I have a problem with a skin disease in one of my cats. This cat has developed mange. His doctor said that he has an unusual mite called Demodex gatoi that makes him scratch all his fur off.

My other cats’ only reaction to the mites was to scratch more around the ears.

The first time we found the mites the doctor prescribed five weeks of sulfur-lime dips applied to all our cats. This seemed to work.

He stopped itching and all his fur grew back and the other cats scratched less around the ears, but now six months later the mites are back.

I’m afraid to go through the dipping again, as one of my other cats had a bad reaction.

However, I’ve been told that there is no other treatment and that if all the cats aren’t treated it won’t kill all the mites.

I’m also perplexed as to how this reinfestation occurred. My cats are indoor cats and are never around any other animals except my dogs, but these mites are specific to cats.

I don’t want to have to keep redipping every six months if this treatment doesn’t work very well in the first place.

Do you have any suggestions? Is there anything else we can try for the cats?

Demodectic mange is rare in cats (but quite common in dogs).

If he really has scratched all of his fur off, dipping again will probably be needed. Sulfur-lime dips are recommended for cats, although the dips have a foul odor.

Mitaban, a dip approved for dogs, can be used on cats if it is mixed properly to dilute it, minimizing toxicity.

In our practice, we use a variety of immune-boosting supplements (including echinacea and arabinogalactans) and homeopathics to help heal the skin. Boosting the immune system helps the pet heal and kills the mites.

One case I had involved a small patch of affected skin. This cat did not need to be dipped, and it totally responded to the supplements I recommended.

I also recommend not vaccinating any pet during the mange treatment.

If immunizations are suggested, wait until he is cured and then do vaccine titers to determine if any vaccines are needed. Minimize exposure to chemicals (feed a natural diet, try to avoid chemical flea control).

If possible, steroids should not be used to control itchiness, as this can suppress the immune system and make the mange worse.

Natural therapies for itching or antihistamines may help decrease itching. Mange usually can be cured, but it takes several months of intensive therapy.