Ear mites are a common and sometimes serious pest for cats, especially kittens and cats who live outdoors. These parasites live in the internal and external ear canal. The mites cause a waxy buildup and excrete a brown dirt-like substance that resembles coffee grounds. This buildup can obstruct the ear canal and cause ear infections if the ear mites are not treated (see Resource 1).
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Cures
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Before attempting to kill the ear mites, clean out the cat's ears. A heavily infested ear will have a buildup of mite waste. This dirt can block the ear canal and prevent treatment from killing the mites. The cat's ears can be cleaned with a commercial ear cleaner, usually found in pet stores, or with olive or vegetable oils. Using a dropper or bulb syringe, irrigate the ear canal with the oil or cleaner. Hold the cat steady as it will try to shake its head when you drop liquid into its ear. Massage the liquid into the ear canal and wipe clean with a cotton ball. Do not use a cotton swab as it could push the dirt down into the ear canal. Repeat until the ear is clean (see Reference 2).
A good cleaning will provide the cat with relief, but the mites will not be killed by this alone. There are two homemade cures for killing ear mites. The first is made by mixing a tablespoon of water with nine drops of Yellow Dock Root extract. An eyedropper of this every three days for six weeks will kill ear mites. Another remedy is half an ounce of almond extract and 400 IUs of Vitamin E. Use half an eyedropper full every day for six days. Wait three days and then repeat another six-day cycle (see Reference 2).
Treat all animals (including dogs) in your home, even those without symptoms, as ear mites are highly contagious and can be easily spread from pet to pet (see Reference 1).
Complications
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Ear mites can cause inflammation that can lead to skin and ear infections. According to the ASPCA, ear mites "are responsible for more than 50 percent of all feline ear infections" (see Reference 1). The intense itching can also make the cat scratch and shake its ears, causing a aural hematoma. Aural hematomas are the swelling and collected blood caused a broken blood vessel in the ear flap (see Reference 3). They sometimes can correct themselves but often require surgery.
Vet Care
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Other ear infections or irritation are often mistaken for ear mites, so a veterinarian's diagnoses can be important (see Reference 1). Take the cat to the vet when you when homemade cures do not improve the condition of the cat's ears or you suspect another infection.
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