The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Ivomec/Ivermectin for mange, mites, and heartworm prevention
Ivermectin is such a common thing around here that I never for a moment stopped to think others may not know about it, but I just read it as a cure here and wanted to say it works, and it works fast. I live in the south and all the rescues use it. It is not a 'natural' cure. But it is an OTC one anyone can buy. You'll have to ask at your local feed or farm store. It is an injectable liquid; but you will give it orally instead for heartworm prevention, and it can be used topically for mites. No need to mess with needles. Dosage will depend on your cat or dog's weight and what you're treating or preventing; look it up online.
The bottle is mildly expensive but keeps a LONG time because you need so little of it. I've had mine ten years, it still works. When it doesn't I'll replace it. I use it monthly on the dogs for heartworm treatment. SUPER CHEAP. Takes literally a few drops to treat them and prevent heartworms. Yes, it can also be used for other things like mange/mites. I prefer to use borax for mites, but honestly the ivermectin works faster. However, it is not by any means a natural cure. And I don't care if the cure you want to use is natural or man-made; you should always test a little bit first and see to make sure your pet doesn't have a reaction.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
Bird Mites transfer to humans, cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, et al... You should use this on your cat and yourself. You also should send in a vetDNA test to see what kinds of mites you two have.
Real Sea Salt ( not that cheap useless, table salt) the salt from the sea, that is what you want it is amazing for skin disorder it drys and heal eczema even on people Sea salt mixed in water stops the itching instantly, I would use a tablespoon or two dilute it with water in two cups warm water and pour it on the skin instant relief. Sea salt also has antibiotic qualities
Hi! Please only use food grade diatomaceous earth on your pets. Search "food grade diatomaceous earth" on amazon.com and read reviews to find a good brand.
I have noticed that Advantage is not working as well as when I started using it. I have had the same experience with Revolution and Frontline. My friend told me to alternate each month. I freakin hate fleas and the area where I now live is, evidently, the world flea capital.
ONLY use Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth! The other kind is made for pool filters and is very dangerous to use around pets. Food grade is completely safe and even helpful to add to their food. It helps to eliminate internal parasites. One teaspoon in the food per day for a grown cat.
Keep studying - there is a lot of information on the web.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
My thoughts are: when you hear a stampede think cattle- not zebras!
Meaning: mange is uncommon to rare in cats, you are more likely dealing with a heavy flea infestation in your farm cat. You certainly could sprinkle the DE in the sleeping area, but to be most effective you should apply to the cat and work the DE down to the skin.
Not sure how viable this option would be for you, but you can make a simple flea trap with a small desk lamp, dish soapy water and a white plate. You put the lamp on the floor/in the sleeping area and put the plate of soapy water under neath the bulb - turn it on at night and check in the morning. This is an effective way to remove fleas from the environment.
Glad to find this site, and to be reminded of just how effective DE can be. I particularly like that idea of filling a sock as an applicator ~ perfect! I'll put DE and apple cider vinegar to the test with Jake's mange. Thanks to all who have contributed here.
Hey, anyway you can get it on the cat the better. You need to get creative sometimes. I am going to try this for the first time. Never once could we bathe any of our cats. They win every time. Can only hope this will work. She and I are miserable.
Diatomaceous Earth is only effective as a powder. Once it's wet, it's done. So you powder your cat with it. A little bit rubbed down to the skin at a time. It's very dusty so outside is a good idea. And your poor cat will inhale so do everything slowly. It's very messy but effective. I wipe my cats eyes with a wet paper towel afterward. DE is basically powdered fossil shells--mostly silica. It cuts up the little critters like mites and fleas. Make sure to get "food grade" DE because kitty will lick some of it off.
Thanks.. Been using coconut oil and it helped with the scabs and raw skin but didn't cure it.. It's good for healing.. Don't know how the two will mix so decided to stop oil while testing with DE..
Posted by Robin Conkel-hannan (Kentucky) on 02/14/2016
From what I've been told, wet DE is not effective.. Not sure of my cat's condition but I've tried several things.. Started DE this morning.. It's supposed to kill all hard shelled bugs.. It works wonders.. I was overrun with ants, like living in an ant hill.. It took a year and a half but finally cut them down to a normal infestation.. Works on roaches too.. Unfortunately it doesn't seen to affect spiders..
