Scabies is a disease that will affect both humans and animals. This is a skin-type condition which is caused by a microscopic ectoparasite. If you have come this far, it is because you may have a pet with this condition and you do not know how to help it. For this reason, I invite you to continue reading the following article about mange in cats so that you can help your kitty.
Mange in Cats
As we mentioned before, scabies will consist of a skin condition, which is produced by an ectoparasite. This disease can occur in a large number of animal species, including humans. This condition will not only affect a certain region, but it is distributed throughout the world. As for scabies in cats, it can be transmitted by contact, and it will also produce a series of symptoms that will allow you to recognize it quickly. Thus finding an easy solution for this problem.
As soon as we begin to notice any symptoms in our four-legged companion, we should immediately go to the vet. So that in this way the veterinarian can carry out an evaluation of the cat and proceed to carry out the necessary evaluations to confirm mange in cats. In this way, with the diagnosis already given, the corresponding and necessary treatment can be given as soon as possible. It is in this article that we are going to explain what scabies in cats consists of, what causes it, what its symptoms are and we will even talk about its treatment.
What Kind of Mange Affects Cats?
The parasite that produces this disease, as we mentioned before, is the ectoparasite, which is the cause of mange in cats or in general in any type of animal, it is a type of mite of which there are a diversity of species and subspecies. All these species of mites can affect you in different ways. There are mites that will dig tunnels in the dermis of the affected animal, since these little animals feed on it.
Then we find other types of mites that, instead of digging into the skin, will remain on the surface and feed on its keratin. When we focus on domestic cats, we will identify various types of mange in cats. But in this article we are going to explain the best known and the most common in terms of felines:
Notohedral Scabies
This type of mange in cats is caused by Notoedres cati. This mainly affects felines and is the best known scabies in cats, therefore, it is the most common. This type of mange is going to be characterized by being localized, by this we mean that it will be easily located by regions in the animal's body. This is because what this type of mite does is create small nests, which are grouped together.
Otodectic Mange
It is also known for ear scabies, this is caused by the Otodectes cynotis mite. This type of mite is not only going to occur in cats but can also be seen in some dogs. It will be characterized by being located in the external auditory canal of the animal. However, when cases have a high level of infestation, it can spread to other places on the animal's face.
Cheyletiellosis
Also known as “walking dandruff” it is produced by Cheyletiella blackei. This can be mistaken for dandruff. But if you pay close attention to the infected areas, you can clearly see how the mites move. This type of mite will appear first in cats and also in dogs. This is a much more unpleasant type of mange in cats to see.
demodectic mange
This type of mange in cats is caused by Demodex cati. Although it occurs mainly in dogs, Demodex canis, it is also possible that it occurs in cats. Felines are not excluded from this type of mange.
There is a Breed of Cats More Prone to Mange
According to many studies carried out on this subject, they determine that there will be no breed that will be much easier to contract scabies. The race will not influence the condition, they can be any race, without affecting any in particular. This is why any domestic feline of any type of breed, regardless of its age, can get mange as long as it is not prevented or even treated.
How Mange is Spread in Cats
Mange is spread through contact with another animal that is infected with the mites that will be responsible for it, or it can even get infected with objects that the infected animal may have touched or perhaps used. This is why special attention should be paid to the contact that our cat may have had with animals that may become infected. These may live inside or outside a house, which can be associated with keeping in contact with the outside. It can also be because some other animal that is living in the same house is already sick.
In the event that our pet is found to be affected by scabies, the sick animal must be separated from the others. After this, the treatment is started immediately, already consulted with your veterinarian, to cure it of this condition. You should clean the area where you stayed, those objects you used, thus preventing your other pets from coming into contact with them. For this reason, beds, feeders, blankets and even toys that could come into contact with mites must be disinfected.
