Treatment FAQ

how do i do an ear mite treatment in cats

by Miss Charlotte Steuber Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Ear Drops. Your veterinarian can recommend ear drops to help in eliminating ear mites. ...
  • Pyrethrins. Pyrethrin based products can be used to get rid of ear mites in both cats and dogs. ...
  • Hand Sanitizer. When looking for a simple yet readily available remedy, you can opt for hand sanitizer. ...
  • Vicks Vapor Rub. Vicks vapor rub is not only useful for human skin. ...

Miller notes, “and most—such as ivermectin—are highly effective. Even one old-time remedy—baby oil—can do the job. A few drops put into an affected ear several times a day for a month or so will usually smother the mites.” Subsequent treatment for mites as well as ongoing maintenance of a cat's ears, says Dr.

What is the best remedy for ear mites in cats?

Types of Ear Mite Medicine and Treatments

  • Pyrethrins. These are the active ingredient in most over-the-counter ear mite treatments. ...
  • Revolution and Advantage – Single Use Non-Local Treatments. Advantage and Revolution are applied to the cat’s back, rather than directly in the ear. ...
  • Thiabendazole. ...
  • Injectable Ivermectin. ...
  • Oil Treatment. ...

How to effectively combat ear mites in cats?

  • Purchase an ear cleaning product that is labeled as safe for cats, and follow the included instructions.
  • If there is an excessive amount of wax, this can act as a cocoon around the mites that shields them from the drops.
  • Do not attempt to use a Q-tip or any other object in or around your cat’s ears. ...

How to recognize and treat mites on your cat?

Signs and Symptoms

  • Your cat may scratch at his itchy ears or start shaking his head a lot. While the mites are microscopic, they can be quite pesky. ...
  • Feline ear mites on the insides of the ears will look dirty, usually with a dark brown or reddish-brown debris. Sometimes a black crust forms, as well. ...
  • Feline ear mites are highly contagious. ...

How to apply ear mite medicine to cats?

  • Tip the bottle or vial over and insert the applicator tip carefully into the ear.
  • Squeeze the bottle until the proper amount of medication is deposited.
  • The medication is more effective if you apply it deep into the ear canal.

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How can I treat my cats ear mites at home?

According to Dr. McCullough, there are no home remedies that treat ear mites in cats. While your cat recovers, make them comfortable by following the vet's instructions and, under their guidance, clean your cat's ear by removing debris as much as possible.

What kills ear mites instantly?

0:183:243 Effective Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Dogs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to massage the ear after the oils in there and just let your dog relax for a minute itMoreYou want to massage the ear after the oils in there and just let your dog relax for a minute it actually smothers and kills the ear mites.

How long does it take to get rid of ear mites in cats?

If using a single use product such as Revolution one dose is often enough to get rid of an ear mite infection but it will still take up to three or four weeks for the infection to completely clear up. How do I prevent against ear mites? Ear mites are most prevalent among outdoor cats.

Is there a one-time treatment for ear mites in cats?

One-time medication treatments applied to the ear can be successful. One-time treatments applied to the skin are typically used as monthly parasite control medications. A single dose usually takes care of an ear mite infection but you may consider using them monthly to prevent reinfection and control other pests.

How do you get the black stuff out of a cat's ear?

Cleanse: The black, waxy ear build-up and dirt must be thoroughly flushed and cleaned from the ear canal before any medication can be applied. We strongly encourage pet owners to have their vet do the initial cleanse to ensure all the debris is removed and to avoid damaging your cat's delicate ear drum.

What happens if you don't treat ear mites in cats?

This causes severe itching and, if left untreated, can cause bacterial infections, swelling of the ear canal and eventually partial or total deafness. The mites can also travel all over your cat's body, causing itching and swelling. Again, left untreated they can lead to systemic infections.

Do I need to take my cat to the vet for ear mites?

Since ear mites can be hard to see and may not be the only reason for inflammation or damage to a cat's ear, it's best to have your cat checked out by a veterinarian for a professional diagnosis.

How do you clean ear mites?

Coconut oil, olive oil, or an over the counter ear cleaning solution, which is available at pet stores, may be used to clean the ear. Several drops of the ear cleaning solution or warm oil should be put into the ear canal and gently massaged.

What do vets prescribe for ear mites?

The two current products that are applied directly in the ear canal are: Acarexx®, a topical version of ivermectin, and Milbemite®, a topical version of milbemycin oxime. These products are approved for cats only and are available only through veterinarians.

