Ear mites are surface mites that exist on many animals, including cats, and are very contagious. Although these mites are frequently seen in the ear, they can reside anywhere on the skin’s surface. Although a mite cannot be seen with the unaided eye, it may be the cause of your cat’s constant scratching of the ears. The best natural home and over-the-counter ear mite treatment for cats in 2023 will be discussed in this article.
You should take immediate action to address the issue because untreated ear mite infections might cause ear issues. Your veterinarian will make treatment recommendations after determining that your cats have ear mites. But with so many treatments available today, it can be challenging to distinguish between them all and understand how they work. For you to read the reviews and select the best over-the-counter and at-home natural ear mite treatment for cats in 2023, we’ve gathered some of the greatest products now on the market.
What Are Ear Mites?
One of the most common parasite infestations that cats experience is ear mites. Fortunately, there are several home treatments you can try if your cat has ear mites. It’s not necessary to panic if you think your cat has ear mites.
Humans are resistant to many parasites, but cats and dogs are ideal environments for their reproduction. Itchy tiny parasites called ear mites to love the atmosphere inside your cat’s ears. These parasites thrive in the ear canal.
It is very common to contract highly contagious ear mites, especially in cats and dogs. Otodectes cynotis is the most prevalent ear mite infestation in cats. It is also known as Otodectic Mange in several ear mite medications and online resources.
What Causes Ear Mites n Cats?
Ear mites can be acquired by your cat from a variety of sources, including other cats. The troublesome mites have the ideal opportunity to switch hosts and transfer onto the fur of your cat when they come into contact with another creature that is carrying them. They then make their way up to the ears by crawling. Dogs are susceptible to them as well, albeit less frequently than cats.
Additionally, ear mites have a short lifespan in the environment and can spread to other cats during that period. Because of this, cats who live outside are more likely to contract this specific parasite illness.
How Do You Get Rid of Ear Mites in Cats?
There are a few natural home and over-the-counter treatment alternatives available once your vet has determined that your cats have ear mites. However, in the majority of situations, the cat’s ears must be thoroughly cleaned before treatment can begin.
It’s a smart idea to use a premium ear cleaner made especially for that reason while cleaning your cat’s ears. Avoid using items that have irritants in them, such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and carefully follow the directions.
We advise using Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner for Cats and Dogs as a cat ear cleaner. Salicylic acid is used in a secure, non-irritating formulation to assist in gently removing wax buildup and debris from the ear canal. Apply the product freely into the cat’s ear canal after thoroughly shaking it. Rub the base of the ear to spread the fluid, and then use a cotton swab or a clean towel to clean the inside of the ear.
Anything that can hinder topical treatments from reaching the mites is removed by cleaning your cat’s ears. Typically, veterinarians advise using an ear mite medication with an active ingredient that is either a cat-safe insecticide like pyrethins or an antiparasitic like ivermectin.
Remember, it’s preferable to treat all of your household pets if one of them has ear mites. Even if none of your other animals show signs of an infection, they might spread the mites back to your cat and start the cycle all over again. For the long-term management of ear mites, you might also need to repeat the treatment.
Best Ear Mite Treatment For Cats
You probably want to know more about the solutions we suggest for natural at-home and over-the-counter treatment now that you have a better grasp of what an ear mite in cats is and how to treat them in 2023.
Here are our top recommendations for the best ear mite treatment for cats to think about in 2023:
#1. PetArmor Medication for Ear Mites for Cats
This simple treatment eliminates ticks and ear mites while offering prompt relief from itchiness and irritation. While the active components deal with the mites, soothing aloe helps reduce symptoms.
Pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide are the main components of the cat ear mite treatment PetArmor. Pyrethrins are naturally produced by the Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium plant and are widely regarded as safe for cats, even though they are technically a pesticide. To kill ear mite eggs once they hatch, keep in mind that pyrethrins are adulticides, so you might need to repeat treatments.
One of the most well-liked ear mite treatments for cats is the PetArmor formulation, which has more than 1,200 customer reviews on Amazon.
