Mange Medication for Cats

Mange is the term used for infestations of the sarcoptic mange mites in cats, dogs and other mammals. Signs of mange include hair loss, odor and itching. Fortunately, there are ways to treat mange in cats. Topical medications, medicated dips and alternative treatments have all proven effective in combating mange in cats.

  1. Dermisil

    • Dermisil is a medicated shampoo that is used to treat mange in cats. It is used prior to a lime-sulfur dip. Because it is sold in an extra concentrated solution, Dermisil is mixed with regular pet shampoo. The shampoo sits on the cat's skin for five to seven minutes before being rinsed off. According to Dermisil's website, the treatment should be repeated every five days until the mange is gone.

    Lime-Sulfur dips

    • Lime-sulfur dips are one of the most effective ways to treat mange in cats. They are a home remedy that must be repeated often until the infestation ceases. Dips like these come in concentrates that get diluted with water before use; they are then applied to the affected areas of the cat's coat. In order for these dips to be fully effective they must be repeated weekly for six weeks.

    Ivermectin

    • When vets treat cats for mange they often use a topical treatment. According to Cat Health Guide, Ivermectin is one of the preferred brands to use. Vets apply this to the cat's skin. In cases of Notoedric mange, the vet will inject Ivermectin into the cat. These injections occur weekly for four weeks. Since Notoedric mange is extremely contagious it is necessary to get other pets checked out as well. Notoedric mange can also pass to humans.

    Cortisone

    • Cortisone is an antibiotic treatment that is applied directly to the infected areas of the cat's body. It has been proven to relive the itchiness that comes from mange. Vets only prescribe this ointment if the itching is severe enough to warrant it or if there are open sores. Cortisone is not used to prevent or kill the infestation of mites on the skin. If the cat has contracted bacterial infection the medication can be taken orally to treat them.

    Natural Treatments

    • Natural treatments can be effective in treating mild cases of mange. For cats with ear mites (a form of mange) plain yogurt can help heal sore ears. Adding a teaspoon of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to cat's food can help treat mange symptoms as well. Rubbing cooking oil directly on the cat's skin can help combat irritations. The oil can also the kill the mites that cause mange.