ear mites

Question
what is a home remady for ear mites.      thank you.

Answer
Hello Steve,

If you suspect your cat has ear mites, it must be treated by the vet.  First, the diagnosis of ear mites must be confirmed, and then the vet will administer the appropriate medication.  I don't trust the ear mite remedies available over the counter; I would only go with the vet's diagnosis and recommendations.

If your cat does have ear mites, you should treat the cat with an approved topical (put on the skin) flea remedy, at the same time as he/she is being treated for the ear mites.  Advantage, Frontline and Revolution are recommended flea remedies which can be gotten from your vet or bought online.  The reason monthly flea treatments are recommended when a cat has ear mites is because the mites might also live in the fur around the ear/head area and this will kill them.  Please don't misunderstand--the flea remedy is a completely different treatment which is applied to the skin on the very back of the neck or between the shoulder blades.  It does not take the place of an ear mite medication which is placed directly into the ears.  Also, DO NOT ever buy or use any HARTZ flea or other OTC (over the counter) medications, as they have been deemed very dangerous to cats.  Some cats have had severe allergic reactions to the ingredients in these products and have died!  They were supposed to be removed from store shelves, but not all stores have complied.
 
For the time being, if you see dark colored debris which resembles coffee grounds in your cat's ears, this usually does signify the presence of ear mites and you can clean this out with a Q-tip or cotton ball dipped in mineral oil.  Use a different cotton ball for each ear and for each 'swipe' of the ear.  Dispose of the used cotton balls/Q-tips in a tightly sealed plastic bag placed in the outside trash, immediately.  You should also treat your home for fleas in addition to treating the ear mites and using the flea remedy.

But, definitely bring your cat to the vet for a definite diagnosis and treatment.  If left untreated, ear mites and/or ear infections may lead to more severe medical problems and deafness.

Good luck!

Cher   : )