Cat Mange Natural Treatment

Borax and Peroxide Treatment

10 User Reviews
5 star (10) 
  100%

Posted by Marsha (Nashville, TN) on 03/23/2008
★★★★★

Cat mange cure with hydrogen peroxide, borax, and warm water. My 10 year old lynx/siamese /himalayan cat developed intense itching with loss of hair and redness around the neck recently. I thought it was hair mats at first. I called to schedule a shave for her but the vet said they would have to sedate her and get blood work first to see if it was safe to sedate her. Total price, $300! I said "never mind". I began to feel that her condition was more than hair mats. I thought it resembled the mange in dogs I'd seen. I research the net for cat mange and the symptoms matched perfectly. I found Ted's peroxide,borax,water concoction and immediately fixed up a small amount. About 3TBS borax, 2 cups warm water, and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide. I took a small rag and soaked it and rubbed it around her neck. She was suspcious at first of the wet rag but she was enjoying the rub to much to care for long. Before I started the application her neck was red and hairless. Within 1 hour her skin color on her neck was a light pink. I checked her the next day and the area was flesh colored and she wasn't scratching so much. I did another treatment that day for a added kill of the mites and let it rest the 3rd day. On the 4th day her hair is regrowing about an inch and she has more energy. I treated her again and rewarded her with fresh catnip. My cat never goes outside and there are no more animals around. Although on pretty days I open her window so she can perch there and watch the outside. I was thinking maybe bird mites blew on her if thats possible. Anyway the remedy works on cats too! Thankyou for saving me lots of $$$ and the unknown chemicals and added stress of going to the vet on her. Her name by the way, is Whisper and she says "Meow meow" (thats thankyou Ted)

Replied by Donna
(Manchester, Nh)
01/01/2014

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

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
01/02/2014

Hey Donna!

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.

Replied by Sandy
(Bham. Al.)
08/24/2015

Will hydrogen peroxide/borax hurt a cat if they lick it after applied?

Replied by Susie
(Grand Prairie Texas)
11/23/2015

20 Mule Team Borax with peroxide works great for Sarcoptic Mange and so does Doc BENS Cedar Oil. We got Sarcoptic Mange from a puppy and struggled with this for over a year. We have also used Dr. scabies and Diatomateous Earth. This is a very contagious parasite problem. Must keep beds sheets, blankets, pillows, and clothes washed and dried at very hot heat EVERY DAY WE SPRAY THE HOUSE WITH CEDAR Oil.

Replied by Alexandra
(South Fallsburg, Ny)
05/05/2016

What type of borax. I know they have borax in the laundry section. Would that work? Its like powder soap?

EC: Yes. It is the borax in the laundry section. 20 Mule Team is a commonly used brand.

Replied by Kristine
(Philippines)
01/13/2017

Can I blow dry my cat? I'm very sure he will lick it until he's dry..


Coconut Oil, Holistic Grain-Free Diet

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Kelly (Ca) on 03/30/2018
★★★★★

Just recently, I took in a stray Tuxedo cat, whom I named Max. Max had a nasty case of mange when he first showed up. I wanted to help him get well, and tried a few natural home remedies, none of which he took to. Then I remembered that I had a jar of organic coconut oil in the house. I put on a disposable glove, dipped my fingers into the jar of coconut oil, and rubbed my fingers together to melt the oil. I went outside on the patio where Max was and rubbed the coconut oil onto his mangy spots. I did this twice a day. Within days, the mange began to clear up. I'm telling you, organic coconut oil is a miracle from God!

I also fed Max a diet of holistic, grain-free cat food. He is getting stronger and healthier everyday, and now there is fur where the mange used to be. He is not 100% cured yet, but he is doing so much better than before. I highly recommend this remedy for anybody who has a pet cat with this problem, or anybody who finds and takes in a stray cat with this problem. It's truly a lifesaver.


