What Are the Treatments for Cat Ear Infections?

Ear infections are less common in cats than dogs, but can still crop up occasionally and make your cat miserable. Excessive scratching, head shaking and head tilting are all signs that your cat's ears should be examined by a veterinarian. Parasites and an overabundance of yeast or bacteria can all flourish in the warm, moist darkness of the ear canal, and treatment depends upon which of these is the underlying culprit.

  1. Ivermectin

    • Ivermectin is the treatment of choice for ear mites, the most common cause of ear infections in cats. It is occasionally given as an injection but is more often mixed with Tresaderm so owners can continue treatment at home. Ivermectin injections are only given once daily, but when it is applied topically, a twice-daily dose is necessary.

    Tresaderm

    • Tresaderm is a broad-spectrum topical antibiotic liquid that is commonly used to treat bacterial infections. It contains dexamethasone, which reduces inflammation, and since it must be kept refrigerated, feels cool on sensitive inflamed tissue. Treatment usually involves about five drops in each ear twice daily for a week.

    Panolog

    • Panolog is commonly used to treat both yeast and bacterial infections. Is is available in both a cream and an ointment, although the thinner consistency of the ointment makes it easier to coat the ear canal. Panolog treatment is generally twice daily, although cats with mild chronic ear infections may use it as little as once per week.

    Gentamicin

    • Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is available in both injectable and topical form. It is used twice daily to treat severe infections, and treatment is often kicked off by an injection to front-load the system with the antibiotic. The spray version of the liquid form is also a go-to drug for pets with hot spots.

    Oral Antibiotics

    • If the ear infection is severe, your vet may prescribe a course of oral antibiotics in conjunction with topical solutions. There are many different types, but a broad-spectrum variety is usually the first choice. If the infection does not respond to treatment, the vet may culture the ear to learn exactly what drug that particular bacteria is sensitive to.

    White Vinegar

    • Diluted white vinegar has been used to successfully treat yeast infections of the ear without the use of drugs. Treatment involves cleaning the ear with the diluted vinegar daily and swabbing it out with a cotton ball. This is a solution for owners who prefer natural remedies for their pets.

    Olive Oil

    • Olive oil is one of the oldest treatments for ear mites, and is still used today. A few drops of oil in the affected ear can suffocate the mites, and a gentle swab a few hours later removes the dead mites and debris.