Uncontrollable itching with rashes and scaly skin are the usual initial warnings that a cat has a case of mange. Mange in cats is a generally treatable condition that does not lead to other ailments but must still be treated swiftly so that it does not worsen. Untreated infestations can draw bacteria in and lead to bacterial infection. Though unlikely, mange can also be contagious to humans.

Mange is usually caused by two kinds of mites: burrowing and non-burrowing. Burrowing mites are those that go under skin to lay and hatch their eggs. The resulting larvae then live out its life under skin. Sometimes, yellow orange larvae can be seen. On the other hand, non-burrowing mites crawl on the surface of skin and eat skin scales.

Accordingly, there are also two types of cat mange. Otodectic mange refers to ear mange while notoedric mange refers to head and skin mange. The cause of ear mange are non-burrowing mites that infest the ear canal and cause the production of thick, brown wax. This wax is removed to check for mites in the ear. Curing ear mange is usually done by applying ear drops.

Notoedric mange is considered a more serious condition than ear mange since it can result in bacterial infection. It is caused by the burrowing mite Notoedres cati. The initial symptoms are red, crusted skin along the margins of the ears. Eventually, these spread on the rest of the head and back of the infested cat. Bad cases of head mange are known as scabies.

Notoedric mange is diagnosed through skin scrapings which are then observed under the microscope. This is done to find out if mites and eggs are present under the skin and if they are the ones causing the intense itching and other said symptoms. This is done to rule out other skin infections.

Treatment for mange depends on the degree of mite infestation in the cat. Dipping cats on a daily or weekly basis, depending on severity of the mange, in a 2% to 3% lime sulfur mixture is a common way of killing the mites. However, cats generally do not like baths and one may need to trim their fur to ensure that the mixture penetrates the skin enough to take effect. Also, the treatment takes up to 8 agonizing weeks.

A faster but more costly treatment is the use of topical ointments and anti-flea shampoo. These are just as effective as sulfur dips but work quicker.

Nevertheless, it is important to remember that ointments and shampoo may not totally eradicate the presence of mites in the skin therefore risking recurrence of mite infestation. Ivermectin injected into the skin is considered the most convenient way of treating mange in cats although it should be kept in mind that some cats may be sensitive to injected medications. Proper diagnosis and prescription from veterinarians are needed before treating this condition.

Get help for mange cats by going online. With Notoedric mange there are certain treatments you will need to use. Head online now and learn more.

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