No pet lover wants to see his animal in discomfort or pain. If you notice your cat scratching its skin or even bleeding, it might be suffering from mange. The mites that cause mange live on your cat's skin or in its ears. If not treated, these mites can infect your other animals and even you and your family.
Things You'll Need
- Ivermectin injection
- Dandruff shampoo
- Sulfur dip
- Cortisone or antibiotics
- Laundry detergent and surface disinfectant
Instructions
Closely examine your cat's fur and ears. If you notice any dry skin, bald patches or blood, contact your veterinarian.
Inform your veterinarian that you want your cat tested for mange. She will take a skin cell sample and analyze it under a microscope, checking for the mites that cause mange.
Have your veterinarian give your cat an Ivermectin injection. This will help kill the mites. Injections must be repeated every week for a month.
Wet your cat's fur, lather with a dandruff shampoo, and rinse out. This can help relieve some of the itchiness and dry skin.
Purchase a sulfur dip from your veterinarian or pet store. Following the manufacturer's directions, mix the sulfur dip with water and apply to your cat's skin. Do not rinse off.
If your veterinarian prescribes it, apply a cortisone cream to help with your cat's itching and prevent infection from scratching. If your cat has already scratched hard enough to create an infected sore, your veterinarian will also prescribe oral antibiotics to fight the infection.
Wash and disinfect everything in your house your cat has been in contact with, such as bedding and furniture. This will ensure that all the mites that caused your cat's mange are killed and that your cat will not get infected again.