Treat All Animals In The Household
As previously mentioned, ear mites are contagious, and their spread is not limited to one species. Thats why part of effective ear mite treatment is to have all animals in the household treated, as neglecting to do so may cause mites to spread again.
For example, if you have two cats and a dog, and one of the cats shows signs of ear mites, all three of your pets should be examined for mites. If you only treat the cat showing symptoms, you may be missing mites in the ears of your other two furry friends, which could lead to the original cat catching mites all over again.
Life Cycle Of Ear Mites
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:
The complete mite life cycle takes approximately 21 days, and a female adult mite can lay 5 or more eggs per day, allowing them to populate and potentially spread very quickly.
What Are Essential Oils
Some are known to be toxic to cats, while others are safe to use.
Pure essential oils for ear mites in cats include lavender, tea tree, palmarosa, and rosemary.
It is important to use essential oils from organic plants whenever possible.
A cat should not be exposed to essential oils when bathing or grooming, so it is best to choose natural, organic products.
Another natural treatment for ear mites in cats is apple cider vinegar, which is a common remedy for many ailments.
While there are several essential oils that are used to treat ear mites in cats, you should make sure you choose a product that doesnt contain any of the oils listed above.
You can also check the ASPCAs website for information on toxic plants for cats.
So, only use them in small amounts or under the supervision of a veterinarian.
When choosing an essential oil for your pet, you should be sure to follow safety guidelines.
Just like humans, its recommended to use oils sparingly and to make sure that they are diluted in a carrier oil.
Ensure that you dont apply them directly on the cats skin, as this can cause irritation.
If youre concerned about dilution, you can make an e-collar with baking soda.
The solution will work effectively in killing mites in cats ears.
Some people swear by coconut oil.
Coconut oil has many benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and weight loss.
Also Check: Blood In Cat Urine Emergency
Treating Ear Mites In Cats
If ear mites are the cause of your cats itchy ears, there are different ways to rid your cat of these annoying bugs. The fastest and most effective are some newer parasite-killing medications available from veterinarians, some of which can clear ear mite infestations with a single dose.
All options for treating ear mites in cats start with a thorough cleaning of the ears. Once wax, crusty discharge, and other debris is clear in the ear, medication may include one-time or repeated use to get rid of the infestation and prevent another one.
If there’s damage or inflammation in the ear, your veterinarian may recommend other medicine to bring down swelling and fight off infections caused by damage from your cat’s scratching at her ears.
The 11 Best Ear Mite Treatments For Cats In 2022
Most of the time, ear mite infections have been treated with old home remedies such as baby oil or coconut oil. Dripped into your pals ears, they smother away the ear mites like Noahs flood. But there are cases when this infection goes really out of control.
Red ears due to constant scratching, grounded coffee-like waxy secretions and the constant irritability of your pet if these symptoms have gone for too long, then you should have an expert opinion. So, Id say it makes sense to read up on the best ear mite treatments for cats we have prepared below.
Well, what are you waiting for? Read more below to find out.
REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY
Recommended Reading: Antibiotic Eye Drops For Kittens
What Are Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny animals and are a fairly common parasite in both cats and dogs. They look like tiny white dots, but can barely be seen with the naked eye.
Ear mites live on the skin of the ear canal and feed off ear wax and skin oils. An adult normally lives for around two months, but they can multiply quickly. Eggs take just four days to hatch and a further three weeks to develop into an adult mite ready to breed.
Ear Mite Treatment For Cats
Its 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 cats ear canal, especially if the cat develops a secondary bacterial infection.
Untreated ear infections are not only very painful, but they can cause hearing loss and balance problems due to loss of equilibrium. Your vet will do a full physical exam and look into your cats ears with an instrument called an otoscope.
The veterinarian will also collect a sample of the ear debris with a swab to be looked at under a microscope to determine the root cause of the problem and what treatment is needed.
Read More: 5 Best Ear Mite Treatments for Cats
You May Like: Moist Cat Food In A Bag
Signs And Symptoms Of Ear Mites In Cats
If your cat has been scratching away at its ears for the past few days, somewhat incessantly, this can clue you in that somethings not quite right.
One possibility? Ear mites.
Ear mites in cats are fairly common, and only fleas are a bigger pest to our feline friends. But just because mites are common doesnt mean our cats should have to suffer from their microscopic bites.
This article will help you identify symptoms of an ear mite infestation and potential treatment for these unseen nuisances. Fear not, Mr. Whiskers! Help is on the way.
