Skin mites in cats, how to treat? - briefly
Administer a veterinarian‑prescribed acaricide—commonly selamectin, moxidectin, or a lime sulfur dip—following the recommended dosage schedule, and treat all household pets simultaneously. Thoroughly clean bedding, carpets, and grooming tools to eliminate residual eggs and larvae and prevent reinfestation.
Skin mites in cats, how to treat? - in detail
Feline skin mite infestations are caused primarily by Notoedres cati (feline scabies) and Sarcoptes scabiei (cross‑species mange). Mites burrow in the epidermis, producing intense pruritus, crusted lesions, alopecia, and secondary bacterial infection. The condition spreads through direct contact or contaminated bedding, making early identification essential.
Diagnosis relies on microscopic examination of skin scrapings, acetate tape impressions, or dermoscopic visualization of mite bodies and eggs. In severe cases, skin biopsies may confirm inflammatory patterns consistent with mite activity. Laboratory analysis should be performed before initiating therapy to differentiate mite disease from allergic dermatitis or fungal infections.
Effective treatment combines antiparasitic drugs, environmental decontamination, and supportive measures:
- Topical agents: 10 % sulfur ointment applied daily for 2–4 weeks; lime sulfur dips (1 % solution) administered weekly.
- Systemic medications: Ivermectin (200 µg/kg orally or subcutaneously, repeated after 7 days); Selamectin (6 mg/kg spot‑on, monthly); Moxidectin (0.5 mg/kg orally, repeated after 14 days).
- Adjunct therapy: Broad‑spectrum antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection; antihistamines or corticosteroids to control inflammation and itching; fatty‑acid supplements to improve skin barrier function.
Environmental control includes washing all bedding, toys, and grooming tools at ≥60 °C, vacuuming carpets, and treating other household animals prophylactically. Isolation of the affected cat for the duration of treatment prevents reinfestation.
Monitoring involves weekly assessment of lesion resolution and pruritus intensity. Persistent crusting after two treatment cycles warrants reevaluation of dosage, potential drug resistance, or concurrent dermatological disorders. Successful eradication typically occurs within 4–6 weeks when the protocol is followed consistently.