Most cats get ear mites at one time or another. Cats with ear mites are miserable with symptoms of head shaking, itching, and scratching at their ears. Hundreds of these tiny insects are invading your cat’s ear canal by living off the wax. The life cycle of a mite is three weeks and then they begin to mate again. Ear mites are extremely contagious and are passed from cat to cat through direct contact.
Ear mites are the most difficult parasite to eliminate, but following a specific treatment, your cat will be free of ear mites. If left untreated, they can cause ear infections, red and swollen inflamed ears, or even hearing loss for your cat. Some cats have lost their hearing due to vigorous shaking of the head that causes a blood vessel to rupture.
To check your cat for ear mites, use a cotton swab dipped in mineral or vegetable oil. Fold the ear flap back and wipe the cotton ball in the ear. If there is black residue or a thick substance like coffee grounds on the cotton swab, then your cat has ear mites.
Clean the kitten’s ears first with vegetable or mineral oil, or you can purchase a cleaning solution at PetSmart. Clean the ears as directed on the bottle. Always clean the cat’s ears before treating it for ear mites.
There are a few different remedies for cats with ear mites. You can use the conventional method or the holistic approach. The easiest treatment is to visit your vet and get a topical dewormer like Revolution.
Kills fleas and ear mites. It is a spot on vial tube that is applied between the shoulder blades and lasts for one month. Acarexx or Milbermite are two other conventional topical medications that you may choose to use. These conventional drugs include “pyrethrins,” which are an insecticide that penetrates the nervous system of parasites.
The safest approach is natural treatment without chemicals. This is not the easiest way, but it is the safest alternative to chemicals. Clean your cat’s ears with a tablespoon of olive oil and 1 capsule of vitamin E combined. (Puncture the capsule and pour the gel with the olive oil)
Use an equal amount in a syringe and spray into the cat’s ears and spread out. Wait five minutes, massage the base of the ear with your thumb and forefinger, then wipe away any mite debris with a cotton swab. Repeat this process daily for seven days.
Olive Oil suffocates mites and Vitamin E heals ears. Another treatment is by using white vinegar and water. Dilute the solution half and half. Use a teaspoon in a dropper or syringe in each ear. Place your hand around the base of your kitty’s ear and massage the base of her ear with your thumb and forefinger.
Use cotton swabs to clean mite debris. Use this for seven days and then stop for seven days. WARNING: Do not use this method if your ears are red and swollen or if you have open sores.
Garlic and olive oil combined are great for treating ear mites. Crush the garlic and soak overnight in lukewarm olive oil. Throw away the clove and heat the olive oil. Add 5 drops in each ear for 21 days. This remedy also quells ear mites.
My favorites are aloe and calendula essential oils. They are very soothing to kitty’s ears and have done wonders for getting rid of ear mites. Both oils are available at your local health food store. Add several drops into the kitten’s ears once a day for 21 days. The oils have a healing effect, so if your kitty has inflamed or sore ears, this will help.
These are the best remedies for cats with ear mites and now you can choose the conventional or holistic approach. Your cat will feel much better and will love you for it.
