How can sarcoptic mite be treated in cats? - briefly
Effective control relies on prescription acaricides such as topical selamectin or moxidectin, and, when appropriate, oral ivermectin administered under veterinary supervision. Simultaneous treatment of all animals in the household and thorough cleaning of bedding and environment are essential to prevent reinfestation.
How can sarcoptic mite be treated in cats? - in detail
Sarcoptic mange in felines is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei burrowing into the skin, producing intense itching, crusted lesions, and hair loss. Effective management requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate pharmacologic therapy, and environmental decontamination.
Diagnostic confirmation typically involves microscopic examination of skin scrapings to identify mites, eggs, or fecal pellets. In ambiguous cases, dermoscopy or skin biopsy may be employed. Early detection limits spread to other animals and reduces tissue damage.
Pharmacologic options fall into two categories: topical acaricides and systemic agents.
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Topical treatments
Lime‑sulfur dips: applied at a concentration of 1–2 % for 10–15 minutes, repeated weekly for three to four applications.
Selamectin: spot‑on formulation delivering 6 mg/kg, administered once and repeated after two weeks if mites persist.
Imidacloprid‑moxidectin: spot‑on at 10 mg/kg, applied monthly for at least two consecutive doses.
Moxidectin‑containing collars: provide continuous protection over several months, useful for multi‑cat households. -
Systemic medications
Ivermectin: oral dose of 200–400 µg/kg, given once weekly for 2–3 weeks; caution in kittens under 8 weeks, pregnant queens, and animals with hepatic impairment.
Milbemycin oxime: 0.5–1 mg/kg orally, weekly for three weeks; also effective against concurrent intestinal parasites.
Moxidectin: oral or injectable formulations at 0.2 mg/kg, weekly for two to three doses; preferred for resistant cases.
Adjunctive care includes antihistamines or glucocorticoids to control pruritus, and broad‑spectrum antibiotics when secondary bacterial infection is evident. Nutritional support and regular grooming aid skin recovery.
Environmental control is essential because mites survive off the host for up to 72 hours. All bedding, blankets, and toys should be laundered in hot water (≥60 °C) and dried thoroughly. Hard surfaces require vacuuming followed by application of a residual acaricide spray. Isolation of the affected cat until treatment completion prevents reinfestation.
Monitoring treatment response involves weekly re‑examination of skin scrapings. Persistence of live mites after the recommended course warrants escalation to a different class of acaricide or combination therapy. Long‑term follow‑up at 4–6 weeks ensures complete resolution and detects any relapse early.
In summary, sarcoptic mange in cats is managed through a structured protocol: confirm diagnosis, apply an appropriate topical or systemic acaricide (or both), address inflammation and secondary infection, and implement rigorous environmental sanitation. Proper dosing, adherence to the treatment schedule, and vigilant monitoring are critical to achieve full eradication.