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Ear mites are tiny organisms that can pose a serious menace to your cat’s health.
Ear problems are very uncommon in cats but they can be a serious health risk once they set in.
Ear mite or scientifically known as otodectes cynotis cannot fly or hop but it can move and if it happens to enter the ears of your feline friend, it will make a home and breed causing major damages.
In cats, the typical sigs are very obvious.
The outer part of the cat’s ear will be inflamed and the animal will tend to hold the ear against the head or scratch the ears without letup.
Cats usually shake their head time to time as the mites breed and spreads inside the ear.
Diagnosing ear mites, you will realize that there’s a foul-smelling accumulation of wax inside the ear and some discharges as more damages occur.
Ear mites are almost microscopic and because of their tiny sizes, it’s always important to consult with your veterinary for detailed diagnosis.
Most veterinarians claims that ear mites are very contagious and can move from one ear to the next and from one pet to the other.
Despite the fact that infestation is common in outdoor cats, there’s need to constantly check your cat and take appropriate actions in case of ear mite infestation.
If detected, the cat owner should seek veterinarian advice immediately.
Besides causing discomfort to the cat, they pose other serious infections that can be fatal if left unsolved.
The non-stop scratching can cause more damages to the skin around the ear.
The veterinarian must be able to prevent any serious damages and diseases such as otitis external or simply the infection of the external ear that results from ear infection.
If such infections are not treated on time, they can proceed to the inner ear and damage vital ear parts such as ear drum.
The veterinarian will start by diagnosing the suspected ear mite infestation mainly through examination, physical checkups and using otoscope to explore the depths of the ear.
The veterinarian may equally use a cotton swab to collect a sample and carry a serious and conclusive diagnosis using a microscopic examination.
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Treating ear mite infestation in cats
After the diagnosis, the veterinarian will consider cleaning the outer part of the ear and gently trying to remove as much debris from the inner part of the ear as possible.
The veterinarian has countless options when it comes to ear mite treatment.
He has the option of using oral, tropical and systemic agents to suffocate and kill the mites.
In this regard, Ivermectin is highly effective.
Baby oil can equally be used to suffocate and kill the mites and at the same time help in soothing the discomfort.
Here Are additional treatment for ear mites in cats.
Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment
This cat ear mites’ treatment contains 1% Hydrocortisone and has many reviews from previous users.
Most users claim that they have seen improvements in their pets immediately after using this formula.
The good thing is that it can be used even on dirty ears.
As a matter of fact, users are advised not to clean the ears before applying.
You just have to apply the formula on the ears as it is.
Remember to follow all the instructions when re-applying the formula.
With every treatment, it washes more of the dirt.
Some of the debris will come flying when your cat shakes the head.
During treatment, its advisable to isolate the cat on a small room because the drops are oily and when the cat shakes the head, the liquid will splatter.
Pros
- Its affordable
- This treatment is highly effective and works as soon as possible
- You can apply on dirty ears
- The formula washes away the debris
- It gets lid of the smell in the ears
- Tight weave keeps out dust mites
Cons
- The drops are oily.
Zymox Ear Solution
If you are on the lookout for a non-invasive solution and a highly effective solution to bacterial, fungal and yeast infections, then Zymox Ear solution is the best solution for you.
It has 0.5% of Hdrocortisone which makes it highly effective.
The only difference between this and the first solution is that Zymox Ear solution is specifically formulated to fight infections and not the mites.
It’s also cheaper than the previous solution.
To treat mites, you will definitely be needed to double the number of drops.
You can also treat the cat more than once every day for effectiveness.
Before use, warm the solution up in a cup of hot water.
However, make sure its not very hot or very cold.
Cats like it that way.
You should equally apply this solution in a tiled place which makes it easy to clean the mess.
Pros
- It’s very affordable
- Its effective
- It washes away the junk
- Deals with ear infections
- It eliminates the smell in the cat ears
Cons
- It can take a relatively longer time to work.
Ultra-Otic Advanced Plus Ear Cleaner
This is an alcohol-free solution that contains a high concentration of Aloe Vera.
The product will not only kill ear mites in cats but will equally clean the junk and deal with any form of infections.
It will also deodorize the ears and act against all the damaged tissues that will be left behind after the mites and infections.
An added advantage is that this formula works for most pets including rabbits, cats and dogs.
It has a unique compound called EDTA that effectively eliminates bacterial and fungal growth.
It’s also suitable for any types of skin issues such as skin infections, rashes, bacterial and fungal infections.
What this means for the pet owner is that it works against most ear issues.
Unfortunately, the chemical is dry and you shouldn’t let the cat lick it.
Lastly, always consult with your veterinarian despite the fact that you can buy this product without a prescription.
