18 Ways To Get Rid Off Ear Mites In Cats

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The problem of ear mites in cats is a real nuisance, not only for a poor little pet but also for you. These tiny parasites don't think much about setting up their domicile in the pet's ear canal, thereby causing irritation, itchiness, and other types of discomfort.

If the condition worsens without proper treatment, it might bring about serious conditions like infections or even result in hearing loss. But do not worry; ear mites in cats are way easier to get rid of than most people would think.


1. Clean Ears With Approved Solution

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The first thing to be done for treating ear mites is to employ an ear cleaner to clean cat ear's dirt, wax, and mites. It helps in making the treatment more effective.

Massage the base of the ear gently to make the solution really enter the canal and then take a cotton ball to wipe away debris. It is important not to use cotton swabs, as they could widen the debris going further into the ear and result in an injury.

2. Topical Medications

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Topical medications for ear mites are both popular and effective and are often obtained through a prescription from a veterinarian. This medication consists of some specific ingredients that work on the mites directly and kill them on contact.

The topical solution often come in the form of drops that you can simply put in your cat's ear, and gently massage after applying. Proper execution is important because over- or under-dosage could impact the effectiveness of treatment.

3. Use Aloe Vera

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Well, if you think that the mites will directly attach to your cats, then applying aloe vera will surely be soothing and will effectively cure them. Inside the aloe vera gel, some natural antibacterial and antifungal elements always help to recover the ear mites.

Just apply a few drops of pure aloe vera gel into your cat's ear every day. This will help in soothing the irritation and killing the mites. This mild treatment will kill not only the mites but also help to heal the tender tissues in the ear.

4. Avoid Contact with Infected Animals

Physical contact with an infested animal is the easiest way the highly contagious ear mites infect their victims. Countermeasures have to be taken in order to prevent infection from reaching your pets.

Cats affected by ear mites may appear healthy and free of infection, but they could be harboring hundreds of these pests. Without trying to isolate the source, consider treating all your pets even if only one shows any sign of an ear mite infection

5. Olive Oil Treatment

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Another natural solution available in controlling ear mites in cats includes olive oil. Working on the same principle of smothering the ear mites as mineral oil, olive oil should facilitate the killing of the mites and the removal of excess wax.

Just slightly warm the olive oil to a comfortable temperature before application; next, place a few drops into your cat's ear canal and massage the ear gently to ensure the oil flows deep inside the ear canal.

Olive oil presents some soothing properties that might relieve irritation and inflammation due to scratching, but remember that this will not kill the mites altogether.

6. Keep the Environment Clean

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Since infection in the environment is very easily transmitted by ear mites, hygiene for your cat's surroundings is extremely important. The bedding, toys, and grooming utensils of your cat must be regularly washed in boiling water to kill the mites and their eggs.

In homes with multiple pets, even if only one cat shows the symptom, it is necessary to treat them all at once to avoid re-infestation.

7. Try Coconut Oil

Another simple but extremely efficient method of getting rid of the ear mites, coconut oil kills the parasites by blocking their access to air and suffocating them. Unfortunately, the area of its effect is limited as coconut oil can only be used to treat ear mites on the outer surface of the kitty’s ears.

8. Use Hydrogen Peroxide Carefully

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Due to the toxic component of Hydrogen Peroxide, this measure must be applied only after thorough measures are applied.
A common dilution can be one-to-one with water, and it should be applied in small amounts on a cotton ball. Clean the outer part of the ears without inserting the cotton deep into the canal.

Hydrogen peroxide will break down the wax and kill mites on the surface of the ear. However, it is harsh and can be irritating, so must not be used on cats with sensitive ears or open sores.

9. Apply Mineral Oil

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Mineral oil is a natural, harmless, and very gentle way of clearing a cat of ear mites. It only first suffocates the parasites, and the accumulation of wax or other dirt becomes collected in a mass. It is used sparingly, with a few drops placed in the canal of a cat, followed by massaging at the base of the ear.

The method is particularly useful for cats with very sensitive skin, given that mineral oil is very unlikely to irritate their skin. The fact of the matter, however, is that mineral oil may help reduce the mite population, but it would not do a considerable job of killing all of them.

