How to treat scabies mites on a cat? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑prescribed acaricide (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin, or ivermectin) according to the dosage schedule, and wash bedding and surroundings with hot water to eradicate remaining mites. Follow up with a repeat treatment after 10–14 days to ensure complete elimination.
How to treat scabies mites on a cat? - in detail
Scabies in felines, caused by the mite Notoedres cati, produces intense itching, crusted skin lesions, and hair loss, most often around the ears, face, and paws. Early identification prevents secondary bacterial infections and limits spread to other animals and humans.
Clinical observation of erythema, papules, and thickened crusts, combined with a skin scraping that reveals motile mites under a microscope, confirms the diagnosis. In ambiguous cases, a veterinarian may employ dermoscopy or polymerase‑chain‑reaction (PCR) testing for definitive identification.
Therapeutic measures fall into three categories:
- Topical acaricides – apply a single dose of 0.1 % moxidectin or 2 % selamectin solution to the affected sites; repeat after 7–10 days if mites persist. Ensure the product is labeled for feline use and follow the manufacturer’s dosage chart.
- Systemic medications – administer oral ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) or milbemycin oxime (0.5 mg/kg) daily for three consecutive days; monitor for neurotoxicity, especially in breeds with MDR1 gene mutations. Prescription-only products such as selamectin spot‑on (5 mg/kg) may be given weekly for two weeks.
- Environmental control – wash bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets and upholstery, then discard the vacuum bag. Treat the household with a residual acaricide spray (e.g., pyrethrin‑based) according to label instructions.
Adjunctive care includes:
- Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine 2 mg/kg every 8 hours) to alleviate pruritus.
- Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate 12 mg/kg twice daily) if secondary bacterial infection is evident.
- Nutritional support with omega‑3 fatty acid supplements to promote skin healing.
After the initial treatment course, re‑examine the cat within 10–14 days. Perform a follow‑up skin scraping; absence of live mites indicates successful eradication. Continue weekly topical applications for an additional two weeks to suppress any residual infestation. Maintain strict hygiene and limit contact with untreated animals to prevent recurrence.