Who doesn’t feel happy when seeing your kittens have itchy and irritated skin? It must be very uncomfortable for your kittens. Some skin discomfort can be attributed to allergies, dryness or infections, while some others can be caused by scabies or mange.
Scabies in kittens, also known as feline scabies, is not only bring unpleasant condition for the kittens, but it is also transmittable. Dogs can also be infected by scabies, read more about ways to treat scabies in dogs.
Feline scabies is caused by a tiny mite called Notoedres cati. Similar to the sarcoptic mange in dogs, feline scabies also affects cat very much. If the cat suffers from severe itching or hair loss around the area of the neck and head, then you should get your cat examined for this mite.
Regarding to the symptoms, itchiness and hair loss may be the most common symptoms of feline scabies in kittens. Those happen on the ears, then continue quickly to the face, eyelids and neck.
The mites may also possibly spread to the feet and lower abdomen. As the scabies progresses, the skin will be thickened, wrinkled and covered with yellow or grayish crusts. Scabies may infect cats of all ages, breeds, colors, and genders.
This disease is commonly transmitted directly from cat to cat even to humans. That’s why outdoor cats who come in contact with strays will be more likely to get infected.
Treatment of Scabies in Kittens
The treatment of scabies in kittens depending on the type of mite the kittens have. The treatment will vary starting from the medicated dips, shampoos, topical medications or even injectable drugs.
All of these treatments are prescribed by the vet. So, to get the best treatment of scabies for the cats, you can directly contact your vet and discuss the best ways.
However, if you wish to treat it at home by yourself, there are some recommended home remedies you can try at home. Still, it is better to communicate with your vet first before deciding to apply any of the treatment.
- Essential Oils
There is no proof yet that essential oils that will completely eliminate scabies mites from your kitten’s skin. However, they are able to soothe the irritation and the strong odor makes them as a repellent.
There are some essential oils that can be applied, such as olive, almond or lavender oil. Massage them gently in circular motions. If you want to have a stronger effect, then you can mix the oils. Some essential oils are also considered as the easy ways to make a cat’s coat healthy and fluffy.
One of the most effective types of essential oil is almond oil with vitamin E extract. You might not be able to find it, however, you can simply break a vitamin capsule in some almond oil and mix them together. Apply this every two days or at least a week to get rid the mites and heal the irritated skin as well.
- Sulphur Soap
Another home treatment for scabies in cats is bathing the cat with sulphur soap. Sulphur is a chemical element which is easy to obtain and has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
These properties will be beneficial to stop the mites from spreading. This kind of soap can be obtained from the beauty and drug stores. However, be careful around the area of the ears, eyes and mouth.
- White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the products you can find in the kitchen. It is not only useful for cooking, but it can also be used in any room of the house for various home remedies, including scabies in cats.
White vinegar can be very effective to kill the mites and insects around the ears of an infested cat. It is also helpful to clean the remains of the infection.
Another type of vinegar which is apple cider vinegar is famous for treating ear infection in dog. Look at the steps to treat dog ear infection with apple cider vinegar.
Simply mix the vinegar with a litter water and use it in a dropper to apply to the affected areas. Never ever apply the mixture on the open wounds as it will make the infection worse.
- Boric Acid
Another most common treatment or scabies in cats is boric acid. It is helpful to bring the dog’s skin back to top health as it has beneficial antiseptic properties.
You can simply apply diluted boric acid solution to clean different areas. It also works well to clean sensitive areas such as the ears. You can use it at least once a week.
Once again, those remedies or treatment above are the suggested ones. You should consult with the vet about the effectiveness of the treatment. Kitten’s are sensitive as they are still young, so vet’s advice is a must.
Mites and fleas are the most common causes of skin diseases in cats. Get to know the most effective ways to get rid and prevent fleas on your pets. Make sure you also maintain their skin health by giving these best vitamins to improve your cat’s skin.