Mange in Cats is Spread to Humans
This is rare to occur, it is very rarely that this type of cat mange can be spread to humans. But not because of this we can say that it does not occur, an exception to this is cheyletielosis. Which, if it can be spread to humans, even though this scabies affects much more transiently. In this way we answer that question that bothers you so much. Since the vast majority of mange in cats will not infect humans, but like everything there is an exception. We found the "walking dandruff", which we have already explained in this article, can infect humans.
In several studies carried out on this subject and this unknown, it has been possible to locate cases of Notoedres cati in humans and even in dogs. These were mainly spread by feline pets. These are very rare cases, but they have occurred.
Symptoms of Mange in Cats
As there are different types of mange in cats due to the different types of mites, the symptoms of mange in cats can be very diverse. But much more common and very easy to recognize symptoms have always been studied. This will allow us to identify if our feline is suffering from this condition. Some of these most common symptoms are the following:
They will be very restless, our cat will not be able to stay still or even lie down to rest. This is due to the discomfort caused by the fearsome mites. Another symptom is excessive itching, this will occur especially in the head and ears, places where scabies attacks. This itching will lead to an increase in scratching and even licking of the affected places. Scabies will also cause hair loss in cats, especially in those affected areas. There will be a reddening of the skin and even inflammation in the area. This will be found accompanied by eczema and even a detachment of the affected skin.
Wounds and scabs can be seen, which are due to both scratching and licking the affected area in an uncontrolled manner. Due to this, wounds and scabs are going to be produced that are easily infected. For this reason it is important that at the first moment of observing some of these symptoms they should go to the veterinarian. So that in this way it is placed in a treatment to improve its condition and eliminate that unpleasant scabies in cats. It is vitally important that you get a professional opinion on your feline's situation.
In the event that scabies in cats occurs in the ear area, it can unfortunately affect the inside of the feline's ear. If this happens, it will be possible to notice an increase in the cerumen of a dark hue, this can end up in an otitis. In an extreme situation, in which control of this condition can be lost, it can cause bleeding or hemorrhage in the ears of felines. If it aggravates in this way, it may lead to a perforated eardrum.
Transmission
How can we cure mange in cats? To treat the various types of ectoparasites or external parasites that cause this unpleasant condition, there will be various drugs to treat this disease. We can find products of different brands and functions for this condition in specialized stores, it can also be found in veterinary offices. Some of the products that can be obtained are the following: Tablets, tablets, capsules and even creams. These are internal drugs that can become a combination against ectoparasites and endoparasites.
We can also highlight an important fact, where we refer to treatment collars. These are only going to be aimed at those parasites such as ticks and fleas, these are not going to be found aimed at fighting mites. Hence the importance of knowing what is being acquired and how it works.
Another treatment that can be applied is ivermectin, which will allow curing mange in cats, this drug is the most common and used. However, today and with the advancement of medicine and technology, other much more effective drugs have been developed with excellent results. These are some of the commercial names that contain iverectin: amitraz, milbemax, selamectin or milbemycin tablets. This is going to be a medication aimed at combating mites and nematodes primarily. Ivermectin is found in various presentations for its administration.
It is important to note that before medicating your pet, consult with your faithful companion's veterinarian. Since you can cause detrimental damage to your health if you do not have the necessary knowledge to administer said drug. Above all, ivermectin is essential for a veterinarian to prescribe and indicate its use, including its dose.
How to Prevent Mange in Cats
To prevent scabies in cats, adequate deworming and an excellent diet are going to be needed, they will be the primary key to prevent scabies from developing in cats. There is also a great diversity of antiparasitic products that are going to be found aimed at combating these mites. Just as they are going to fight it, they are also going to act to prevent a possible infection. It is important to identify these types of products when purchasing them. Normally these products will be pipettes, which will be used externally.
As for its application, it is recommended that it be monthly, but before applying this product to our pet it is important to read the leaflet that comes with said product. Then they must follow the instructions specified to them. However, this product is not going to be the only one to prevent mites. But there are also tablets that will act against parasites and antiparasitic shampoos, which have a very powerful effect.
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