How do I treat scabies in a cat at home? - briefly
To treat scabies in a cat at home, you should use a topical insecticide prescribed by your veterinarian and ensure thorough cleaning of the environment to eliminate mites. Regularly follow up with your vet to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
How do I treat scabies in a cat at home? - in detail
Treating scabies in cats at home involves several steps and a comprehensive approach to ensure the infestation is effectively managed. Scabies, caused by mites such as Notoedres cati or Sarcoptes scabiei, can be uncomfortable for your cat and potentially contagious to other pets and humans. Here's how you can treat scabies in a cat at home:
Firstly, confirm the diagnosis with your veterinarian. Scabies symptoms include intense itching, hair loss, and crusty skin lesions, but these signs can also indicate other conditions. Your vet will perform a skin scraping to identify the mites under a microscope.
Once scabies are confirmed, follow these treatment steps:
-
Isolate your cat: Keep your infected cat separated from other pets and family members to prevent the spread of mites.
-
Clean the environment: Scabies mites can survive off the host for a short period. Thoroughly clean all areas where your cat spends time, including bedding, carpets, and furniture. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove mites and eggs. After cleaning, seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and dispose of it outside. Wash bedding and other fabrics in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) and dry on high heat.
-
Medicated baths: Your vet will prescribe a medicated shampoo containing ingredients like lime sulfur, selamectin, or moxidectin to kill the mites. Follow the instructions carefully, as some products require dilution before use. Wet your cat's fur completely, apply the shampoo, and let it sit for the recommended time (usually 5-10 minutes) before rinsing thoroughly. Repeat these baths every 7-14 days, depending on your vet's advice.
-
Topical treatments: In addition to baths, your vet may prescribe a topical medication such as selamectin (Revolution) or moxidectin (Advantage Multi). Apply the product according to the label instructions, ensuring you cover the entire body and avoid contact with the cat's eyes.
-
Oral medications: In some cases, your vet might prescribe oral ivermectin or milbemycin oxime to treat scabies. Follow the dosage instructions carefully, as these medications can be toxic if not used correctly.
-
Monitor and repeat treatments: Scabies mites have a life cycle of about 21 days, so it's essential to continue treatments for at least three weeks or until your vet advises you to stop. Regularly check your cat's skin for signs of improvement, and follow up with your vet as needed.
-
Prevent reinfection: To prevent reinfection, maintain a clean environment and keep your cat indoors during treatment. If possible, avoid introducing new pets into the household until all cats are treated and free of mites.
By following these steps and consulting your veterinarian throughout the process, you can effectively treat scabies in your cat at home.