You are correct in that only food grade DE ( never pool filter DE ) should be used with pets, livestock, or humans. But wrong for the reason you gave. There are no hazardous "chemicals" added to filter DE. Rather it has been heat treated to make the silica content more concentrated and more crystallized which means it is MUCH more hazardous if breathed in. Plus food grade DE has been tested to ensure that it does not contain heavy metals whereas that is not a consideration with filter grade DE.
Kat from Western Australia, could you please tell me what brand of borax you used on your cat because my borax says to immediately wash off skin. Thanks
I read in your post that you added tea tree oil to the treatment. I have read that tea tree oil is toxic to cats so please look into that. I am glad that your cat is doing better.
EC: 20 Borax refers to the brand commonly used - 20 Mule Team Borax.
Ted's Mange Cure Recipe:
Mix together 2 cups hydrogen peroxide, 4 cups warm water and 3 heaping tablespoons of borax. Use the solution to bathe your cat twice a week. Allow the solution to air dry on your cat.
Posted by J. L. Cone (Tampa Area, Florida) on 01/10/2014
Regarding burrowing mites---the package insert of Pfizer's Revolution claims that it is effective for sarcoptic mange in dogs. It did not work on my dog...possibly because I had already bathed my dog. Revolution works by spreading through the oils of the skin. Revolution can be used on cats, and since it is an easy thing to try, I'd suggest to use it first, especially before bathing a cat. After bathing, it would be prudent to wait a few days for oils in the skin to restore before giving a dose of Revolution. I've used it for years and I really like it. It also works as flea preventative, heartworm preventative, and worms for hookworms and roundworms in cats.
There is a product called "Mite Avenge" for dogs, which I have just ordered, and therefore, I have not tried it. Perhaps someone with mange in a cat could contact the company to find out about the safety of using Mite Avenge in cats.
One useful tool in dealing with mite infestations is to use an enzyme cleaner. I have used one that is to be diluted, one part enzyme cleaner to 8 parts water ( the brand I like is Kleen Free ) . You can put this diluted mixture into a spray bottle and mist surfaces, or carpet. Enzyme cleaner kills mites on contact, because the enzymes dissolve the outer shell of the mite ( or other bugs ) and then "poof" -- bug is dead. I have used this dilution as a shampoo for the dog--you have never seen such a clean dog! The limitation is that once the enzyme cleaner is dry, it no longer has any action against mites. Currently I am using the Borax-1% hydrogen peroxide as something that I can leave on the dog for relief from itching. I've also used tea tree oil, diluted with water and put it a spray bottle to "touch up" itchy places on the dog. It is very tiring, and a long haul, to get rid of these pests. I do agree that the healthiest animals are likely to have some real resistance to this type of infestation.
My rescued kitten was treated w/ Advantage for skin rash d/t Mange, mites & fleas. Does anyone know if Ted's Borax Remedy will wash off the Advantage & if so should the Advantage be reapplied?
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
Any bathing will wash off the Advantage. Read the information on the Advantage product label or ask your vet to find out when you can bath your kitten without interfering with the Advantage.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
You can get plain, regular Borax in most any grocery store laundry aisle. It helps to clip your cat's claws before heading to the tub!
Try this to make enough solution to treat your cat for mites:
You will need:
1 brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide from the grocery store [its a 16 oz bottle of a 3% solution]
1 box Borax from the laundry aisle [unscented]
1 gallon jug - clean, empty [to be used to mix up the solution]
32 ounces of pure filtered or distilled water
Method:
Pour the bottle of hydrogen peroxide in to the empty jug and add 32 ounces [or two of the now empty brown peroxide bottle filled up twice] of filtered tap water or distilled water. This gives you 48 ounces of a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution that is needed for the next step.
Next add 1 cup of borax crystals to the jug and shake. There should be undisolved grains of borax in the mix - this is what you want to see. Now you have a jug of cold solution. Next fill your bath tub with hot water and rest the jug in the tub; when the tub water has cooled enough to make a nice cozy warm bath for your cat, the solution inside the jug will also be nice and warm. Next, bathe your cat in regular kitty shampoo and then rinse well. Then drain out all the soapy bath water and plug up the tub again. Now pour the grainy solution over your cat. It will help to use a plastic cup to scoop up the solution from the bottom of the tub so you can keep pouring the solution over her again and again and again - make sure you get the head and ears; use a wash cloth to apply to the head and face. Note: while you should avoid the eyes the solution does not appear to sting the eyes -I've gotten it splashed in my eyes quite a few times and it did not hurt. After about 10 minutes slip on an E-collar so your cat cannot lick herself and crate her in an empty crate with NO bedding. The idea is to have your cat sit with the wet, working solution on her for another 20-30 minutes. If its cold in your area then turn the heat UP in the house before bathing her. Then after half an hour, take your cat out of the crate and towel dry, and use a brush to work any of the borax crystals out of her coat. Borax has the same toxicity as regular table salt, but taken in large quantities will cause loose stools, so brush the crystals out so as not to give her an upset stomach. [This is different advice than given for dogs, who do not lick themselves dry and can simply be let loose from the crate to air dry and shake the borax crystals off].
