Mange in Cats: How to Identify & Treat It
Mange in cats is a skin condition caused by parasitic mites that can lead to severe discomfort and health issues if left untreated. Understanding how to identify mange, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to treat it are crucial for ensuring your cat’s health and comfort. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials of mange in cats, including identification, treatment, and prevention.
What is Mange?
Mange is a skin disease caused by various types of mites that infest a cat’s skin. There are two primary types of mange in cats:
- Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies): Caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, it is highly contagious and can spread to other animals and humans.
- Demodectic Mange (Demodicosis): Caused by the Demodex mites, it is less common in cats and is usually associated with underlying health issues or a weakened immune system.
Symptoms of Mange in Cats
1. Itching and Scratching
One of the most common signs of mange is intense itching and scratching. Cats may scratch, bite, or lick their skin excessively in an attempt to relieve itching caused by the mites.
2. Hair Loss
Mange often leads to hair loss. You might notice patches of thinning fur or bald spots on your cat’s body. The hair loss usually starts in localized areas and can become more widespread if not treated.
3. Red, Inflamed Skin
The affected skin areas may appear red, inflamed, and irritated. You may observe swelling or soreness in areas where your cat has been scratching or biting.
4. Scabs and Crusts
Mange can cause the skin to develop scabs and crusts. These can appear as rough, dry patches on the skin, often in areas where the cat has been scratching or rubbing.
5. Secondary Infections
Due to constant scratching and skin damage, secondary bacterial infections can develop. This can lead to pus-filled lesions, a foul odor, and worsening of the cat’s condition.
6. Behavioral Changes
In addition to physical symptoms, mange can cause behavioral changes. Your cat might become more irritable, withdrawn, or lethargic due to the discomfort and itching.
Diagnosing Mange
If you suspect your cat has mange, it’s essential to get a proper diagnosis from a veterinarian. The vet will typically perform the following:
1. Physical Examination
The vet will conduct a thorough physical examination of your cat’s skin and coat to look for signs of mange and determine the extent of the infestation.
2. Skin Scraping
A skin scraping test involves taking a small sample of skin from affected areas to examine under a microscope. This helps in identifying the type of mite causing the mange.
3. Flea and Tick Checks
The vet may check for other parasites such as fleas or ticks that could be contributing to the symptoms. Sometimes, managing these parasites can help alleviate mange symptoms.
4. Blood Tests
In some cases, blood tests may be conducted to check for underlying health conditions or to assess the overall health of your cat, especially if demodectic mange is suspected.
Treatment Options for Mange
Treating mange involves addressing the underlying infestation and managing any secondary infections or complications. Treatment options may include:
1. Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and include medicated shampoos, creams, or ointments. These treatments target the mites and can provide relief from itching and inflammation.
2. Systemic Medications
In more severe cases, or when topical treatments are insufficient, systemic medications may be prescribed. These include oral or injectable medications that work throughout the body to eliminate mites. Ivermectin and milbemycin oxime are commonly used systemic treatments.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Medications
To manage inflammation and discomfort, the vet might prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids. These can help reduce itching and swelling associated with mange.
4. Antibiotics
If secondary bacterial infections are present, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat these infections and prevent further complications.
5. Regular Follow-Up
Your vet will likely recommend follow-up visits to monitor your cat’s progress and ensure that the treatment is effective. This may include additional skin scrapings or check-ups to confirm that the mites have been eradicated.
Home Care and Prevention
1. Maintain a Clean Environment
Ensure your cat’s living environment is clean and free of parasites. Regularly clean and disinfect bedding, toys, and areas where your cat spends time to help prevent re-infestation.
2. Bathe and Groom Your Cat
Regular grooming and occasional bathing with medicated shampoos can help manage and prevent mange. Ensure you follow the vet’s recommendations for products and frequency.
3. Boost Your Cat’s Immune System
A healthy immune system can help prevent mange and other infections. Provide a balanced diet, ensure your cat has access to fresh water, and consider adding supplements if recommended by your vet.
4. Monitor and Address Other Health Issues
Mange, especially demodectic mange, can be associated with underlying health problems. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify and address any other health issues that might compromise your cat’s immune system.
5. Limit Exposure to Other Animals
If your cat has sarcoptic mange, limit its contact with other animals until the infestation is fully treated. This helps prevent the spread of the mites to other pets and reduces the risk of re-infestation.