Diatomaceous Earth

4 User Reviews
5 star (4) 
  100%

Posted by Shanarose (Nmb, Florida) on 01/16/2017
★★★★★

I care for rescued cats (a reluctant cat lady .... I currently have 14) and some of these have come to me on the verge - suffering from mange and scabies .... since discovering diatomaceous earth some years back for fire ants (i am severely allergic to fire ant bites and DE kills them within hours) I found that if I rub a very small amount of DE (wear surgical gloves) on the mange area a few times a day ... within a few days the mange starts to clear and scabs start to form .... I have a cat who came here looking like he was burnt .... it was a severe case of mange ... within a month his hair had started to come back and today (two years later) he is a fluffy stunner .... all due to diatomaceous earth .... only put it on the target areas of the mange .... don't get it into their eyes ..... rub it on dry like a powder ..... don't get it wet ..... good luck and God bless ...

Replied by Harlene
(Louisiana)
02/04/2017

Can you put the DE in the cats ears as well as on the skin? Also what if they lick the area that has the DE on it?

Replied by Lauren
(Florida)
02/11/2017

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.

Debra
(Florida)
10/18/2023

I get food grade diatomaceous earth on Amazon. I am also from Florida.

Replied by Cynthia
(Montrose, Pa)
03/09/2017

Is is safe for the cat to ingest this stuff if you rub into fur?

Replied by Teresa
(Illinois)
03/21/2018

My cat seems like he has the mange..which DE fomula do I try...there's a bunch of different kinds


Diatomaceous Earth
Posted by Geeg (Barrie On) on 10/07/2015
★★★★★

Mange in cats- Diatomaceous Earth IS THE BOMB - I put it all over my cat's body and he hasn't scratched, pulled or chewed himself since... amazing stuff and great for a multitude of things for humans and animals and gardens- you have to try it!!!

Replied by Valliegirl2008
(Lake Charles, Louisiana)
11/07/2015

Do u have a picture of what kind u used?

Replied by Mary
(Blue Ridge)
11/08/2015

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.

Replied by Beth
(Medford Or)
11/29/2015

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!

Replied by Mary
(Maryland)
01/03/2016

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?

Replied by Susan
(North Carolina)
05/15/2016

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.

Replied by Oneher
(Tx)
09/25/2016

For safe flea eradication: at night, I put lids with plain water scattered throughout the house, contain my dogs...in the morning dispose of fleas down the toilet, rinse lids and reuse until no more fleas.😄

Replied by Cynthia
(Colorado)
12/26/2016

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.

Replied by Renee
(Ca)
01/23/2017

Please use only food grade DE on your kitty. You can buy it through amazon and any health food market.

Replied by Grace
(Pdx)
02/23/2017

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.

Replied by Merry
(Tn)
06/09/2020

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.


Diatomaceous Earth
Posted by Kate (Usa) on 11/18/2014
★★★★★

Cat Mange, Mites, & Diatomaceous Earth

First & most importantly : usually an AGRICULTURAL Veterinarian will be much more aware of how to ID & treat mites on domestic & farm animals; heck, FARMERS have been dealing with this forever! And THE ABSOLUTELY SAFEST AND MOST EFFICACEOUS TREATMENT FOR MITES IS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH. Animals will themselves resort to this type remedy, I.e., they take dust baths! This is true for any animal except bees (sadly) and others with exoskeletons. Make friends with your local farmers' supply store - they know how to help and what will NOT work. Don't put your cat or yourself through the torture of sulfur-dips/borax/vinegar/oral drugs/ e-collars. Just put yer DE in a sock or stocking, and powder down yer furry friends. And that hint for a way to apply it came from the cashier at my local tractor-supply-co; her dog would take off if he saw her with a handful of the DE. The type of DE called 'Red Lake', with bentonite, will work fine too, but is not approved for Human consumption.

When I finally realized what was bothering my cat, Orlando, wasn't his "nerves" (the Prozac the Vet Rx'd only calmed him down), but was mange, I made the rounds of all the 'Online Vet/md' sites. There I was helped greatly in figuring out just which mite was attacking him. But the fact that their ONLY treatments were lime-sulfur baths(for CATS! ?) or Off-Label use of drugs known to be either toxic or fatal to felines, made me skeptical. So I put the word 'natural' into my search terms and happily landed ~here~ at earthclinic.

Replied by Cindy
(Bc, Canada)
01/29/2015

I have an farm cat with mange and I want to use DE.... I don't think I can catch him to dust him with DE but could I put it in his bedding where he sleeps? He would be laying in it and hopefully dusting himself with it... Thoughts?

