The 4 Best Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Cats
Despite their very small size, ear mites in cats can set off serious health issues for your feline family member if they’re not immediately dealt with the right way. And these unwanted visitors are highly contagious to other animals and humans, too!
But here’s the thing: most people mistakenly think that the only option to get rid of ear mites in cats is by using conventional treatments and medicines. Make sure you read on because I’m going to guide you through the best home remedies that you can go for when this health problem gets in the picture.
For starters, let’s find out what exactly cat ear mites are…
What are Ear Mites in Cats?
Ear mites—technically referred to as Otodectes cynotis—are relatively common parasites in cats. They make their way into the ear canal and feed off on pockets of ear wax and skin oils. These intruders are speculated to cause more than 80% of all cases of external ear canal inflammation in cats.
Interestingly, some instances of cat ear mite infestations affect exposed skin surfaces like the underside of the belly, the fold of the neck or in between the toes.
What’s even more alarming is that cat ear mites can spread to other pets like dogs, ferrets and rabbits. It's not even uncommon for these parasites to contaminate humans in some cases. This is why having the best home remedies for ear mites in cats in your home pet care checklist is definitely an advantage.
Now we’ve got that covered, let’s talk about the indicators that your cat may be having an ear mite infestation…
What are the Symptoms of a Cat Ear Mite Infestation?
While this may sound surprising, you can’t really miss the tell-tale signs of a cat ear mite infestation. This is because your pet will certainly let you know that he is suffering from this condition right from the start.
Besides constantly shaking his head from side to side as if trying to knock some foreign object out of his ears, your feline family member will also scratch at the inflamed ear or ears incessantly to the point that they will get all swollen and puffy.
Moreover, there’s another distinct indicator of ear mite infestation in cats that you will encounter during this health issue. Your pet’s affected ears will ooze a dark, stinky discharge that will become more and more pronounced so long as the condition isn’t dealt with.
One straightforward way of gauging how severe a cat ear mite infestation is by observing the amount of discharge that the affected ears are releasing. The smellier and darker the discharge is, the more acute the infestation has become.
For this part of our discussion, let’s go over what happens if an ear mite infestation is left untreated…
What Happens if Ear Mites in Cats Go Untreated?
There are two (2) possible scenarios that will take place if ear mites in cats are left untreated.
The first one is that your pet will be prone to severe bacterial infections of the skin and ears. This is because these parasites will produce very small nicks and lesions in the areas they contaminate, which will be exposed to harmful microbes.
On the other hand, the second scenario is that the affected ears become so swollen and inflamed that the inner ear and eardrum will be already compromised. There are even cases where a cat has suffered from partial or total deafness because of ear mites.
Additionally, since the eardrum is damaged, your pet could also be at risk of having balance difficulties sooner or later. Some cats can even develop issues in their overall mobility due to severe cat ear mite infestation.
Now without further ado, I’ll walk you through the best remedies for cat ear mites…
What are the Best Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Cats?
Like I emphasized earlier, there are home remedies for ear mites in cats that you can go for when this health problem strikes unexpectedly. And the best thing about these natural remedies is that you’ve probably got them in your kitchen or pantry right now!
#1: Apple cider vinegar has potent antimicrobial properties.
According to a study published in Taylor and Francis Online, apple cider vinegar or ACV not just exhibited antimicrobial properties, but antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral attributes as well. Further tests also revealed that ACV had high phenolic concentrations that helped prevent skin damage due to oxidation and free-radicals.
To use apple cider vinegar for ear mites in cats, thoroughly combine equal parts of ACV and lukewarm water in a container. Dip a clean piece of cloth or a cotton swab into the mixture and let the liquid trickle into the ear.
Just a quick reminder, though. Never use undiluted ACV for this procedure since it can irritate your cat’s affected ears even more or cause a lingering burning sensation.
#2: Organic honey is an antibacterial powerhouse.
The NCBI reports that honey exhibits consistent antibacterial activity and is even seen to have the ability to deal with so-called “superbugs” or MRSA’s. However, the efficacy of honey with respect to getting rid of bad bacteria greatly depends if it is organic or not.
Organic honey varieties such as Manuka, Kamah, Rewarewa and Kanuka were seen to have the highest antibacterial activity compared to their commercially-produced counterparts.
To use organic honey for ear mites in cats, dip a cotton ball in a teaspoon of the same and gently rub it on the affected ear until the whole area is covered. Let it sit for about half an hour then rinse off with lukewarm water.
#3: Garlic can do away with fungi and parasites.
Another NCBI study relates that garlic has been seen to kill off parasites and fungi such as C. parapsilosis, C. albicans and Trypanosoma brucei. It is put forward that the high levels of sulfur compounds, particularly ajoene, plays a crucial role in this antiparasitic and antifungal activity.
To use garlic for ear mites in cats, mince three to four cloves and add just enough olive oil to cover the whole thing. Allow the mixture to sit overnight. Remove the pieces of garlic using a strainer the next day.
You can apply the garlic-infused olive oil using a clean piece of cloth on the inflamed areas to alleviate redness and swelling. This also helps get rid of any ear mite eggs and larvae that may still be developing in the affected areas.
#4: Aloe vera has significant anti-inflammatory attributes.
SpringerOpen shares that aloe vera gel contains compounds that help prevent and rejuvenate tissues affected by inflammation. One of the more distinctive signs of ear mites in cats is inflammation, which can possibly lead to more serious health problems if not properly taken care of.
To use aloe vera for ear mites in cats, gently massage the gel on the affected areas as a topical ointment. Let it sit for ten minutes then wipe off with a clean piece of cloth. Besides helping reduce swelling and redness, this also gets rid of any bits of debris in the ears.
And speaking of natural options to support your pet during ear mites in cats, here’s a premium product you should consider including in your home care checklist…
A Natural Product to Consider When Dealing with Ear Mites in Cats
Zumalka’s EAR CARE - ADVANCED features four (4) premium natural products that are formulated to promote a more comprehensive and complete support for your pet’s ear health.
EAR CARE is specially designed to enhance your pet’s natural fighting power against ear infections. SILVERPET promotes a healthy immune system. TONICPET #4 stimulates and maintains healthy oxygen circulation. And TONICPET #7 supports deep tissue and skin health.
The products in the EAR CARE - ADVANCED kit work together to provide your pet with a more versatile support not just during common ear issues like ear mites in cats, but also long term benefits to his overall immune system.
Final Word
Before I wrap things up, I’d just like to share that it’s best if you get in touch with a pet homeopathy professional as early as now to know your options when it comes to giving your feline family member the quality of life he deserves using natural means.
Doing so is a breeze, too! Besides getting the lowdown on the natural products that best fit your pet’s needs, you’ll also learn about homeopathy and its diverse benefits while at it. You can simply contact us at any time and you’ll be connected with a pet holistic medicine shortly.
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Cat has bare spots on outside of ear. Not red. Are these mites or a dermatitis. what home remedy can use. apple cider vinegar or aloe vera?
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