You did not state what type of mites your cat has, but generally you would bathe your cat in this solution, mixed up fresh each time, 2-3 times a week for the first week, and then once per week for 4 -8 weeks, depending on the severity of the infestation, and the life cycle of the species of mite you are dealing with.
Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Ma.usa) on 04/22/2011
This has been some gruesome journey, but I am most grateful for this site. I heard awhile back that any animal with mange was automatically put to sleep because of the treatments entailed were lengthly, expensive and very painful for some animals. I found a very fluffy kitten thin, dirty and what looked like bites, I thought maybe she was chewing herself because of fleas. She was wandering the streets during one of Massachusetts biggest storms. I took her home & fed her, I let her adjust to her new home first, then within two days I decided to bathe her, whatever she had wasn't going away with one bath, I did a web search and thankfully there were pictures of dogs with mange and I could surely identify with all the signs, so I followed the directions and found it was a long drawn out process, but the process was well worth it. I have given her the total of four baths but I would let her rest a few days to a week as I felt she was already weakened by other diseases(of unknown origin).
I was getting so worn out from the process, and trying to keep every single room in the house clean and free of these mites as I saw them flying around looking for new hosts. I washed, scrubbed, and threw whatever needed air outside on the patio for the cold air to rid these mites if any attatched to clothing, bedding etc. Then I too would take an ACV bath, even or amonia is good, 1/2 cup full in bath water and same for washing clothes.
Today April 22, 2011 I have just given my kitten her fourth bath this eve. During the first part of the week I used neem oil where it raised these mites above the skin, I let it set for a day or two, then I filled the big sink with warm water, I already had borax mixed with peroxide I put that on her and rubbed it in as good as I could, waited a few min. Then rinse, then put dawn dish liquid on her and washed her real good feeling & making sure there were no more raised bumps(mites)then for last results I rinsed her with warm water & ACV......... Thankfully I didn't see or feel any more mites anywhere on her, all I can do now is pray & keep my fingers crossed. I know she is rather upset with this process but there is no way of explaining it to her until she is totally free of these mites and is able to be a kitten for the first time in her little life.
Last night for the first time in months she escaped from the house outside, I watched her chasing leaves flying around the yard, it was worth a thousand words to watch her playing for the first time ever. She has gained weight big time, she was eating six to seven times a day because of the loss of her nutrients, I was and still am giving her Paul Newman's chicken & rice//rice is good for anyone as it absorbs any impurities in the body. We are all here for a purpose in life; I do believe we are here to protect mother earth and our pets as well as all animals. I will be back on more of her progress. Thanks for everyone's help here God bless
Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Ma.usa) on 04/04/2011
I can tell you this kitten has a lot of fight in her.
I have been treating my kitten for the past few weeks, with very little results only because she dosen't let me finish the process so then I have to wait until she calms down some, then when she comes to me when I call her then I'm ready as well as she is. I have started by putting neem oil & vitamin oil on these mites just to start any process I could until I found this site. Even though I wasn't about to wash off the oil's and put her through too many ordeals at one time, I had to cut corners as best as I could and try being consistant, my kitten is a fighter in many ways, one she fights to live and two fights me because she thinks I am trying to do her harm/and the water bit? I'm trying to drown her(NOT)lol This is what I did, it had to be a one time deal until a few more weeks when she re-builds her confidence in me again. So I put a shower chair in my bath tub, I set up all the things I needed to give her a bath, I had already put the borax & peroxide on the night before, so the items in my bath tub;I put ACV, dawn dish liquid a very large bowl filled with ACV and warm water, I wore thin pants and a shirt in the shower, I sat in the shower chair with a heavy bath mat on my lap for claw protection then I had the kitten passed into me;as I applied the water an ACV I also applied the dish liquid and washed her good all over then rinsed her with fresh ACV and warm water and now she appears to be a nice fresh clean kitty;I hope :o) I'm quite sure there will be more treatments along the way as she was covered from head to toe. They were some huge dudes and dudettes chuckles. Right now she is cleaning herself with the most of her worries taken care of. She thinks she is hiding on me because she can't see me, but I can see her. And to think this kitten wouldn't have had a chance other wise. IT's us; you, me and thee that make a huge difference in these little babies lives. I hope this site goes on for many, many years on. good luck & god bless.