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
01/29/2015

Hey Cindy!

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.

Replied by Sarah
(Gassville, Ar)
11/07/2015

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.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
11/09/2015

Hey Sarah,

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.

Replied by Vickie
(Oh)
11/18/2015

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.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
11/19/2015

Hey Vickie!

You will need to clean the whole house, top to bottom and pay particular attention to your bedding and your cat's bedding.

I have to tell you that if this were my cat I would cut out the Frontline completely. I suggest you cease spending your money on topical poisons and instead use a flea comb and comb your cat for fleas, and also use a lamp trap to capture any fleas in your home.

A lamp trap is just that - a small desk lamp you put on the floor. Then put a plate of soapy water under it - I use dish soap and a white plate for better reflection of the light, plus you can see what you catch easier. Turn the lamp on and go to bed, and see what you catch in the morning. This is a super cheap way to catch fleas and stop an infestation.

Now, it sounds like you have had the scabies diagnosed via your human MD and not a vet via your cat. The species of scabies mite that lives on your cat transfers with close, prolonged contact. So if your cat sleeps on you while you watch TV, the mite can transfer to you. Cat scabies mites cannot reproduce on humans, and it is very unlikely you can infect another person: the infection happens when you have close contact with your infected cat, and perhaps your cat's infected bedding - so if your cat sleeps on the couch, there is a small chance your couch may infect a human.

If you have already invested in DE then I would first vacuum everything - floors and furniture and then go to town with the DE. It helps to establish a 'clean room' - a room that you disinfect or de-flea and de-mite in advance of tackling the whole house. Get one room as sterile as possible, usually your bedroom, so you have a place at the end of the day that is pest free to retire.

I start by a thorough vacuuming and then I wear a dust mask and gently spread the DE on the floor and work it slowly with a broom into all the floor board cracks. If you have carpeting you might consider a sugar sifter or flour sifter and use that to cover the entire carpet with a powdering of the DE. I then work the DE deep into the carpet fibers so it gets to the bottom - I do this on hands and knees and work with my fingers or a stiff brush. And then once the carpet is done I do the same to the furniture and work the DE deep into the fibers.

Now, the DE is not safe for electronics with moving parts so you might want to have things like your DVD player and TV in your safe room. I then leave the DE in place for 2-3 days. Then I vacuum LIGHTLY. The key is to get the loose DE from the surface of the carpet and furniture but do not vacuum so thoroughly you remove the DE that you worked so hard to get into the base of the carpet - you want to leave a nice residual base of DE in the carpet and furniture to take care of any pests that escaped the vacuum or the ones that may hatch out next week.

Dusting with DE is a pain and a lot of work, and your vacuum cleaner may die due to the abrasive nature of the dust, but this type of treatment will last YEARS - as long as you vacuum gently to allow the DE to remain at the base of the carpet fibers.

Now, to combat the mites and fleas on the cat you can also use DE and work it down to the skin. My cat just shakes off the excess and leaves a cloud behind and doesn't stick around to inhale it. You might find it beneficial to soak your cat in a diluted vinegar rinse - 1 part white vinegar to 10 parts water and see if this helps with the itching.

You might consider Ted's Mange remedy for your scabies. Report back if you cannot get rid of the scabies yourself.

Replied by Giza
(California)
05/26/2016

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.

Replied by Dee
(Down South)
06/07/2016

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.

Replied by Pam
(South Texas)
10/21/2017

I have used the light for a flea trap for years. Works very well. I also use DE on the cats and dog, and use nematodes sprayed in the yard. If I have an infestation (like I did in the garage this spring, from a mama cat and kittens) I sprayed a heavy peppermint essential oil (80 drops)/vinegar/soapy water in a 32 oz spray bottle, spray down on the floor in the garage and did the light/soapy water thing, and dusted the cats. Gone in a few days.