Can you buy ear mite medicine over the counter?

Ear mite medication is relatively inexpensive, effective and available over-the counter at most pet stores.

When should I see a vet for ear mites?

A single dose of NexGard or NexGard SPECTRA is highly effective at treating ear mites in puppies and dogs. If the ear irritation persists, or a secondary ear infection requiring additional treatment is present, it's best to consult with your vet.

How do you tell if your cat has ear mites or just dirty ears?

How to Tell the Difference Between Ear Mites and Ear Wax in CatsWax in both normal cats and cats infected with mites is brown.The normal type of wax is a lighter brown color and does not give off an odor.The wax in a cat with ear mites is darker brown or black and is described as looking like coffee grounds.More items...

What can I use to clean my cats ears?

Get cotton balls, an ear cleaning solution made specifically for cats, and treats to keep your cat distracted.

How do I clean my cat's ears?

Apply the ear cleaning solution directly to the cotton ball. Then, massage the ear gently for 10-15 seconds. Repeat this process until most of the...

How do you get rid of ear mites in cats naturally?

Performing regular ear cleaning with a product approved for use in cats can help. This removes the debris that make a good home for the mites and d...

What is the best treatment for ear mites in cats?

The cat ear mite, otodectes cyontis, is killed by a wide variety of parasiticides. Many spot-on products used against fleas are also effective agai...

Can ear mites in cats be transferred to humans?

Great question, and the short answer is no. One brave vet in the 1950s decided to test this out by deliberately infecting himself with cat ear mite...

Are Otomax drops safe for diabetic cats?

Otomax contains antibiotics plus betamethasone, which is a corticosteroid. Steroids are generally contraindicated by mouth or injection for diabeti...

Can ear mites live on humans?

Yes, although it is difficult to acquire infection (it requires direct transfer of infected wax from the cat's ear into yours), and people seem to...

What Are Ear Mites In Cats?

Ear mites are microscopic parasites that usually take up residence in your cat ’s ear canals, although the mites can spread to other parts of the body, including the neck, rear end, and tail area.

How to tell if a cat has ear mites?

Symptoms of ear mite infection in cats include: 1 Copious dark, bad-smelling debris in the ear 2 Crusty or scabby ears 3 Red, inflamed ears 4 Bumps in the ears 5 Scratching at the ears 6 Head shaking 7 Scratches and bleeding around the ears (self-inflicted) 8 Hair loss 9 Itching and scabbing on the neck, rear end, and tail areas

How to make sure eardrum is intact?

The only way to make sure the eardrum is intact is for your veterinarian to look inside the ear with an otoscope. After getting their vet’s blessing, some people may wish to try home remedies for ear mites in cats like coconut oil or mineral oil.

Why is it important to bring your cat to the vet?

It’s important to bring your cat to the veterinarian if she exhibits any ear problems. Left untreated, an ear mite infestation can cause serious damage to the cat’s ear canal, especially if the cat develops a secondary bacterial infection.

How long after a cat has ear mites can you take a swab?

Follow-up exam. About a month after your cat begins treatment for ear mites, your veterinarian will have you return to the clinic for a follow-up exam so he can take another ear swab and look at it under the microscope. This step is vital to ensure all mites have been killed.

Why does my cat have a swollen ear?

Although ear mite infestations are the most common cause of ear irritation seen in cats, it’s possible for your cat to develop a yeast or bacterial infection in her ears. It can be difficult to differentiate between an ear mite infestation and a yeast or bacterial ear infection.

What is the smell of ear mites?

Ear mite infections have a characteristic dark, thick, smelly “ear gunk,” which consists of ear wax and debris from the mites. Types of debris include live mites, dead mites, mite eggs, and dried blood. This discharge often resembles coffee grounds. If you’re curious, you can Google “pictures of ear mites in cats” for some images ...

How to get rid of ear mites on cats?

Another popular home remedy that works on ear mites in cats is spraying apple cider vinegar diluted in water on their ears.

What to do if my cat has mites?

If your cat has developed infections because of the mites, then antibiotics are recommended.

How Do Cats Get Ear Mites?

All it takes is a casual encounter between a healthy and an ear-mite infested cat, rabbit, ferret, or dog. A simple walk around the garden where dogs and cats that have ear mites have been is all it takes.

What is the difference between Demodex and Sarcoptes mites?