Posted by Jen (Toronto, Canada) on 05/26/2008 ★★★★★
Just wanted to say that I tried the borax treatment on my cats tail (he's got what is called a 'stud tail) and it worked wonders. He always had an oily tail and I tried everything even professional grooming and nothing helped before! So at least that problem is out of the way for now. But he has another problem - a hernia. Does anyone know of any treatment methods for a cat hernia? I really don't want to opt for surgery.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
Try this to make enough solution to treat your cat for mites:
You will need:
1 brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide from the grocery store [its a 16 oz bottle of a 3% solution]
1 box Borax from the laundry aisle [unscented]
1 gallon jug - clean, empty [to be used to mix up the solution]
32 ounces of pure filtered or distilled water
Method:
Pour the bottle of hydrogen peroxide in to the empty jug and add 32 ounces [or two of the now empty brown peroxide bottle filled up twice] of filtered tap water or distilled water. This gives you 48 ounces of a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution that is needed for the next step.
Next add 1 cup of borax crystals to the jug and shake. There should be undisolved grains of borax in the mix - this is what you want to see. Now you have a jug of cold solution. Next fill your bath tub with hot water and rest the jug in the tub; when the tub water has cooled enough to make a nice cozy warm bath for your cat, the solution inside the jug will also be nice and warm. Next, bathe your cat in regular kitty shampoo and then rinse well. Then drain out all the soapy bath water and plug up the tub again. Now pour the grainy solution over your cat. It will help to use a plastic cup to scoop up the solution from the bottom of the tub so you can keep pouring the solution over her again and again and again - make sure you get the head and ears; use a wash cloth to apply to the head and face. Note: while you should avoid the eyes the solution does not appear. After about 10 minutes slip on an E-collar so your cat cannot lick herself and crate her in an empty crate with NO bedding. The idea is to have your cat sit with the wet, working solution on her for another 20-30 minutes. If its cold in your area then turn the heat UP in the house before bathing her. Then after half an hour, take your cat out of the crate and towel dry, and use a brush to work any of the borax crystals out of her coat. Borax has the same toxicity as regular table salt, but taken in large quantities will cause loose stools, so brush the crystals out so as not to give her an upset stomach. [This is different advice than given for dogs, who do not lick themselves dry and can simply be let loose from the crate to air dry and shake the borax crystals off].
You did not state what type of mites your cat has, but generally you would bathe your cat in this solution, mixed up fresh each time, 2-3 times a week for the first week, and then once per week for 4 -8 weeks, depending on the severity of the infestation, and the life cycle of the species of mite you are dealing with.
Immune Boosting Remedies for Cat with Scabies/Mites
I'm thinking this rescue cat of mine has scabies/mange, even tho the vet didn't seem to think so. She scratches spots raw and has little scabbies. I started doing the ACV last night and today will start the borax treatment. But how do I boost her immune system? How do I reduce her anxiety? I got Feliway that is supposed to calm them, but it's pricy for me. And now I'll have to treat the other cat, too. I use Frontline on the original cat and gave a dose of Bravecto to the rescue cat (we have huge flea and tick issue in our area), do you know if these will kill the mange/scabie mites?
I used Ted's recipe and I used a rag to give my poor stray a sponge bath. I put him in a large kennel and was able to wipe him down pretty well with Ted's recipe. My kitty had the mange on his head and most of his back along the spine area. He had lost quite a bit of hair and his skin was red, inflamed and scabby. After 3 days, there was no more redness and hair was beginning to grow. After 1 week, he is 95 percent healed!! This is miracle stuff! He's a completely different cat in just one week! He's actually soft to touch! Thank you so much!
I wish I could post pictures of the results after just one week!
EC: Hi Tien, please email your pics to [email protected] and we will add them to your post. Yay!
