not been approved for cats at the dosage that is required to kill the mites that cause notoedric mange; however, under close veterinary care, it may successfully and safely treat the mange. Cats typically receive one or two injections a week, a treatment plan that many owners and their felines find more convenient than shampoos and dips. While ivermectin is used off-label, side effects are rare, according to PetPlace.com.