Effective Management of Notoedres Cati in Cats: A Comparative Study of Selamectin Spot-On and Ethnoveterinary Medicine

The study screened 4,500 domestic cats for Notoedres cati infestation, diagnosing 250 cases (5.5%). It found a slightly higher susceptibility in males (54%) and noted that 60% of affected cats were between 6 months to 1 year old. Typical symptoms included alopecia and pruritus, with zoonotic transmission to humans observed. The study compared Selamectin spot-on treatment and an Aloe vera-virgin coconut oil formulation in 250 cats, split into two groups of 125. Selamectin showed quicker recovery by day 21, while the ethnoveterinary treatment took until day 28. Both treatments were effective, but Selamectin was faster, whereas the Aloe vera-VCO combination was more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. The research highlights the ongoing impact of Notoedres cati in Hyderabad and the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent relapses and transmission.