I also have 14 cats that I am caring for. Coincidentally too, I live in Florida, but we have no fire ants in my area. Question please. Where to you buy the D.E. and is what you use the food grade kind that you dust the cats with? My 3 indoor cats seem to be suffering from mites; not mange. The biting and scatching is awful.
Hello, I'm in desperate need of advice. Around here I'm the one people bring animals without anywhere to go...to. We ended up with a kitten around 6wks old with a bad case of scarcoptic mange. I've kept him separately however one of my cats got in with him without knowing. My 5 cats and 1 dog are on advantage and supposedly it helps keep it at bay who knows. Soo we bought ivermectin 1% injectable but I'm terrified to use it on the kitten and them....and obviously to treat all of them from the vet is out of my price range unfortunately. Does anyone know how much to dose such a small kitten and if it's safe for all them? Any suggestions would be awesome!
Hello-~Help, at wits end! I applied DE all over my two indoor (kitten and cats fur) a few hours ago. Is it common for them to twitch, cry and scratch more??? How long does it take to kill these fleas from them? I also applied Frontline Plus two weeks ago but they still have bad fleas! I sprinkled DE on carpet and my comforter also (hope it's ok on the bed I have electric blanket beneath comforter). Thanks!
I bathed one cat's excoriated tummy with castille soap. It worked great! But then, I have to do this weekly. Another cat we've been giving vet-prescribed allergy pills, but...I think mange is the issue, not allergies. So I will try the ACV in her water. I also am giving her a tsp of yogurt daily now. This cat has been driven CRAZY by her skin condition. Taking her to the vet is not going to help, I've concluded. I have DE; DE doesn't work too well for fleas in one experiment I did: I put DE power in a floor tray and covered with a screen. Fleas do jump in, but they breed like crazy. I dump it out the window, with hundreds of baby fleas. I have had zero success with Frontline for the past two years. I called the mfr about it and was told that I was "not using it correctly". This is why people are switching to Advantage. I wonder if fleas are also becoming Advantage-resistant?
How do you keep your cat from ingesting the DE since it is not considered food grade? I have 4 cats and they all seem to be infested with demondex mange. I need to find a cure to stop their itching and get a handle. I can rub the DE on them or comb it through but I am afraid of cross grooming or self grooming and ot becoming toxic. Thank you.
We have an indoor cat, Cotton, for 11 years no issues, One day I noticed she was itching ..going crazy biting her fur, licking herself over and over and just moping ... We checked with a magnifying glass for fleas, nothing off to the Vet . The Vet checked her with a nit comb and guess what a black flea! I actually refused to believe it so the Vet did it again and another flea. The vet also found she had an infected tooth which could make anyone go crazy. At my husband's work someone bought a puppy to his work a few times and I think he carried a flea home with him. Before taking her to the VET we had tried Apple cider Vinegar a couple days later we did hydrogen peroxides with borax, then the third day I tried sea salt nothing Then after the VET told us it was fleas, we used DE we saw the fastest quickest response with FOOD GRADE Diatomaceous Earth within an hour no more itching, biting her fur or licking or going crazy she was calm tranquil again ...her old self. We flea fogged our house washed all the throw rugs in hot water and sprinkle fine sea alt in all the places she likes to lay down problem solved and vacuumed and put sea salt in the vacuum bag to kill any flea or eggs from hatching again.
On using DE: I bought some from our local Orscheln store to treat my cat, but I was wanting to know, how often should I retreat her? She was fairly cooperative putting it on her, thankfully. I'd been treating her for fleas, thinking that was the problem, until I started getting bites on my legs. Her favorite place to be is on the leg rest of my recliner when it's open... I am on a fixed income, so taking her to the vet would mean not paying one of my regular bills, so I did a search for some other options and found this page.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
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How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
You still could be dealing with fleas, particularly at this time of year when it gets cold outside and the fleas will jump on your cat to get a ride to a warmer place. You might consider setting up a simple lamp trap to see if you catch fleas; the lamp trap is inexpensive and effective at removing fleas from the environment/chair. As for how often to dust your cat, I would dust her down to the skin every 3 days or so, taking care that she did not inhale it.
I contracted scabbies from my cat Mugsy who I thought was just allergic to fleas until I broke out in a rash. The medicine Permethrin the Doctor prescribed me is lethal to cats. Once I treat her with DE then me with the presribed med.. Will I need to do anything to bedding clothing furniture etc. to keep them from coming back? If so.. can I sprinkle this DE powder on stuff? The "Red Lake" has bentonite and is not safe for human consumption. Does that mean that humans can't ingest it? Or come in contact with it period?