Pros
- It gets rid of all infections, and skin rashes
- Helps the skin to recover after the infection and mites
- It works perfectly fine for both cats and dogs
- It works against the damaged tissues
- It inhibits fungal and bacterial growth reducing chances of reoccurrence
- Has an active non-irritating ingredient
- It will deodorize the cat’s ears
Cons
- Its dry and the cat is not supposed to lick it.
Toulifly Cat and Dog Ear Cleaner wipes
This product has the right concentration of Aloe vera.
Additionally, it’s just wipes which means it is easy to apply and to deal with.
It works perfectly fine for cats when they have infections, wax and dirt.
The manufacturer has specifically designed this product to be the most effective solution to fungi, ear rashes and bacterial infections.
The product was also created to ease the work when treating the pet.
It is made with all-natural ingredients that you can use to deal with the cat ear mites flawlessly.
It contains the right amount of coconut oil and Aloe Vera to ease irritation and pain.
Pros
- It has the right Aloe vera concentration
- Fights all major infections
- It’s easy to apply
- Deodorizes the cat ears
Cons
- Its relatively expensive
Sentry HC Ear Mite
Lastly, Sentry HC Ear mite contains pyrethrin as the main ingredient to kill the mites.
But it’s always important to remember that some cats can be allergic to pyrethrin.
Always watch out and check whether your cat has developed extremely red ears after application or if the skin starts to peel.
Moving on, this product helps in relieving itching, soothes the pain and at the same time kills mites within a very short period of time.
Pros
- It soothes the cat ears
- The pyrethrin is highly effective
- It works within the shortest time possible
- Its relatively affordable
Cons
- Some cats can be allergic to pyrethrin.
Where do cats gets ear mites from?
Cats get ear mites from other pets especially outdoor cats.
Ear mites are very contagious and usually spread from one animal to the other through physical contact.
In simple terms, ear mite infestation is known as socialization infection meaning that its transmitted from animal to the other through their grooming behavior, mating, sleeping together and playing.
One cat might get into contact with an infected cat and it can spread the mites to indoor cats.
There are some rare occasions where ear mites come from the outside to inside without being carried by the host.
I understand this is unusual especially because ear mites are parasites and usually need a host to survive.
But it can happen as they search for hosts.
Preventing ear Mite infestation
Regardless of the fact that there are some easy remedies to ear mites, it’s always important to prevent cat ear mite infections.
You don’t have to wait until the cat is infected to start looking for effective methods of treating ear mites.
Here are some simple yet functional methods of preventing ear mite infections.
Isolation
Isolation is the first and the most effective method of preventing ear mite infestation.
Always isolate your cats from unknown outdoor cats.
Remember cats can get ear mites from dogs and for that reason, you should always keep stray dogs and cats from your pet.
In case you have to bring a stray cat or dog to your home whether you are a pet keeper or you want to stay with a pet for a friend who is travelling, always check the pets for any signs of ear mites infestation.
If you see any signs of ear mite infestations, don’t let the dog or the cat in unless after treatment.
Treat the inside and outside of the house
Mites are of the spider family and treating the inside and the outside of the house with an effective insecticide is very beneficial.
This method will defiantly kill all the mites out of the host.
Topical Preventatives
Fiproil is an excellent preventative topical treatment for cats.
Studies have revealed that Fipronil is designed to kill termites and it can as well work with mites.
If you want to use it to treat mites, then you definitely have to look for medication that contains this ingredient.
However, preventives are only used to prevent an infestation before it starts.
However, you can still use preventatives as a cure but you will have to increase the dosage.
FAQs
What is the best ear mite treatment for cats?
The best ear mite treatment for cats is ivermectin.
But baby oil can do a great job as an old school home remedy.
You just have to put few drops in the affected ear several times a day until the mites are completely wiped out.
How do you get rid of mites in cat ears?
There are many options for treating ear mites in cats but all of them should start with a thorough cleaning of the ear.
After the debris and the crusty discharge is clear, you can now proceed to get a good medication to solve the issue.
Can you Buy ear mite medicine for cats over the counter?
Yes, ear mite medicine is available over the counter and you can buy it any time of the day.
The medications are cheap very effective.
However, you should be very sure to follow the package instructions carefully.
What kills ear mites naturally?
There are countless natural remedies to ear mites that you can try today.
One of the best home remedies for ear mites is Oil treatment.
Oil helps in soothing the sore ears and at the same time gets rid of the floating debris.
Oil is also known to suffocate the mites and eventually killing them.
Another important Home remedy for ear mites in cats is antiseptic tea rinse.
In this regard, consider green tea because it’s a natural antiseptic that can flush out ear mites.
Final verdict
Ear mites can cause discomfort, pain and in extreme situations serious fungal, bacterial and viral infections.
To protect your best friend and make sure she’s comfortable and healthy, you should buy the best cat ear mite treatment solution in 2021.
However, during the application, remember to read the instructions manual and watch out for any allergic reaction.
