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Some bugs every cat owner knows, like fleas and ticks. They're common parasites, and many over-the-counter preventives take care of them. But what happens when less visible bugs start making your cat restless, constantly scratching itches, and eventually losing hair? It's usually dogs that wind up with mange, but it can show up in cats as well, caused by different bugs that need different medical treatment. Find out how these annoying mites and other pests start causing problems for your feline housemate and whether you can fight them at home or need the guidance of a veterinarian. "We don't see a ton of mange, but when we do, it's frequently on cats who spend a fair amount of time outside and who may frequent areas where other affected animals may have been," she says. Some bugs that cause mange naturally live on your cat's skin and only cause trouble when your cat has other health problems. Other bugs are considered parasites and really cause problems when they grow in numbers.
From mites to chiggers to scabies, here are the bugs that might be driving your cat crazy with itchiness, hair loss, and worse:
The signs of different types of mange or mite infestations are common to many other skin conditions as well, so a visit to the veterinarian for testing is often necessary. Common signs of mange include:
Ideas for treating mange at home appear across the internet, but how does a cat owner know which medication to use on which mite without testing? To get the correct treatment for the right mange-causing bug, a trip to the veterinarian will include skin scrapings from your cat's skin so they can be analyzed under a microscope. Because sometimes mites burrow deeper under the skin, a skin scraping test might not be conclusive. A veterinarian may need to rely on other signs as well as a complete physical examination and your cat's medical history.
Treatment is crucial, but can be unsettling for a cat, explains Rucinsky. "[Cats] can be itchy, but they may also need to endure bathing and isolation from other pets and people in the house." Since most cats have a natural aversion to water and tend to have run of the house, most cat owners find these steps are easier said than done. If your veterinarian asks you to isolate a cat with contagious mites during treatment remember to keep your kitty away from others since mites can be highly contagious and spread easily from animal to animal. Depending on your cat's health and the type of mange at work, the veterinarian may also send you home with topical medicine to rub on the skin, an injectable, and/or a special shampoo or dip. If your cat's skin is already irritated, a veterinarian may prescribe antibacterial shampoo, anti-inflammation medicine, pain-relieving sprays, or antibiotics to protect your cat from other infections and make her more comfortable. Be sure to ask for your veterinarian's guidance before you use any over-the-counter pesticides or products. Not just any insecticide, collar, or parasite-killing dip will work, and some are not made to be used safely on cats. Bugs are bugs. They show up, they do their thing, and if you get rid of them, they're history—as long as there isn't new contact somewhere else. The first step of treatment and prevention is isolating a contagious cat from other animals until the bug infestation is taken care of. Because some of these bugs are picked up through contact with wildlife, other cats, or from trips outside—keeping cats indoors can be a huge help in preventing mange. The next step is avoiding the mites by staying indoors and avoiding animals that run around outside. Rucinsky strongly recommends following your veterinarian's recommendation for the right parasite preventative at the recommended frequency to prevent future infestations. The best part of mange, as uncomfortable, gross, and worrying as it might be, is that these mites and other hitchhikers on your cat are a temporary problem. With time, treatment, and veterinary guidance, your cat can get back to enjoying life (mostly) itch-free and you can both breathe a sigh of relief. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. |