Cure for Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites are a common affliction for cats, especially those who live outside. The mites live in the ear canal, feeding off of the wax and oils and secrete a black, flaky substance that sticks to the skin. An ear mite infestation is extremely itchy, and when left untreated, can cause the cat to scratch itself until it bleeds. A good first step is a trip to the vet, who will examine some ear debris under a microscope to verify the presence of mites. If mites are found or even suspected, you will be sent home with a topical solution and a rigorous ear cleaning schedule. Some vets will even administer an Ivermectin injection to give the medication a head start. For cat owners who prefer to use natural remedies in treating their pets, yellow dock root extract has been shown to be effective against ear mites.

Things You'll Need

  • Ear cleaning solution
  • Cotton balls
  • Prescription medication
  • Dry cloth
  • Clean towel
  • or
  • Olive oil
  • Yellow dock root extract
  • Water
  • Eyedropper
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Instructions

  1. Prescription Medication

    • 1

      Apply several drops of ear cleaning solution to the cat's ear canal, and massage the base of the ear. This allows the cleaner to work its way down into the ear canal and loosen stubborn debris.

    • 2

      Wipe out the ear canal with a cotton ball moistened with ear cleaning solution, working from the inside out. Use a fresh cotton ball for each swipe.

    • 3

      Apply the prescribed number of drops of medication into the ear canal, and massage the base of the ear. If the cat shakes its head, remove any exterior debris with a cotton ball, but do not insert the cotton ball into the ear canal to prevent removing medication.

    • 4

      Clean the tips of the medication and ear cleaning solutions with a dry cloth before replacing the caps. Any debris left on the tip can contain mites that could reinfect the cat during the next treatment.

    • 5

      Dry the cat's head with a clean towel to keep excess medication or solution from dripping into the eyes and causing irritation.

    • 6

      Repeat treatment twice daily for 10 days, or as prescribed.

    Natural Remedy

    • 7

      Apply several drops of olive oil to the cat's ear canal, and massage the base of the ear. Wipe out excess with a dry cotton ball.

    • 8

      Combine nine drops of yellow dock root extract with one tbsp. of water and mix well.

    • 9

      Squirt the mixture into the ear canal with an eye dropper, and massage the base of the ear.

    • 10

      Allow the cat to shake its head, and wipe off debris and excess medication with a clean towel.

    • 11

      Repeat treatment once every three days for six weeks, or until no signs of black debris are present.