It’s not just the Otodectes cynotis that affects our beloved pets. The Sarcoptes mite caused sarcoptic mange in dogs, while the Demodex mites cause demodectic mange.

What is the problem with ear mites in cats?

As parasites, they feed off of cat ear wax and oils and usually cause a lot of itchiness for kittens. They love ear wax and being in a moist and warm place so much, that it takes quite a lot of effort to kill ear mites.

What is the best product for feline ear mites?

A product to try for your feline ear mites is Zymox Otic – this covers about anything you can think of when it comes to ear pain, infection, and yep, even ear mites.

How long do ear mites live?

Ear mites have a life cycle of three weeks. During this time, they consume large amounts of ear wax and ear oils and try their best to reproduce like crazy. It’s when they have a stable source of food and good shelter that they multiply immensely.

What is the best treatment for ear mites in cats?

One of the most well-known and effective natural remedies for ear mites in cats is olive oil. It seems almost too simple to be true, but it is!

What happens if a cat has ear mites?

One of the worst consequences of a rampant ear mite infection in cats is the risk of hearing damage. This damage can be either partial or full deafness in one or both ears.

What are Ear Mites in Cats?

So what are these invisible pests that have taken over your cat’s ears? Ear mites are parasites, scientifically named ear mites Otodectes cynotis. These little spider looking mites have

What is the best food for a cat to keep mites away?

A strong immune system, healthy skin, and a good diet will make your cat a less ideal host for these opportunistic pests. Mites prefer an acidic environment, meaning low pH, so feeding a high-quality alkaline diet, like raw cat food, will deter mite activity.

Why does my cat's ear balloon?

Besides the usual skin conditions and reactions you typically see with irritation, you may see your kitty's ear starting to balloon. You may chalk it up to swelling from irritation, but excessive scratching and head shaking can actually lead to a more severe condition, called an aural hematoma .

Why does my cat tilt her head?

If your cat starts tilting her head it might look cute, but she could be dealing with an uncomfortable infestation. Cat ear mites are quite common, and fortunately, easily treatable.

How long does it take for a mite to live?

Unlike many pests that drop their eggs, mites fulfill their entire life cycle while attached to your pet. This life cycle takes about 3-4 weeks in total, going through 5 different stages:

What are ear mites in cats?

Ear mites are parasites that live on the skin’s surface, especially on the skin lining of the ear canal. They are transferred from cat to cat by direct contact. Ear mites and eggs can persist in the environment for several months.

How to tell if a cat has ear mites?

Signs to watch for: 1 Reddish-black in the ear canal (s) 2 Rubbing and scratching the affected ear 3 Ear twitching and head shaking are common 4 Occasionally, ear mites infest other parts of a cat’s body. Hair loss in a particular area and reddened, scratched skin suggest such an infestation.

How long does it take for ear mites to go away in cats?

Ear issues must be treated persistently and specifically, depending on the diagnosis. In some cases, treatment may need to be continued for several weeks. In most cases your veterinarian will need to clean your cat's ears before treatment will be effective. Because ear mites readily infest other pets, all cats and dogs in the home should be treated.

What does it mean when a cat's ear is black?

Reddish-black in the ear canal (s) Rubbing and scratching the affected ear. Ear twitching and head shaking are common. Occasionally, ear mites infest other parts of a cat’s body. Hair loss in a particular area and reddened, scratched skin suggest such an infestation. Diagnosis by your veterinarian.

What to do if fleas are in your house?

The household itself may be treated with flea-control foggers or sprays to lessen the chances of re-infestation.

Can ear mites infest cats?

Ear mites and eggs can persist in the environment for several months. They can then return to re-infest your cat. Ear mites account for most ear problems in cats. Although all cats in a household may be affected, most serious problems occur in kittens. Occasionally, ear mites infest other parts of a cat’s body.

What is the best remedy for ear mites in cats?

Olive oil is a great remedy for ear mites in cats. It can be used alone or with other ingredients to boost its efficiency. To use it as a natural remedy for the mites:

How to get rid of mites in cats?

Pyrethrin based products can be used to get rid of ear mites in both cats and dogs. Apply the product as directed and massage the base of your cat’s ear for about three minutes to ease absorption. Only use pyrethrin products that have been labelled safe for cats to avoid allergic reactions.

How long should you repeat ear mite removal?

The procedure should be repeated until the ear mites clear.

How to get rid of ear sneezing?

Get someone to help you with this where necessary. Using a syringe or an ear dropper, introduce the oil into the ear canal right at the ear’s opening. One or two drops are enough. Massage in the oil in circular motion and repeat the same up to five times for both ears.