Diatomaceous Earth
Posted by Pearlie (North Miami Beach, Florida) on 05/26/2014
★★★★★

Recently a cat that was covered in mange found our house. I feed cats and this cat looked like someone had burnt him with chemicals. I never saw anything so pathetic. He could hardly walk and his ears were covered with thick grey crusts that I thought were burnt skin. I decided to look at skin conditions on cats and discovered he had a severe case of mange. I had food grade diatomaceous earth in the house that I have as a dewormer for my other cats. It was somewhat effective, but being that it kills all types of insects, I decided to try it topically on this new stray. I put one of my gardening gloves on and put some of the DE on the finger tips of the glove and worked that into the sores and crusts on the cat (this poor thing is such a sweety ... he loves to be scratched, even though I cannot touch him without a glove).

I wish I could show you pictures on what he looked like after just a few days. gone were the grey crusts, and all what looked like thick chemically burnt skin turned to clean skin. it was shocking. I am still rubbing the DE on him, as he just came by about 2 weeks ago, but he is definitely a new cat. My kids think I am some kind of a 'cat whisperer' .... all I am is someone who did research on cat mange and discovered diatomaceous earth cures it .....

Replied by Gail
(Canada)
09/07/2014

Can you use DE to cure ear mites in cats? If so, how do you get it in their ears?

Replied by Shanna
(Santa Ana, Ca)
04/29/2015

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

Replied by V. Rogers
(Michigan)
07/02/2015

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.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
07/03/2015

Hey Roger!

I must respectfully disagree with your comment on DE not working when wet. DE is a mechanicide; it works by causing wear or cutting holes in an insects chitinous exoskeleton, which causes them to bleed out and dehydrate. While it is easier to spread and use while dry and in powder form, it still works when wet. Only consider broken glass will still cut when wet; ground glass will still cut when wet. It is the same principle with DE; it still cuts when wet.

Replied by T.tyler
(Kanona, Ny)
07/27/2015

It sounds to me like your cat doesn 't have mange, but ringworm instead. Let me tell you about my experiences. I have been working to try spay/neuter and maintain a few local colonies of cats in our little suburb. I have made quite a few friends in the rescue business and have rescued a few kittens of our own (about 13 to be exact! ). The first set we rescued had missing fur and what looked like "burnt" skin on about 1/3 of their little 4 week old bodies. After quite a few hundred bucks, we found out they had ringworm. Ringworm is not like it's name. There are no worms involved and no it doesn 't show in the shape of a worm. Ringworm is a type of fungus that preys on animals with a weak immune system (ferals/kittens, etc). We had to shampoo and lyme dip them once a week, using a soft bristle toothbrush to scrub the "burnt/scabby" skin off. In large spots it literally "slides" off the infected area *YUCK! *

Anyway, later we had a neighbor whose dog got sarcoptic mange. She is a hoarder and cannot afford vet visits. So, we did a little research for her and found the DE was a natural treatment that wouldn 't harm the cats either, plus she didn 't need a prescription or vet visit. She tried it for weeks, but it didn't help. We finally decided to help her out and pay for her visit to the vet so she could get revolution to treat the mange, however she had also contracted it (it's zoonotic). Her granddaughter spends a lot of time over here with my daughter and we were afraid of it being brought over here. So, I did more research and found that NEEM oil is a great pesticide and can be used safely around cats, dogs, and humans! You can even use it on your garden vegetables!

Online they have neem oil formulas for garden and yard spray, lice treatment, as well as treatment/preventative for mange. If your cat truly has mange, don't expect it to work right away, but you'll definitely see a difference after a week or two. I've made creams (easy because neem and coconut oil are solid at room temperature), lice shampoo, bodywash treatment, and garden spray. It worked for us!

Hope this helps!

Replied by Bob
(Revere, Mass.)
09/26/2015

Can I use the diatomaceous earth for my swimming pool filter for my cat's mange?

EC: Only Food Grade DE should be used on animals.

Replied by Rhonda
(Grants Pass, Oregon)
10/05/2015

Came across your subject of mange treatment when I was searching on how to help a kitten that is vomiting several times in one day. I care & feed about 35+ feral cats & my three indoor cats was scratching excessively, even after their monthly flea & tick treatment? With a fixed income I have not been able to take any of them to the vet, so I started researching the symptoms. The results match Notoedric the closes. I put DE in their food but if this works I will be so thankful. Any further suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Over my head with this many.

