How to get Rid of Ear Mites in Cats Naturally and Fast

How to get rid of ear mites
How to get rid of ear mites

Ear mites are parasites that are microscopic in nature. They affect the cat’s ears since the dark, warm environment favors their existence. 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. It is best to treat ear mites as soon as they are noticed. Below we discuss how to get rid of ear mites in cats using medication, naturally and with home remedies.

How to Get Rid of Ear Mites in Cats

Before seeking treatment for your cat, it is important to be certain that they are indeed suffering an ear mites’ infestation. This can be done by looking out for the symptoms indicated below. Where you are not certain, always seek direction from your veterinarian to ensure the best is done for the cat.

Symptoms of Ear Mites in Cats

When a cat has ear mites, it will exhibit the following symptoms:

  • 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.
  • Scratching: Ear mites lead to skin irritation and itch. As a result, the cat will repeatedly use its paw to scratch. This may be accompanied by frequent head shaking.
  • Head Posture: Cats with ear mites tend to hold their head to one side as a sign of general discomfort.

Additional symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Walking in circles
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of balance
  • Wax buildup
  • Head shaking

How to Get Rid of Ear Mites in Cats

How can you get rid of ear mites in cats? There are different remedies and medications for treatment of ear mites. Whichever you opt for, always start any given procedure on how to get rid of ear mites in cats by cleansing the ears. This will help in eliminating excessive wax that builds up as the mites feed on the skin surrounding the ear canal.

It also gives room for the treatment to reach wider areas. Where the ear mite infestation is severe, it is best to use medication. Additionally, frequently shampoo your cat to prevent the spreading of the mites to other parts of the body.

Ear Drops

Your veterinarian can recommend ear drops to help in eliminating ear mites. Avoid opting for over the counter drops as they are less effective and may not be safe for your cat. Always read the label and use as directed for effective treatment.

Pyrethrins

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.

Hand Sanitizer

When looking for a simple yet readily available remedy, you can opt for hand sanitizer. Sanitizers contain alcohol and should not be used on open wounds, scratched or inflamed skin. Simply squirt some of it into the ear and follow up with a massage. Repeat this several times through the day.

Vicks Vapor Rub

Vicks vapor rub is not only useful for human skin. It can be used to treat various skin problems in pets and is one of the ways on how to get rid of ear mites in cats. Use a cotton ball to rub it on the ears at least once a day until the problem resolves.

How to Get Rid Of Ear Mites in Cats Naturally

Where you do not want chemical based treatments, opt for the options given below on how to get rid of ear mites in cats naturally. These home remedies work best for cats whose ear mite infestation is mild.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a great home treatment for cats. It helps in dissolving ear wax in addition to killing the ear mites. 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.

Olive Oil

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:

  1. Warm the olive oil by placing a container with the oil in a bowl containing warm water.
  2. Place your cat on an elevated surface and make him comfortable. Get someone to help you with this where necessary.
  3. 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.
  4. Massage in the oil in circular motion and repeat the same up to five times for both ears.

Once this has been done, the cat is likely to shake their head. This will eliminate debris dislodge from the ear canal. Clean up the outer part with a towel or cotton balls and reward the cat.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is acidic and helps to kill the ears mites in cats by balancing the pH levels in the ears. This makes the environment unfriendly for the mites and gets rid of them with time. This remedy should, however, not be used on cats with open wounds in the ears.

  1. Mix one part of vinegar with an equal part of water.
  2. Using a syringe, pour this into the ears a few drops at a time and massage it in.
  3. Using a cotton ball, wipe off the inside of the ears once done.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another effective way on how to get rid of ear mites in cats. While using it, it is important to ensure that it does not get into your cat’s eyes as this could lead to excessive irritation and stinging. Avoid using drops of the same as when your cat is shaking their head after the procedure, they could get some in their eyes.

  1. Dip a Q-tip or a cotton ball into a hydrogen peroxide solution.
  2. With your cat rolled to the side, gently wipe up the affected areas in motions that will allow you move towards to outer side of the ear canal.
  3. Repeat each stroke with a clean cotton ball and carry the procedure once every day for a week.

Honey

The application of honey on the skin is known to be effective due to its antiseptic qualities. Wondering how to get rid of ear mites in cats using it? Here is how:

  1. Mix equal portions of water and honey in a bowl.
  2. Using a syringe or a dropper, introduce the resulting mixture into the ear canal.
  3. The procedure should be repeated until the ear mites clear.

Green Tea

As a natural antiseptic, green tea will help eliminate microorganisms and debris that may be present in the cat’s ears. The remedy is easy to use and should yield results within a short time if used consistently.

  1. Steep green tea in a cup for about four minutes.
  2. Strain the mixture and allow it to cool before using.
  3. Use the tea as a final rinse after the general ear cleaning.
  4. Repeat procedure once daily for up to a month.

Diatomaceous Earth

This is known for its ability in eliminating parasites; both internal and external. It can be used on your cat to get rid of ear mites. Only food grade diatomaceous earth should be used for this purpose.

  1. Mix diatomaceous earth with some water until a fine solution is formed.
  2. Add some drops of the resulting solution into the cat’s ear canal using a dropper.

The best way to get rid of ear mites in cats is to pick a treatment option and be consistent in using it. Only after using it for a reasonable duration and seeing no change should you opt for a different remedy. Remember to always clean your cat’s ears to avoid reinfestation.

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6 Comments

  1. This is all very nice if your cat is very tame and trusting. My cats do not trust humans. I can treat them once, but then they won’t let me near them for a long time, days or weeks. I need a one dose remedy such as veterinarians have. How can I get this. Canada? Mexico?

  2. I read in this large article aloe vera. Is that in the plant? I do have that plant and could I use the oil inside the plantplant?

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