Can Ear Infections Be Prevented In Cats
While some ear infections seem to pop up without cause, there are some effective ways to help prevent ear infections in our feline companions. If you have a cat that is prone to pesky ear trouble, some of these tips may help!
- Keep your cat up to date on flea protection, as these often repel ear mites as well.
- Routinely check your cats ears for any redness or dirt buildup.
- Check your cats ears regularly for any foreign bodies.
- If your cats ears are prone to wax build up and dirt, clean their ears with a cotton swab. Also use a veterinary approved cleaner once a month. Never use a Q-tip, as this can damage their ear drum.
- If you think your cat is suffering from allergies, it is best to speak with your vet about long term management.
- If you see any wounds on your cats ears, have them treated immediately before they become infected.
Read Also: How Can I Tell If I Am Allergic To Cats
Remove Excess Ear Wax
Ear mites feed on ear wax, which means eliminating their food supply should be your priority. Cleaning out your cats ears with an antimicrobial solution will help remove buildup, relieve irritation, and reduce odors. A proper clean prepares the ear for any topical medication that needs to be applied later on.
In general, cleaning your cats ear with a good ear rinse should treat any itching you notice, whether or not it ends up being ear mites.
Recovery And Management Of Ear Mites
Managing your cats recovery is just as important as the initial treatment. It is tempting to stop administering medication when the symptoms start to resolve, especially in cats that may be difficult to restrain. However, failure to treat for the entire period may result in a relapse of symptoms, as mites in different stages of the life cycle may survive. Additionally, treating all other at-risk pets in the household will help reduce the risk of recurrence and prevent the spread of the mites.
Also Check: Best Cat Food For Feral Cats
Easy Home Remedies For Treating Ear Mites In Cats
Cats are avid groomers, but if you start to notice your cat paying particular attention to her ears, then you may be dealing with ear mites in cats. How do cats get ear mites?
Ear mites in cats arent just a nuisance, if not treated properly, they can leave lasting damage. Unlike other common pests, like fleas on cats, you probably wont see mites on your cat because they are just too small.
They arent quite microscopic, but they are pretty tough to spot. Instead, what youll see is the painful and frustrating symptoms of mites on cats. How to treat ear mites in cats?
What Causes Ear Infections In Cats
Generally, unless your cat has picked up mites from another animal, ear infections are a secondary condition. That means they are actually the result of some other underlying medical problem.
Here are some of the contributing causes and perpetuating factors for external ear infections, called otitis externa, and middle ear infections, called otitis media:
- An overgrowth of yeast or bacteria, or often, both
- Wax buildup in the ear canal
- Thick hair in the ear canal
- Allergies such as food or pollen
- Autoimmune diseases
- Loss of balance or disorientation
Don’t Miss: How Do Female Cats Get Fixed
How To Tell If My Cat Has Ear Mites
Ear mites are small parasitic creatures that can cause significant damage to cats ears. Left untreated, ear mites can lead to a serious infection and even deafness in cats. If you suspect that your cat has ear mites, take them to the veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible.
Ear mites are a common cause of ear problems in cats and can be treated with prescribed medications or special ear cleaning treatments. See your veterinarian and get the right treatment as quickly as possible, because left untreated, ear mites can lead to permanent hearing loss in your cat.
Lets look at the signs you need to watch out for.
Causes Of Ear Mites In Cats
Our vets are often asked ‘What causes ear mites in cats?’ This parasite is highly contagious, spreading quickly and easily from one infected animal to another. While they are most common in cats, ear mites can also be found in dogs and other wild animals. If your cat spends time in boarding environments or outdoors and gets too close to another animal or touches a contaminated surface such as a grooming tool or bedding, ear mites can easily be transmitted.
Cats in shelters often carry ear mites, so be sure to check your newly adopted cat for ear mites and schedule a routine exam with your vet as soon as possible.
Read Also: How To Know What Breed Your Cat Is
Properties Of Essential Oils
While you shouldnt give your cat a shot of an essential oil undiluted, a few drops of the right blend can be very helpful in easing your cats discomfort and speeding up recovery.
Listed below are some examples of essential oils and their use on cats.
Cats have less ability to metabolize plants than humans do.
Hence, they are more sensitive to many plant compounds and chemicals, including impure essential oils.
Always check with your veterinarian first to make sure your cat is healthy enough to receive essential oils.
Aside from essential oils, you can use baking soda as a litter box powder.
One study has shown that essential oils can effectively kill mites.
Acaricidal activity is related to the concentration of volatile components in the oil.
A few hours later, the mortality rate dropped to under 10%.
