Mange is a skin condition that is caused by mites that like to burrow in the fur of animals, including cats. There are varying degrees of mange with different negative and uncomfortable side effects for your cat. They include hair loss that exposes raw, irritated skin, intense itching, redness and sores that can become infected. Mange does not occur that often in cats, but when it does, there are avenues for treatment.
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Types of Mange
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Scabies or sarcoptic mange, is a parasitic disease that originates from a microscopic mite that can affect cats, especially young ones. They attack the skin and generate a multitude of problems. Mange occurs more in young cats and it can be passed along to other animals or to people. Demodectic mange is caused by mites that land on the cat's oil glands or hair follicles. They have the ability to multiply quickly and can cause a red, itchy rash. Cheyletiella mites are known as "walking dandruff" because they are big enough to be visible to the human eye. It causes extreme itchiness.
Diagnosing and Treatments
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To determine whether or not your cat has mange, it is necessary for the veterinarian to do a scraping of the skin to examine it. Sometimes, it requires several skin scrapings since the mites are undetectable many times. The mange can be treated topically, orally, or by medications injected to kill the mites. Antibiotics must be given for any possible bacterial infections. The vet may recommend doing a once a week bath for the cat in a lime sulfur dip. The anti-parasitic drug, Ivermectin, may be applied topically. Mange causes uncomfortable itchiness, prompting the cat to scratch intensely, which may cause bacterial infections. Cortisone ointment is beneficial in controlling any infections.
Prevention of Mites
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Because mange causes such great discomfort for cats, it is imperative that preventative measures be taken. Mites can be spread to other pets who are close to the infected cat, so it is necessary to separate the cat from other pets. It is vital to clean sleep and play areas, such as the bedding and floors. Benzarid is a spray considered to be a safe product that will kill the mites before they have a chance to infest your cat's body.
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