What Is the Best Home Remedy for Cat Ear Mites?

Cat ear mites are parasites that survive around the pet's ears and multiply. Since ear mites are contagious and easily transmitted to other pets living within close proximity to infected pets, ear mite infections are common. Although there are various types of mites that infect pets, Otodectes cynotis mostly infect kittens or younger pets. Ear mites feed on ear tissue, fluids and wax and cause severe itching. Due to excessive itching, cats may cause self-trauma, skin lesions and inflammation. Pet owners should check the cat's ears during routine grooming to determine if mite infections are present.

Treatment of Cat Ear Mites

It's important to determine if the cat is suffering from ear mites, as the symptoms are fairly similar to other skin infections. Since ear mites are easily visible under a microscope, mite infections can be diagnosed promptly. The treatment for cat ear mite infection involves thorough ear cleaning and removal of wax buildup, debris and particles. The vet will also prescribe certain ear solutions to kill ear mites. Oral medication is necessary for pets suffering from severe bacterial infection caused due to excessive itching and inflammation. Since pets are susceptible to frequent mite infections, several pet owners prefer to use home remedies as they're milder in comparison to other drugs.

Symptoms of Ear Mite Infection Include:

  • Ear discharge
  • Itching
  • Cat tilts head
  • Earwax buildup
  • Lesions

Home Remedies

Although home remedies work effectively on several pets, they may not be useful to treat secondary bacterial infections. The only way to determine if home remedies work is to initiate the treatment. Since cat ears are sensitive, it's best to determine if the real cause of infection is ear mites before using home remedies. It's also best to follow up with a vet check to check if mite infections are still active.

Home Remedies for Cat Ear Mite Infections

Before using home remedies to treat ear infections pet owners should examine the ear to determine if the infection involves the middle ear. Severe infections are best treated by the vet. The ear canal should be carefully cleaned with mineral oil or olive oil. In order to clean the ear thoroughly, a syringe may be used to apply a few drops of oil to the ear canal. The pet's ear should then be massaged to spread the oil around and soften hard debris. The ear should be cleaned carefully with a cotton ball to remove loose mite dirt and buildup. Avoid poking Q-tips around the ears to prevent ear damage. Once the ear is cleaned, a solution of yellow dock root extract should be applied to the infected ears. To prepare the solution, 9 drops of concentrated yellow dock root extract should be mixed with a tablespoon of water. This solution may be applied every alternate day until the infection subsides.

Other Home Remedies

Pet owners may also a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water to clean the pet's ears. However, this may not be ideal for cats with skin lesions, open wounds or severe inflammation. Instead, solutions of almond oil mixed with Vitamin E should be used.

Pet owners should bathe cats occasionally to ensure hygiene. It's best to use mild shampoos to rid the body of dirt and infection. Cat ears should also be checked periodically once the infection is treated.

 

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