Replied by Dot
(Pittsburgh, Pa)
11/21/2015

Thank you very much for blogging...sweet baby Oliver will be treated...one year scratching...so very simple!!

Replied by Robin
(Kentucky)
02/14/2016

Didn't know NEEM oil was used that way..

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..

Replied by Robin Conkel-hannan
(Kentucky)
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..

Replied by Jo
(Oklahoma)
05/04/2016

The question was asked by Bob, Revere, Mass.: "Can I use the diatomaceous earth for my swimming pool filter for my cat's mange?"

'The answer to that question is NO!!! Swimming pool diatomaceous earth contains chemicals that are TOXIC TO CATS! The cat will lick its fur and ingest the poison!

Instead, for cats and other animals, you must use FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth, which you can find on Amazon and other online retailers.

Replied by Lynn
(Pawtucket, R. I.)
06/21/2016

Where do you buy Diatomaceous Earth?

EC: Check your local farm store. Diatomaceous earth is commonly purchased for livestock use.

Replied by Renee
(California)
06/23/2016

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

Replied by Marissa
(San Pedro, California)
09/16/2016

How do I apply it? Do I take it off after a certain amount of time? How often do I apply it?

Replied by Zephyr
(Oakland, Ca)
11/21/2016

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.

Replied by Tammy
(Kissimmee Fla)
03/12/2017

I am also taking care of a kitten with mange. The DE is working but not sure how to put on his face without getting it in his eyes.

Replied by Bob
(Texas)
04/19/2017

Jo,

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.


Eye Area Remedies

Posted by Eva (United States) on 12/01/2019

Hello, my cat just started having a small patch of mange right at the edge of his eye? What remedies are safe to use right next to the eye?


Immune Boosting Remedies

Posted by Gertjr (Madison) on 10/07/2020

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?


Ivermectin

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Jj (Crystal River Florida) on 06/27/2017
★★★★★

Re: Mites in Cat

I used a brand of ivermectin it was a 1% sterile solution on a stray that couldn't be trapped, the mange covered his eyes, they were almost crusted over. I used approx. 1 to two drops in some fishy food -cat weight about 9lbs. The cat hid and I didn't see him for a little while but when he showed up he was beautiful. I read they should get another dose after the first- so he had only one more drop in fishy cat food. He still looks great. Go very easy if using. Some cats may not tolerate, but as a last resort saved this cat.


Ivomec

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Katydid (Katy) on 08/30/2018
★★★★★

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.


Ivomec
Posted by Jj (Crystal River, Florida) on 12/03/2016
★★★★★

Ivomec cured a stray's mange. Cat had severe mange over entire body, eyes were scabbed over to the point I was sure it would die if something wasn't done it basically was laying down barely moving. I thought what do I have to lose, it will die if something isn't done.(I had tried for weeks to trap it...was not going to happen.)

Spoke to a holistic vets secretary who didn't know the amount of ivomec but suggested as a last ditch effort. She said it was bitter and to mix it with small, quarter size amount of molasses. Looked online. I used approx. two drops 10lb cat (powerful stuff) mixed with can of fish cat food and it ate it up. It hid under barn and I didn't see the cat again for a couple weeks (it use to eat around the neighborhood) When it showed up it was beautiful! Couldn't believe it. Read to dose again in one month, I did, cats doing great. This would be great for ear mites, if your unable to get or handle cat. Ivomec is found in feed stores, I use to use it for heartworms for my dogs. A little expensive so buy an expiration date way in the future. Might even ask online, maybe craigs list, if someone using it for dogs can spare a small amount put in a syringe for later. If you manage a large feral cat population this could be very handy and save a few cats.

Replied by Kristen
(Fl, Belleview)
02/24/2017

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!


