Herbal Treatment for Cat Mange
Cat mange is an uncomfortable condition that can cause hair loss, itching and inflammation of your cat's skin. There are two types of mange that are caused by parasites: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange, both of which are more common in dogs than cats. Although mange can affect a cat's quality of life, it can be treated with herbs.
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Identification
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Mange is easily identifiable as it affects a cat's coat and skin. If your cat becomes infected with the parasites that cause mange, you will see it itching constantly. The cat's ears may become crusty and it may suffer hair loss around its face, ears and legs. As Pet Alive warns, mange starts in the area infected with mites, but if it is left untreated, it can spread over the whole body.
Significance
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Mange can be cured, but it can cause problems for your cat if left alone. Not only does the condition cause your cat severe discomfort but it can also lead to hair loss. The mites that cause the symptoms of mange bury deep in the cat's skin. Constant itching can lead the cat to injure itself or cause secondary infections as wounds are exposed to bacteria. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat mange as soon as possible.
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Types
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There are several different herbs that can be used to treat mange. Natural Dog Health Remedies recommends applying a diluted garlic solution to the affected area (or licorice if your cat is sensitive to garlic) as it contains naturally occurring sulfur compounds that repel mites and has antibacterial properties to help fight infection. Other suggested herbs include fresh lemongrass, neem and lavender oil, and wormwood. These should all be applied topically and not ingested by the cat.
Benefits
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Natural cures for mange are used by pet owners in place of more conventional treatments. These can contain strong doses of chemicals, which can provoke some unwanted side effects, including vomiting and diarrhea. However, according to Natural Dog Health Remedies, herbal treatments can strengthen your pet's immune system and, as they are only applied to the affected area, will not have an adverse effect on your pet's internal systems.
Considerations
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Moggies recommends aromatherapy as an alternative natural way of treating mange in cats. However, they advise that any aromatherapy products used should only be purchased from aromatherapists or vets, who are aware that they will be used with animals. Shop-bought products can contain chemicals that are toxic to your pet. They also advise that even if you treat your cat's mange using natural products, it may still require veterinary treatment if the symptoms do not clear up.
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References
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- Photo Credit white cat image by Elsehsah from Fotolia.com