Moreover, diluted essential oils can be a natural alternative to harsh chemicals used to treat ear mites.
Another effective natural remedy for mites in cats is coconut oil.
This oil is known for its many health benefits, including lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, reducing the incidence of weight gain, and killing bacteria and viruses.
Olive oil is also effective against ear mites because of its strong antibacterial properties.
Home remedies are another popular alternative.
While most natural treatments do work in some cases, they are not effective in every case.
They can take a long time to cure mites in cats.
And they are also very cost-effective.
Can Ear Mites In Cats Be Prevented
Mites can be prevented by appropriate anti-parasitic mite treatment for cats. You should speak to your vet about which product they recommend and whether your cats usual flea treatment covers ear mites. Its necessary to keep your cats indoor environment as clean as possible, especially if they have been treated for mites in the past.
Ask your vet whether they recommend ear cleaning in your cat. This is not a requirement for most of them, but may be appropriate if they have a history of regular ear problems. If youre not sure how toclean a cats ears, check out our easy guide, and make sure a vet or vet nurse has shown you what to do.
Also Check: Why Is My Kitten So Skinny
How Cats Get Ear Mites
When you are reading about ear mites, you might be wondering how these parasites got into your cat’s ears in the first place. Some cat owners ask their vets, ‘What causes ear mites in cats?’ Because ear mites are extremely contagious, they can spread easily from one infected animal to another. While they are more common in cats, ear mites can also be seen in dogs and other wild animals. If your cat spends time in boarding environments or outdoors, they could easily get ear mites by coming too close to another animal or by touching a contaminated surface such as a grooming tool or bedding.
It’s also common for shelter cats to contract ear mites, so be sure to check your newly adopted cat for ear mites and book a routine exam with your vet as quickly as possible.
Ear Mites In Cats Symptoms Causes Pictures Home Remedies Treatment & Prevention
What are the signs and symptoms of ear mites in cats? Learn how to tell whether your cat has ear mites. Find out the causes of these mites and how to get rid of them. Read on to discover the best treatments and home remedies for ear mites on cats. We have included illustrative pictures for better understanding.
Also Check: Can You Train A Cat Like A Dog
How To Keep Ear Mites From Returning
To make sure no ear mites are hanging out in kittys fur, your veterinarian can also recommend a parasite preventive to help keep the bugs away for next time and make sure any other ear-mite hitchhikers have been taken care of. After prescribing your cats specific treatment plan, your veterinarian may also want to see your feline friend back for a checkup in a week or two to make sure all the bugs are gone for good.
Adams Ear Mite Treatment
I dont need to describe how good this is since I have also felt the instant difference in the life of my pet cat when she had to face ear mites. I am happy with this thing and would vouch for it. The duration of the Adams Ear Mite Treatment can last from 7 to 10 days and with Lanolin formulation, your cat can rest assured of an easy ear drop experience.
Personal opinions aside, this year we had to go through a long list of new ear mite treatment products for cats. And with all our research, we still havent found anything so far to match Adams quality and price, a combination that is still unbeatable even now.
Adams brand has been trusted by animal lovers for decades and it is easy to apply using the tube applicator. Follow the pack instructions and you are good to go.
To conclude, we think this is the overall best ear mite treatment for cats.
Pros:
- Adams is great combination of price and quality. Hailed by customers and critics alike, Adams is our favorite pick for this year.
- An established Brand since 40 years, Adams continues to be preferred choice by customers online as well as those recommended by vets.
- It contains Aloe and Lanolin extracts that help soothe cat ears.
Cons:
- Dog owners might face some issues in application.
You May Like: Average Vet Visit Cost For Cat
How Can You Tell If Your Cat Has Ear Mites Or Just Dirty Ears
There are a few ways to determine if your cat has ear mites or just dirty ears. One way is to clean inside your cats ears and then wait a few days. A cats ears wont get full of brown-black discharge unless they have ear mites.
Your veterinarian can confirm presence of ear mites with an otoscopic exam or an ear mite scan under the microscope.
How Are Ear Mites Diagnosed
The vet will examine your cats ear canal for any signs of mites using an otoscope. They will look for signs of inflammation, swelling, and discharge. The vet will also be looking for other causes of the ear problem, which could include a foreign body like a grass seed.
Sometimes your cats ears are too sore for them to sit still during the examination, and they may need to be sedated for the diagnosis and initial treatment. A microscopic examination of the ear discharge is commonly performed to look for mites and to check for other types of infection.
Don’t Miss: How Soon Can Cats Get Pregnant