Mange

1 User Review
1 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Ma.) on 09/20/2012

I have been treating my cat for over a year now for mange, this website has helped me a great deal. The first time she was treated with borax & peroxide and was tolerated well, the cats mange was gone for approx. Eight months but she also has an upper respiratory infection that I failed to treat. I noticed a few months ago a few new spots of mange coming back, it's my understanding mange attacks most animals with low immunity, I used what I found to be a temp. solution for head lice, as I stated it worked great but with in the past few months the mange has come back a whole lot more aggressively, I am doing my very best to keep it away from her face/eyes(mange).....I recently bought a dip for mange also a collar to stop her from cleaning her self while being treated. My cat is a strong fighter, she has the faith for sure. I needed to know if she will be ok with this dip? I have tried so many things I am afraid i'm wearing her resistance down as well as her strong ability to hold on as her immune system gets lower & she gets older, she is approx. Two or three years of age. I have had many pets but she is so smart & fights for her life, it shows me she has the will to live. Any suggestions please? Thank you so much for this web site. I could never do this alone. God bless.

Replied by J. L. Cone
(Tampa Area, Florida)
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.

Replied by Becky
(San Bernadino, Ca)
01/13/2014
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I found a kitten approx. 4 weeks old in the beginning of Dec. I researched several home remedies since I could not afford a vet at that time. The kitten was very malnourished and very weak. His head and neck were covered with mange. His eyes, nose and ears crusty and waxy with the build-up of the little buggers. His body sparse with fur. My warning to any that attempt to help a kitten or puppy is keep them very warm during and after the bathing process. This is crucial to keeping them from getting sicker. Before I bathed him I covered him in diatomaceous earth since that seemed the safest thing for such a young weak kitten. After researching probable treatments, I decided to use apple cider vinegar, along with lice shampoo or a flea shampoo that kills chewing lice. Because of his age and weak state I opted to keep the shampoo on for only a few minutes, 5 or less, but while waiting for the shampoo to work I cover the kitten with a hand towel to keep the chill off him. Then rinse him with warm water that has diluted apple cider vinegar and lemon juice or lime juice to acidify his skin. (the mites don't like it, apparently) The first time I put apple cider on him I did not dilute it enough and it really hurt him. So please be careful. After rinsing him in this solution I would put a towel on him fresh out of the dryer or in my case I would turn the oven on to warm up the kitchen and keep the towel nice and warm. Dry them thoroughly then brush/scrub the skin with a soft toothbrush or something similar, this will loosen the waxy build-up or the mites. They love being brushed too, since they are so itchy. After that I would slather him up with castor oil or olive oil and then finally, put a fluffy sock over his body that I cut arm and leg holes out of. It fit perfectly and keeps him from biting himself, while keeping him nice and warm. Each day I would brush/scrub his fur(after brushing put the tool you used in a cup of apple cider vinegar to kill any mites that might be on it) and apply new oil to any area that seemed dry. The oil smothered them and soothed his irritated skin. He also had antibiotics and de-worming to fight what was going wrong on the inside of his little body. I have kept this treatment up each week, always keeping him warm, my socks don't really fit him anymore he has grown so much lol his fur is coming in very thick, he is still itchy but I continue to treat any sparse areas with oil. Also, I used Frontline Plus since you can use it on kittens 8wks old and it is supposed to kill the mites too. He tolerated it well at 8wks approx. The apple cider vinegar can be brushed (diluted always) in any trouble area and in his ears with cotton. I clean all his bedding and towels each bath and in between I would throw them in the dryer to help kill anything that may have hatched out between bathing. I am also using Vetericyn All Animal Hydrogel Spray that has boric acid and other helpful things. Its seems to help with the itching. I hope this helps, have a Blessed day!

Replied by Sd
(Australia)
10/01/2014

There is a large body of evidence indicating borax is toxic to cats, particularly kittens. Inflamed skin on cats, kittens, and even humans, can be soothed and treated with camomile tea (gently dab a used tea bag which has cooled down to room temperature). And Fossil Shell Flour, also known as diatomaceous earth, or diluted apple cider vinegar are much better, safer options. Hydrogen peroxide is not advisable, as it would sting and aggravate inflamed skin.

Replied by Christine
(Hope, Bc)
05/12/2016

Hello,

I just inherited a poor kitten that had a serious case of mange from some people who didn't know much about cats. The poor wee thing had been suffering for more than a year. I tried a few things but she wasn't comfortable with them. Tonight I washed her head gently with apple cider vinegar and then put a soothing polysporin anti-itch on her and for the first time her little body completely relaxed. I will keep up this treatment and report on its success or failure. Thanks to this site for recommending the apple cider vinegar.

