CAT MANGECopyright ZZ
Photo Courtesy of: cat-health-guide.org
Cat mange is a type of parasitic infection attacking cats and dogs alike, areas affected are normally in and around the face, ears, paws and in severe cases affecting large parts of the body. Immediate medical attention is required in these cases. The hardened skin from the mange will start to shed after the injection is given. It is advised to confine your pet cat as the shedding is still highly contagious to other cats nearby. Provide a litter box in the confinement area. It is also important to clean the confinement area or the cat cage with cleaning solution and be left to dry in the hot sun.
The main cause of this type of cat allergy is the sarcoptic mite, a type of parasite that feeds off of your pets. In other cases, you will notice a lot of dirt in your cats ears, your pet cat also will scratch the inner ear from discomfort. If the infection is still early and there are no discharges or wounds in the inner cavity of the ears, you may use ear drops sold in many Pet Shops. Please bring your cat to the vet immediately in severe cases where your cat has weakened and if the ears are discharging pus. Your pet cat needs antibiotics for this infection.
Temporary relief for cat mange in early stages, can be obtained from a home made remedy using olive oil and turmeric., I have used this method numerous times with my own rescued feral cats. Provided that you are consistent and be as hygienic as possible.This home made remedy for particularly the cat mange and many other types of skin irritations are suitable for human use as well, please use this method with caution.
Ingredients:
1. Fresh turmeric root
2. Pure and clean oil (preferable virgin oil or any type of pure vegetable based cooking oil)Method:
1. Clean and peel turmeric root skin, pound / process finely.
2. Fry in the pure oil over low heat until brown.3. Let turmeric sit in the oil for few hours so the essence will absorb into the oil.
4. Drain the oil.
Alternative method: If olive oil is used instead of the regular oil, just soak the pounded turmeric and its juices in the olive oil overnight, drain and use as what follows below.
Application:
Apply the prepared oil (making sure oil has cooled) onto the areas effected with the cat mange. BE SURE that there are no open wounds and the area is dry and clean. AVOID the oil from flowing into the eyes and inner ears of your cat. Please be gentle, it might sting for some, my cats were enjoying the therapy, and licking most of the oil off.
REMINDERs:
DO NOT use animal fat or other used and impure type of cooking oil or fat.
DO NOT apply oil into or very near the cat’s eyes and the inner ears and avoid the oil flowing in.DO NOT apply onto open and infected wounds.
DO NOT be alarmed if your pet cat licks the oil (READ NOTE BELOW)
DO NOT peel mange scab off of your cats skin because the skin is very sensitive at this point and may bleed easily. Let it shed naturally and clean confinement area regularly.
DO NOT forget to be extra hygienic and protect and clean your hands after handling your cat.DO NOT forget to show love and care to your pet cat always, it needs your support during this time.
NOTE:
Applying just pure oil on the mange is sometimes enough to drown the mange mites. Use whichever method is suitable for your cat. However it is very important that your monitor your cat’s behavior while it is unhealthy. Provide adequate fresh drinking water and food.Turmeric is a natural antiseptic which can be used with caution for your pet cats. Make sure your cat is generally healthy, does not have bloody stool and urine and eats and drinks normally. It’s fine if your cat licks the medicated oil in small amounts, actually it’s good for your cats.
This method is somewhat effective on mange in early stages of the infection. DO NOT hesitate to immediately bring your cat to the vet if condition worsens.