#2. Adams Medication for Ear Mites for Dogs & Cats
The only difference between this ear mite treatment and the one before it is the addition of lanolin, a calming substance. Aloe and lanolin treat your cat’s itching ears while pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide deal with the ear mite infestation and help the healing process get started.
This treatment kills ear mites immediately upon contact because it contains an insecticide. Adams advises using four to five drops per ear, every day, and repeating the treatment for seven to ten days.
#3. Hartz Medication for Ear Mites
Most ear mite infestations can be controlled with adequate treatment in 7 to 10 days. The majority of ear mite treatments leave you with a lot of wasted medication that can spoil in your medicine cabinet because cats are little and only require 5 to 10 drops per ear.
This Hartz ear mite medication is special since it comes in three convenient tubes, each of which contains roughly 100 drops. For a cat weighing 5 to 15 pounds, just open the tube and put 4 to 5 drops per ear, or 5 to 10 drops for a cat weighing 16 to 30 pounds.
#4. Revolution Topical Solution for Cats
Consider using a prescription-strength ear mite remedy if over-the-counter remedies aren’t working. Each dose of this Revolution Topical Solution contains 45mg of selamectin.
Similar to ivermectin, selamectin is an avermectin antiparasitic. In addition to being effective against fleas, heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms, it can be used to treat ear mite infestations. This treatment is available in 3, 6, or 12 doses and is made for cats weighing 5 to 15 pounds.
#5. Arava Natural Ear Mite Treatment
This all-natural product from Arava can be an excellent choice if you’re attempting to stay away from chemical chemicals like ivermectin. It has 26 Dead Sea minerals and 9 natural substances to safely and healthily treat your cat’s ear mite infection.
In addition to natural antibacterial and antifungal compounds like thyme, cinnamon, and eastern red cedar, this mixture also contains natural pest-repelling substances like lemongrass and peppermint. It is safe for use around children and pets because it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients.
#6. Sentry HC EARMITE Free Ear Miticide for Cats
This treatment from Sentry is a fantastic option because cats with ear mite infections might experience itching and irritation. It also relieves itching in addition to eliminating ear mites.
The formula’s key components, pyrethrins, and piperonyl butoxide, swiftly and efficiently eliminate ear mites. Simply put 5 drops of this solution in each ear twice daily and massage them in. Sentry advises using it every day for however long it takes to get rid of mites.
#7. Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone
Despite not being intended for the treatment of ear mites, this mixture might aid in symptom relief and offer defense against secondary infections brought on by yeast, bacteria, and fungus.
This solution is made with 1% hydrocortisone to lessen inflammation and naturally occurring enzymes to help prevent ear infections. These enzymes help kill microorganisms by dissolving their protective biofilm slime layer, which is difficult to penetrate. This product’s non-toxic solution won’t harm your cat’s skin and is excellent for treating recurrent ear infections.
Simply massage this solution into your cat’s ear after liberally applying it. Cleaning the ear is unnecessary because it can interfere with the enzyme’s normal action.
At-Home Ear Mite Treatment For Cats
Natural home treatments for ear mites for cat infections will be fairly popular in 2023, and there is a ton of anecdotal data to support their efficacy. Like most natural home remedies, they work in the majority of instances, but there is no guarantee that every cat with ear discharge mites will be cured.
The nicest thing about home remedies is usually that they are constructed of ingredients that you probably already have at home, in addition to being natural and chemical-free. Consult your veterinarian about all available ear mite treatments to make sure you pick the one that is safest for your cat if you are dealing with a serious infestation or subsequent problems with ear mite infection.
Here are three of the most often-used natural home treatments for ear mites for cats in 2023:
#1. Treating Ear Mites in Cats Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the most popular and efficient natural home remedies for cat ear mites. Cat’s ears and cat’s ear canal seem almost too straightforward to be real, but they are!
Small amounts of olive oil will effectively suffocate ear mites in your cat’s ear discharge, stop them from latching onto the skin and make it simpler to remove the mites and eggs by wiping your cat’s ears with a makeup pad or soft washcloth.