How long does it take for ear mites to go away in cats?

Using mineral oil for two to three weeks on your cat will see the mites eliminated. Use as much as is enough to have the inner ear coated by the oil. Since it takes about four days for ear mite eggs to hatch, doing the treatment for this long will ensure that even those in hard to see areas are eliminated.

What does it mean when a cat has ear mites?

Excess Wax: Ear mites accelerate production of wax which takes a black or brown color. Flecks of what may look like black dirt or coffee grounds are a possible sign that your cat has ear mites.

Why do cats scratch their ears?

When present in a cat’s ear, the mites will cause irritation and itch. Where the cat scratches itself excessively as a result of the infestation, swelling and skin infections could occur.

How to treat ear mites in cats?

Treatment of Ear Mites in Cats. Fortunately, there are plenty of effective treatments for ear mites. Your vet may prescribe a prescription-only anti-parasitic spot-on treatment that is also effective against fleas. Also, there are ear drops designed to treat mites that might also be recommended. Finally, a good cleaning ...

How do you know if your cat has ear mites?

How do I know if my cat or kitten has ear mites? Signs of ear mites include irritation of the ears, seen as scratching, or head-rubbing. If you’re able to inspect the inside of the ears, they may be red, sore, and often have copious amounts of dark brown/black waxy discharge. You won’t be able to see the mite.

How are ear mites diagnosed?

If you have a young kitten with two itchy ears and large amounts of dark wax, you can be very suspicious of ear mites. However, you’ll need the help of a vet to make a definitive diagnosis.

What to do if a kitten has two itchy ears?

If you have a young kitten with two itchy ears and large amounts of dark wax, you can be very suspicious of ear mites. However, you’ll need the help of a vet to make a definitive diagnosis. Your vet will have an otoscope, a light with magnification and a small nozzle that can inspect the lower parts of the ear canal.

Why does my cat scratch his head?

Head scratching can be caused by allergies to things such as fleas, insect bites, environmental allergies (eg pollens), or even food. Ear discharge can be caused by other infections such as yeast or bacteria.

What is the mite in my dog's ear?

Ear mites are a parasite of the ear that can affect both dogs and cats. They’re most common in young animals. Infection can occur in puppies and kittens as young as a few weeks old when the mites are transmitted by their mothers. Ear mites live and burrow in the external ear canals and cause a lot of irritation.

How long does it take to book a video consultation with a veterinarian?

Book a video consultation with an experienced veterinarian within minutes.

How to get rid of mites in cats ears?

Place a cotton ball in a small amount of honey, and rub it in your cat’s ears. Let the honey sit in the ears for about 20 to 30 minutes, and then gently wipe it away with warm water. If your cat will let you, repeat this process two times a day until the mites are eradicated.

How Do You Know If It’s Ear Mites?

We look at the signs and symptoms of ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) before getting into treating them. It’s important to be sure that your cat has ear mites and not another issue with their ears. Signs include:

How to get rid of yellow dock root in cats ears?

Dilute about 10 drops of yellow dock root oil in 1 tablespoon of water. Dab a cotton ball in this solution, and press it gently in your cat’s ears to distribute the solution. Do this once every day until the ear mites are gone.

How to make a spray for ear infection?

The vinegar must be diluted with water. Put half a portion of apple cider vinegar and half of water in a spray bottle, and shake well. You want the spray feature to be gentle because you don’t want the spray to hit anything but inside their ears (especially since this area is close to the eyes).

What is the best oil for ear mites?

Coconut and olive oil can be used to get rid of those pesky ear mites. Coconut oil is famous for many of its health benefits. It’s known for its ability to lower the risk of heart disease, aid in weight loss, and kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Olive oil helps reduce inflammation and has strong antibacterial properties.

Can cats get ear mites?

Ear mites are not a pleasant part of pet ownership. Not only for you, the mess, the expense, and the ick factor, but your cat also isn’t having a good time with them! So, whether you can’t afford the medication or don’t like the idea of putting chemicals in your cat’s ears, we have six home remedies that can help treat ear mites.

Can you clean your cat's ears with an ear cleaner?

Remember to thoroughly clean your cat’s ears with an ear cleaner meant for cats before you start any treatment. You don’t want to trap any dirt or bacteria underneath the ingredient, which will only cause further ear irritation. Your cat’s happiness and health are the most important things here.

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