Also.. She's had this for many months. The only reason I finally got them is.. I was a week behind on getting her Frontline flea medicine because I'm on disability and had no money. I felt horrible because she was scratching so profusely.. so I held her and was scratching her bumps myself with my fingernails! Lastly can another human catch them from me? I know they're not easy to catch from a feline since she's had this for over a year and I've never caught it from her and I hold her and pet her all the time.
Hi Pearlie, I'm to my last end. I tried Lime sulfur dip, sulfinex, sulfur powder mixed with Vaseline, and all they do was irritate my cat's skin. He seems to be in pain and misery when I use these products on him. I read about this DE product and it comes in dust form. I came across your post and I was just amazed how great you are with these cats. You are a beautiful person for helping out these poor cats. Do you mix the DE with some type of liquid before rubbing it onto the affected areas? Please please help me. I cannot bare to see my cat goes through this any longer and everyone kept on telling me to put him to sleep so he won't be in misery any longer. I am hoping to hear from you soon. Thank you
Thanks you all who took the time to write your experience my cat and I picked up mites at our motor home we have in the the desert I have been using DE it on us but wasn't sure if it was enough. I dump out my" baby powder" and filled the clean container with DE. My whole house has a dust layer of DE. I have been cleaning. Then dusting with DE. I going to be getting a kitten I want to make sure my home is ok for the new guy
You can buy DE at hardware stores like Ace, or at garden centers/nurseries, you don't have to search for a feed store- unless you happen to live in a place where those are common.
Why would all of you go to such lengths, when Frontline Plus pour-on (or a more generic "Fipronil" product will do), is simply a pour-on, right on the neck of the animal like most flea treatment (and kills fleas also) & poof, problem solved, PLUS you are mange free for a month, sooooo no possible reinfection from surfaces, wild animals. My Mom & I went through this GIANT ridiculous month-long treatment duo with 7 cats & I found out later how easy it could've been from my VET-TECH. Now the only thing everyone needs to be sure of is NEVER NEVER EVER use Permethrinon CATS!!!! Its killing so many Cats that they have asked Veterinarians all across the United States to put up their laminated poster in every office. It will kill them in a pour-on, or make them very very sick; if accidental, quickly wash them with only mild soap (especially on the neck), preferably Baby Shampoo (tried & true), force-feed w/a syringe (no needle) water & a little bit of activated charcoal (don't give them any where near a full capsule) & then run them just as fast as your GPS & car can get you to an animal emergency clinic or open veterinarian, even if you didn't call ahead. You can get activated charcoal at Wal-Mart near the Beano capsules in the gas relief medicine section & the capsules are bright pink. Or you can get some at Jefferspetsupply.com, I think its called Kaolin Suspension. I'm not sure that this works for a pesticide though and Permey=thrin "IS" a pesticide. All of those pour-ons are, however I understand Brewers Yeast can help alot with fleas and ticks, probably on OnlyNaturalPet.com, who also carry some kick-butt tinctures that are herbs, etc. to calm cats down so you can treat them, for thunderstorms, constipation, the works (God I love this site). They can at least tell you the closest hospital. However, always know what the best Animal Hospital is near you & have directions right there. Been there, done that, and you poor people (like me) will quickly realize how much cost doesn't matter when your love is looking bad, but try not to go to a big fancy pants shiny new machines free food place. They'll treat you real good, but not even rich people should pay those prices (as did I recently), but I was a butt-head, but I got back on the Facebook with the owner, I explained & she wants me to call her. The only time it is ever ok to say cats & Permethrin in the same sentence is if it is ear mite drops. Don't get them on their skin, but if you do, have a warm soapy rag ready to wipe it off - - twice.
Hi Becky, I read how you cured your cat. Great!! My daughter rescued a kitten and he has manage. How long did it take for your kitten to get well... :( I'm just so upset, I am not sure if what I have tried is working. I did apple cider Oil 3-days.
