Ear mites are parasitic creatures that live on and around your cat’s ears, often leading to itching, scratching, and even hearing loss.
If your cat has ears mites, there are several at-home treatments you can try to eradicate the infestation.
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Olive oil
Olive oil is an ideal at-home ear mite treatment for cats. It suffocates the mites, stopping their growth, helps heal the ear, and has antibacterial properties which can eliminate them as well.
Olive oil is a safe alternative to other treatments for cats that don’t harm or cause them any discomfort. Simply apply a small amount to their ears, and watch how quickly it works!
Ear mites are parasitic insects that feed off of the debris and oils that clog the ear canal. They’re highly opportunistic, spreading from animal to animal through contact and even outside the ear canal.
Ear mites can cause your cat a great deal of discomfort and may even affect their hearing. If you find your feline scratching their ear, shaking their head, or losing hair around the ear area, this could be indicative of an ear mite infestation.
Vaseline
If you’re scratching your cat’s ears and find a dark-brown, crumbly substance that looks like coffee grounds inside their ear canal, there is likely an infestation of ear mites. Ear mites are tiny, pinpoint-sized parasitic insects that live and reproduce within the ear canal.
These parasites cause intense itching and irritation on your cat’s ears and skin, as well as cause rashes on them. Unfortunately, these pests are highly contagious – they can spread rapidly between cats even if they don’t live in the same household or kennel.
Unfortunately, treating cat ears at home is relatively easy. All that needs to be done is apply a product like Milbemite Otic (available from your vet) directly onto the cat’s ears.
Repeat this treatment every couple of days until the signs of ear mites have gone away. Additionally, this will prevent future infestations in both your cat and home.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a widely-used home remedy for treating cat ear mites. Its antimicrobial properties help eliminate mites and provide relief from itching caused by these parasites.
To use this treatment, mix together apple cider vinegar and water and apply it directly onto your cat’s ears. Repeat the process once daily for two weeks.
However, it is important to remember that using vinegar in large concentrations is not advised as it can damage your cat’s ear tissue. Instead, dilute the vinegar with some water and apply with a cotton ball.
Garlic and olive oil, two natural remedies for treating ear mites in cats, contain antifungal and antioxidant properties while olive oil provides vitamin E.
Pyrethrins
If you want to treat ear mites at home, pyrethrins is an effective treatment that also helps with wax removal.
Unfortunately, this treatment is toxic to cats. Therefore, you should consult a veterinarian before using this at-home ear mite treatment on your feline friends.
If you do decide to use it on your cat, be sure only to give small doses and keep the affected area away from other cats until completely dry.
Pyrethrins are highly toxic to fish and aquatic insects, including minnows and water fleas. They disrupt skin touch receptors and balance organs of these creatures, often leading to their death prematurely.
Pyrethrins can cause long-term harm to rats and dogs when ingested. Signs and symptoms such as decreased body weight, drooling, uncoordinated movement, breathing difficulties may appear after a period of exposure to these chemicals.