10. Explore Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic methods may be based on belief more than actual scientific evidence. But, there’s no denying that some of these home remedies for ear mites in cats are highly useful, despite the lack of conclusive data.

Ear mite treatment ointments are usually made from natural ingredients, likely to stimulate the recovery processes in the body. Pet owners looking to attempt this method should do so under the guidance of a veterinarian trained in alternative therapies.

11. Implement Regular Ear Cleaning Routine

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The instigation of a routine ear-cleaning regimen is one of the main prophylactic and therapeutic methods to the aetiology of ear mites. Use a mild and veterinarian-recommended cleaning solution to clean your cat's ears once weekly or based on your veterinarian's recommendation.

This regular cleaning allows you to check up on your cat's ear health and thus be able to get them early enough in case of the presence of any pest.

12. Monitor and Treat Secondary Infections

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Red or swollen cat ears, combined with a foul smell, indicate the possibility of a secondary infection. Usually of bacterial or fungal nature, this infection can spread across other parts of the feline body.

Secondary cat ear infections can get worse if not treated early, always look at the general health status and behavior of your cat. Know when to go to the vet in case there are symptoms of an infection. Proper treatment will ensure faster recovery of your cat and also save it from further discomfort.

13. Flea Treatments

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Some flea treatments even aid in killing ear mites, the ingredients of a few of these products, like moxidectin have dual properties in the sense that they treat both fleas and mites. They are, however, applied as a spot-on on the back of the neck, where your cat cannot manage to lick it off.

Single-product treatments for multiple parasites can be easier to manage in the pet care routine and are more effective in protecting the pet. Not all treatments formulated for fleas will work for mites, so choose a product specifically labeled for ear mites. Your veterinarian can help you choose between product options for your cat.

14. Consider Natural Essential Oils

Some of the essential oils, such as tea tree oil, are very helpful in managing ear mites, but it's very important to use them carefully because most of the essential oils are toxic to cats. Always dilute the essential oil with some carrier oil, and never apply it to the skin or inside the ears of your cat without proper dilution.

Specifically, tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties, but it should only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian. Even diluted, felines may react to essential oils, so observe your pet with extreme caution for any signs of distress or allergic reaction.

15. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Diluting apple cider vinegar and water creates a homemade solution extremely effective against ear mites. Take one part apple cider vinegar and an amount of water equal in measure, and begin the process.

With the dropper, place a few drops of the solution into your cat's ears and rub it in gently. If the cat is shaking its ear violently, it's actually a good sign which indicates that the treatment is working. After a few minutes remove all debris and clean the ears with a liquid solution.

16. Good Hygiene

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Good hygiene encompasses more than just the ears of your cat, regular grooming will help in reducing the risk of ear mites, as it includes brushing and bathing. The clean, mat-free fur will have no hiding or spreading places for the mites, and washing your hands after touching or cleaning the ears of your cat prevents the transmittance of the mites to other pets or areas in your home.

If your cat already has an infestation, in addition to getting them treated, try to limit their interactions with other animals as much as possible until you are certain all the mites have been killed. This will reduce the risk of transmitting the problem to other pets and increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

17. Use an E-Collar if Needed

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During the course of treatment, a feline that is already scratching excessively and whose sores are likely to worsen or further irritate may be put on an e-collar, popularly known as an Elizabethan collar. This keeps the cat from scratching the ears to enable the skin to heal, thereby reducing development of secondary infections.

While cat collars might indeed be uncomfortable for your kitten, they are a temporary means that can assist very much in healing. Choose a well-fitting collar so as not to cause additional stress or discomfort, and monitor your cat's reaction to the collar to allow him to adjust to it without further distress.

18. Regular Vet Check-ups

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Often considered a preventive measure, regular vet visits can identify ear mite or other infections before they become a serious issue. Apart from cleaning the ears, the vet may prescribe an appropriate treatment against the mites, and examine the kitty for any other harm done by the mite.

During such visits, be sure to discuss any concerns or symptoms you may have observed, however minor these may seem. Early detection and treatment can prevent more serious problems down the line. Keeping up routine veterinary care secures your cat's general health and well-being, thus helping them be lice-free and comfortable.

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