Posted by Yajnaseni (New Delhi, India) on 01/13/2012
Hi, I have been reading about Ted's cure for mange in dogs. I wanted to know whether this is safe for cats. I have a one-and-a-half yeay old male tabby who has been suffering from scabies (as told by the vet) for over a year now. Vet treatments, spectrazole, antibiotics, 3-5 round of washes have not helped. The top of his head and his neck have gone completely bald and he has a thin layer of fur. I am based in New Delhi and winters are harsh here, I feel really bad for him. So if the borax and peroxide treatment could work, I am willing to try it. But, I am worried about the toxic effect. My cat's immune system is not great either. Thanks for all the help.
I used it on my 2 dogs and it worked amazingly well and now I'm treating the cats who I am unsure if they have it. It can't hurt them either way. Will keep fleas off too.
I put it on their faces with a washcloth. That is the only place I saw some mites afterwards. You really have to saturate everywhere even the face. But put in eye drops first from GENTEAL tears lubricant eye gel. Protects their eyes more because its thicker than regular drops. Do for dogs as well.
Use the microfiber towels from Costco in the car section, soak in bucket with product and put on the cats-these hold a lot of the solution and you can wring it out around their necks and legs. For cats I feel its easier to just dip them in a laundry sink or pail outside and wash them with long leather gloves if they have claws with a leash.
My cat is large, 40 inches nose to tail tip and 20 lbs.. When I bathe him I wear an old sweatsuit.. Assemble everything needed, put warm water in the tub and lock the door.. Then I hold him and climb into the tub with him.. It's messy but it's the only way I can handle him.. He goes out in the rain but hates the warm water..
Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Ma.usa) on 05/04/2011
Well I said I would be back to post more info. On my kitten and her progress;and a slow progress it was. I found a kitten approx. Four months ago wandering the streets in a heavy snow storm, I brought her home and fed her but her food would not stay down so after a months try I did a web search and thankfully I found this site;while examining my new kitten I found sores all over her body they were nasty looking, so I again checked this site and there it was"Mange"I gave her the treatments with a few days in between to rest as I was trying to build up her immune system, she was very thin, tiny and sickly. I gave her ACV in her food and after a day or two she was doing great holding her food down and wanting to eat more and more, she is much better in that dept. After two full months of this over load of mange covering her whole body except her face yet! I finally got most of these mites out but the others were stubborn and developing new babies, finally I went to the drug store to get some quell for scabies, it was not over the counter as I had thought, so I searched through all items for cooties of the head lol there is one for head lice with permethrin, I put it on her an left it for five minutes and rinsed her twice to be sure there was no more solution on her body as it would have burned her skin, she is now hopefully free and clear of any mites except the dead ones I comb out with a fine tooth comb offered with the lice solution. I am so thankful for this site and that my kitty has a newer start in life, pain free.
Thanks to every one that has made peoples education about animals care more available, cheaper and easier to treat.
I hope to come back with yet more good news on the progress of my sweet little kitty" Muffin" I wish I had of taken a pic. before and after, she is now beautiful, fat and brassy, she is the youngest//smallest and yet she is in charge of all other pets here including the dogs lol
Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Ma.usa) on 04/01/2011
As I had written in previous messages, I have a stray kitten here she is the sweetest kitty ever, I'm willing to try most any thing to help her get better and I might say she has improved a wee bit from the time I found her from five to ten weeks later, at first she could not hold any food down at all, she was biting & itching constantly, I gave her Apple Cider Vinegar everyday & now she eats everything constantly and still wants more, because of these mites they suck the nutrients from the animals bodies. I have actually seen two of these mites flying around the house after one of my kitties treatments of borax and peroxide then I put vit. E all over her as these mites couldn't get back on board or whatever. These mites have an all black body except on top of the back has an oval shape blood red on it's back and they are some big; so they must burrow real deep. I have been giving my kitten a probiotic 500mg which seems to some what help. I'm very nervous as it's so much harder to do a cat/kitten because they fear water. I still see red dots on her back? she won't sit still so I can examine her and I don't really have anyone to help me with her. I was wondering if it be acceptable to use a dropper and put mineral oil in her ears? they are dirty and infested. Every time I call my vet his wife's calculator starts kicking in.
I had some what expected and/or hoped for a quick remedy never knowing what these mites are or how they were eliminated. I read where it's worse for the animal if they get too stressed out so I try to let her rest a few days but by then she runs from me. I really hate putting her through this again. How can I tell if she has anymore? And does these red dots mean they are still there? Thanks every one.
Please let me know if there is a peroxide and borax amout to bathe an entire cat in. My cat has invisible mites and Revolution is not working. Thank you
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