Scabies in cats: causes and symptoms
Scabies in cats: causes and symptoms
Anonim

There cat scabies is a skin disease caused by several species of mites, some of them normally live on the feline's skin and in hair follicles while others are considered parasites. Skin infection varies from mild to severe depending on how the mites proliferate. Mange or feline scabies is also known as Notoedrica mange because caused by a said mite Notoedres catiIt is also similar to the sarcoptic mange that affects dogs.

Scabies in cats
Scabies in cats

In cats, mites are associated with severe skin infections which appear on the face and ears and spread throughout the body. The life cycle of these parasites lasts 14-21 days: the females dig tunnels in the horny layer of the skin where they lay their eggs which then hatch. Adults feed on debris and tissue fluids. There transmission occurs mainly by direct contact, therefore these parasites are very contagious and can spread from cats to dogs and even humans.

Scabies in cats
Scabies in cats

The mange it tends to be localized and to affect specific areas of the cat's body. In the early stages, this disease will result in changes in your pet's behavior: this is due to the fact that the cat will have itch and will tend to scratch a lot. The scratched areas of the body generally develop red papules that resemble small pimples, which will become encrusted after a while.

Scabies in cats
Scabies in cats

Over time, the skin will become interested both wrinkled and thickened. Restlessness, intense itching and frenetic scratching are some of the symptoms visible in the first week of exposure and are due to an allergy associated with the mite itself. This will lead to hair loss and the appearance of scabs on the skin e alopecia usually located on the neck, ear and head. If the localization of the mange mites is inside the ears, there will be small bleeding that will cause the ear wax to darken.

However, the mites could spread throughout the body causing clouding of your feline's fur, crusted wounds visible on the front legs and lower stomach. The itching will tend to intensify, making the cat very uncomfortable and causing the wounds to become infected by continual scratching.

Scabies in cats
Scabies in cats

Before any treatment, the veterinarian will perform a correct diagnosis to ensure that the cat has been affected by scabies. It is only through one correct and timely diagnosis that the situation can be dealt with before it gets out of hand.

Scabies in cats
Scabies in cats

Treatment of mange is usually based on the cat's infection level. If detected, the first step will include isolating the cat as it will prevent its spread to other pets and humans. The treatment generally includes the use of shampoos and anti-parasitic drugs.

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