Topicals That Will Kill Mange on Cats

Feline mange is a parasitic disease that is caused by mites on the skin of your cat. There are a few different types of mange, such as notoedric, otodectic, cheyletiella and demodectic. Apart from cheyletiella mange, which is visible to the human eye, mange mites are microscopic and are diagnosed by skin scrapings viewed under a microscope. These parasitic mites burrow under the surface of the skin to feed on blood and can cause moderate to severe allergic reactions. Fortunately there are a number of effective treatments, although they can take weeks before the mange is completely eradicated.

  1. Ivermectin

    • Ivermectin is normally a heartworm treatment or preventative, but it also has been known to kill external parasites in a range of animals. Ivermectin is an insecticide that is extremely poisonous and should only be used under strict veterinary supervision. The goal with Ivermectin is to use enough of the poison to kill the parasite, (such as mange), while leaving the cat unharmed. It can be administered as an injectable, oral or topical treatment.

    Lime Sulfur Dip

    • There are a few different types of lime sulfur dips on the market, and they can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions including mange. Although you can purchase lime sulfur dips without a veterinarian's prescription, you should only apply it if your veterinarian recommends it. When using these products be sure to always wear gloves, because it is a pesticide that can be absorbed through the skin. The infected cat will probably have to have multiple dip treatments to completely eradicate the mites. Shave the affected area on your cat to ensure the dip gets right to the skin.

    Dandruff Shampoo

    • Some dandruff shampoos have been known to be quite effective when combating certain types of mange. However, dandruff shampoos usually are not enough to eliminate the problem by themselves. Use shampoos such as Dermisil in combination with other treatments to provide the best treatment for feline mange. Before mixing and combining medications, check with a veterinarian to make sure that you get the right combination.