#2. Essential Oils for Cat Ear Mites
You probably have a collection of essential oils in your home to treat a variety of ailments if you already favor natural therapies. If so, you undoubtedly have one or two essential oils that can assist alleviate the itching and prevent your veterinarian from recommending your cat’s ears as a suitable habitat for mites.
The following essential oils are detested by mites:
- Tea tree oil
- Lavender Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
Due to their high concentration, essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to ensure their safety when applied to cats.
Remember that these essential oils should only be applied topically in locations where your cat’s ear mites cannot lick at them; they should not be consumed. We advise using a different treatment if you are unaware of how to safely utilize essential oils on your cat.
#3. Apple Cider Vinegar for Ear Mites in Cats
You might not be aware of how effective apple cider vinegar can be for treating cat ear mites, even though it has long been used as a natural home remedy for numerous illnesses and problems.
It is a potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ear mite that may both prevent and treat many secondary infections like yeast or bacterial infections that can result from ear discharge mite infestations. A third benefit of using apple cider vinegar for three weeks is that it can help to change the pH of the skin of your cat’s ears, which will make it harder for mites to survive there.
Cats’ ear mites may not be eliminated by apple cider vinegar alone.
Over Counter Ear Mite Treatment For Cats
Cat ear mite treatments are available over the counter at supermarkets, pet supply stores, and agricultural supply shops. Check the label to make sure the particular product is safe for use in kittens. A certain age could be mentioned, such as 12 weeks or older. You should purchase a feline ear cleaner in addition to an ear miticide since you’ll need to clean the kitten’s ears before using the miticide.
Pyrethrins, which kill the mites, may be present in over-the-counter ear miticides for cats, coupled with piperonyl butoxide, which increases pyrethrin efficiency. These components, together with aloe, are found in two miticides from well-known producers, Sergeant’s Vetscription MITEaway Ear Mite and Tick Treatment for Cats and Hartz UltraGuard Ear Mite Treatment for Cats, to calm irritated ears.
Use
On any over-the-counter miticide, always read the directions thoroughly. Over-the-counter ear miticides, in contrast to prescription drugs, only kill the adult ear mite, not the larvae. Because of this, you’ll need to use the miticide every day for a week to 10 days. If you still notice signs of an infestation after two weeks, you’ll need to repeat the treatment.
Depending on the size of the cat, over-the-counter medications come in tubes and indicate a specific amount of drops to be used daily. It might be necessary to carefully massage the drops into the ear. When applying the product, wear gloves because it contains insecticides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective ear mite treatment for cats?
“And most—like ivermectin—are quite effective,” says Miller. Even one common cure, baby oil, can work. The mites can typically be smothered with a few drops placed into an afflicted ear several times every day for about a month. Continuing care for a cat’s ears as well as after mite treatment, advises Dr.
What do vets recommend for ear mites in cats?
Cats with ear mites can get rid of them. Milbemycin, selamectin, moxidectin, and ivermectin are all treatments that can be taken by mouth or put on the skin. Your cat’s ears may also be cleaned by your vet using the proper cleaning solution.
What's the best ear mite medicine?
The Top 5 Dog Ear Mite Treatments
- Pet MD Dog Ear Wipes.
- Curaseb Infection Treatment.
- Zymox Plus Otic HC.
- Arava Natural Ear Mite Treatment for Dogs.
- Adam’s Ear Mite Treatment.
Is there a one time treatment for ear mites in cats?
Most pet supply stores have over-the-counter topical treatments, but because they don’t kill mite eggs, the course of treatment can take up to 30 days. Your vet may be able to sell you one-time-use medicines that usually get rid of ear mites after just one use.
Related Articles:
- 20 Best Cat Breeds That Don’t Shed
- WHAT SHOTS DO PUPPIES NEED: Guide To Puppy Vaccinations
- What Is Pet Insurance: How Pet Insurance Works, Cost & Companies
- CAN CATS EAT POTATOES? Are They Healthy and Safe?
- What Is a Deductible in Pet Insurance?
- CAN DOGS EAT MANDARINS? All You Need To Know
- 20 Best Large Breed Puppy Food In 2023: Reviews and Comparisons