Replied by Susan E.
(Pennsylvania)
04/21/2018

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 Permethrin on 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.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
04/23/2018

Hey Susan,

Google "Frontline Plus side effects" and you will have your answer as to why so many here refuse to use products like these.


Mange
Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Ma.) on 09/13/2012

The first two times I used peroxide & borax for my tiny frail cat it worked great for at least seven or eight months but then it recently returned even worse this time around. I tried many different suggestions but I have to be very cautious as I mentioned she is very sick with an upper respiratory infection/when the immune system is way down she is susceptable to any thing especially mange plus many other diseases. I did a web search to find using vaseline because it smothers the mites(I wish now I had of used cooking oil ;o( I left it on for two days, then had to use dawn dish liquid to cut the thickness of the vaseline what a disaster, but my poor sweet little kitty was a real strong trooper. Then I used oatmeal that I bought in an herbal store specially for baths, I could see a huge difference where she was totally infested with these mites every where after her ordeal there was no more mites except red spots. Now I pray her mange is gone until I can rebuild her immune system. I also bought some lime/sulfur dip from an equine web site, it's sold in smaller amounts as well, also I can buy antibiotics from them and a few other treatment items for animals of all sizes. The dip can now be saved for another time, but in hopes the mites won't come back. My kitty is an extra special kitty to me because she has withstood so much but she tends to still hold on and begins to show more trust in our ability to bath her as often as needed. My very best goes out to all others that are brave and willing to keep fighting to save their loving pets. And I also found all animals have a soul....... <(*;*)> God bless

Replied by Linda
(San Francisco, Ca, Usa)
09/14/2012

Diamond! Please do not use that dip! Usually a dip is a good way to kill a cat. Please do not use that dip unless you run it by a good vet.

Sorry for the urgent tone, but I have known people whose kitties expired before their eyes within 10 minutes from using a dip for fleas.

Namaste, Linda

Replied by Maryann
(Rialto Calif)
06/21/2016

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.


Mange
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.

Yajnaseni

Replied by Linda
(San Francisco, Ca, Usa)
01/14/2012

Hi Yajnaseni, I just want to say that what is OK for dogs may be very dangerous for cats.

I am sorry, I know that doesn't answer your question, but I would not do this with a cat unless I had a whole lot more information on it.

There may be a way to contact Ted directly on the Earthclinic homepage.

I hope you will check this out very, very carefully. It would be a shame to find out after the fact that it was unsafe. I have had cats for 35 years and would not do this. Cats are very delicate and very different than dogs.

I *would* go to www.catnutrition.org , whose site owner has cured several rescued cats of all-over skin diseases, and see what you can find out there.

It may simply be a matter of diet or dietary deficiency.

Best of luck to you both,

Linda

Replied by Jeff
(Il)
09/16/2017

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.


Mites

Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Ma.usa) on 05/25/2011

Hi everyone, I think I am finally finished with my kittens mange treatments as well as spraying tea tree oil and water mix all around the house, beds etc. I washed all bed linen, beds and cats/dogs items. I washed every thing in either bleach or amonia, I washed all my floors with amonia. Ahhh but then to bath my small dogs, what fun ;o)

It took me over three months of doing the kittens mange treatments then the whole house, too my surprise the dogs did not get the mange but they were infested with huge ticks pregnant mother and all, I had a struggle with that fat tick that just did not want to leave my dogs body, my husband was pulling ticks out of the dogs ears, every where and any where they could hide from my treatments, my female dog wasn't bad at all she had very short hair and one treatment did the job well. So just when I thought all was well and settled in resting...... My kitten that had been treated for mange was a great escapee(chuckles)

many times I have brought her back in or coaxed her back in, this morn. She got out again its now 6pm eve. And no sign of her yet, so I put an add in the newspaper if any one can catch her to bring her home to me. That was some kitten;I never saw a kitten with a personallity like her's, I would give her commands that my dogs were supposed to abide by and she would obey. I put in the newspaper she is presently being treated for upper respiratory infection. Prayers for her safe keeping and safe return home.Thanks



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