Introduce: Ear mites are not terrible
Finding out that your cat has ear mites might be unsettling, but the good news is that treatment is straightforward and highly effective. With proper care, ear mites can be eradicated quickly, and your cat will find relief from the constant itching.
If you’re dealing with ear mites or want to know what to do if they appear, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
For a complete guide on symptoms, causes, and prevention of ear mites, make sure to check out our Full Guide to Ear Mites in Cats.
In this article, we’ll focus on the treatment options available to help you eliminate ear mites and give your cat a better, more comfortable life.
Step-by-Step Treatment for Ear Mites in Cats
Finding out your cat has ear mites might feel icky, but the good news is treatment is straightforward and highly effective. With proper treatment, those mites will be gone before you know it, and your cat will get relief from the itching. Here’s how to treat ear mites in cats, step by step:
1. Veterinary prescribed medications
The cornerstone of ear mite treatment is using the right acaricides (mite-killing medications). There are several effective treatments your vet might choose from, including:
Topical ear drops
These are medications that you (or the vet) apply directly into your cat’s ear canals. They often contain anti-parasitic ingredients like ivermectin, milbemycin, or similar compounds that kill ear mites on contact.
Usually, you’ll need to put a certain number of drops in each affected ear daily for a set number of days. Your vet will demonstrate how to do this safely – generally, you’ll hold the ear flap up, put the drops in, then gently massage the base of the ear to help the medicine coat the entire canal.
Some prescription ear drop products might require treatment for 7-10 days, then a repeat after a week off, to catch any newly hatched mites (since most drops don’t kill eggs).
Single-use treatments (spot-ons or oral medications)
There are modern systemic treatments that are applied to the skin (usually on the back of the neck/shoulders) or given orally, which then circulate and kill ear mites.
Many of these are actually broad-spectrum parasite preventives (often used for fleas or worms as well) that have the added benefit of killing ear mites. Examples include products containing selamectin or moxidectin (often applied topically and repeated in about 4 weeks), or one-time pills or chewables that have mite-killing efficacy.
Your vet will choose an appropriate one based on your cat’s age, weight, and health. The advantage of these treatments is that they’re easy to administer (one and done, or once a month), and they often target multiple parasites at once – so say goodbye to mites and fleas in one go.
If a single-dose product is used, make sure to follow up as directed; sometimes a second dose a month later is recommended to ensure the life cycle is fully broken.
Injectable or other systemic meds
In some cases, a vet might administer an ivermectin injection (off-label use) or other systemic drug to treat ear mites. This isn’t as common now that we have effective topical spot-ons, but it’s another tool, especially for cats that are difficult to medicate at home.
No matter which medication is used, strictly follow your vet’s instructions on dosage and duration. Even if your cat seems better in a few days, do not stop treatment early.
Ear mite life cycle (eggs hatching etc.) means that if you quit too soon, the problem can come roaring back. One of the most common reasons for “persistent” ear mites is that the treatment wasn’t given for long enough or a dose was missed, allowing some survivors to repopulate the ear.
Many products require at least 2-3 weeks to fully do their job (or a second dose to catch eggs that have hatched).
2. Ear cleaning
Before and during treatment, cleaning your cat’s ears is often a key step. The vet might do an initial deep cleaning in the clinic – especially if there’s a lot of debris.
Removing that “coffee-ground” gunk is important because it not only gives relief (less stuff in the ear to irritate), but it also removes many mites and lets the medication reach the ear skin directly.
At home, you may be instructed to clean the ears a couple of times a week or even daily in the beginning. Use only a vet-approved ear cleaning solution (never use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or any harsh substance in a cat’s ear!).
Typically, you’ll gently fill the ear canal with the solution, massage the base of the ear (you’ll hear a squishing sound), then let your cat shake their head (stand back!), and finally wipe out the excess with cotton balls or gauze.
Never stick cotton swabs (Q-tips) deep into the ear, as you could damage the eardrum. Stick to cleaning the parts of the ear you can see. Cleaning is especially necessary if you’re using medicated drops – a clean ear allows the medicine to contact the skin.
3. Treat all susceptible pets
Because ear mites spread easily between pets, vets commonly recommend treating all cats (and dogs, ferrets) in the household at the same time. Even if the others aren’t showing symptoms, it’s safer to assume they might have a few mites starting out.
This might mean giving everyone a dose of a topical preventative or at least checking all pets’ ears and treating any that show signs.
By treating all pets, you prevent a frustrating cycle of re-infestation (where one untreated pet gives mites back to the treated one).
Isolating the infested cat from others during the treatment period can also help, though in a typical home it’s hard to keep pets completely apart. Still, if possible, keep the affected cat in a separate comfortable space until at least the initial treatment has done its job.
4. Addressing secondary infections and inflammation
Ear mites cause a lot of irritation, and it’s not uncommon for cats to also develop secondary infections – bacterial or yeast infections that take advantage of the inflamed ear.
Your vet might see evidence of this (redness, bad odor, maybe the presence of bacteria/yeast on the microscope slide). If so, they could prescribe additional medications like antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics, or antifungal medications to treat a yeast infection.
Sometimes vets use combination products that have steroids (to reduce inflammation and itch), antibiotics, and antifungals, after the mites are killed, to heal any residual infection.
It’s important to treat these secondary issues too, because they can prolong your cat’s discomfort even after the mites are gone.
5. Re-check and follow-up
Many vets will want to see your cat again in a few weeks to ensure the mites are truly gone. During that follow-up, they might re-examine the ears, possibly take another swab to look for mites or eggs, and make sure the ear canal is healing well.
If any mites survived, further treatment will be given. Don’t skip the follow-up if your vet advises it – it’s the best way to be certain you’ve solved the problem completely.
Conclusion
Treating ear mites in cats is typically straightforward and effective, with most cats showing significant improvement within a week of starting treatment.
By following your vet’s recommendations, you’ll eliminate the mites and help your cat feel comfortable again.
Remember, ear mites are treatable with proper care, and your cat will be back to their normal self soon. Act quickly, follow the treatment plan, and provide some extra love and comfort during the recovery process – your kitty will appreciate it!
If you’re still unsure about how to treat ear mites or need more information, feel free to visit our Complete Guide to Ear Mites in Cats for a thorough explanation of symptoms, prevention, and additional tips. You’re not alone in this process – Contact us, we are here to help!
FAQ
Can humans get ear mites from cats?
No, ear mites are not zoonotic and cannot infest humans. While rare skin irritation can occur in humans, ear mites cannot complete their life cycle on human skin or ears.
How do I know if my cat has ear mites?
Look for signs like excessive scratching, shaking their head, dark ear discharge (resembling coffee grounds), and ear redness. A vet will confirm through an ear exam and microscopic testing.
How should I clean my cat’s ears during ear mite treatment?
Use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution to gently clean your cat’s ears. Never use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or cotton swabs deep in the ear canal. Follow your vet’s advice on cleaning frequency during treatment.
Should I treat all pets in my household for ear mites if one pet has them?
Yes, treating all pets in the household is recommended because ear mites are highly contagious. Even pets without symptoms may be carrying mites and can spread them to others.
Can I treat ear mites at home with over-the-counter products?
It’s best to avoid OTC treatments, as they are often ineffective and can even worsen the condition. Consult your vet for safe, effective prescription treatments tailored to your cat’s needs.
References
Barnes, C., Weir, M., & Ward, E. (2024). Ear Mites in Cats and Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-mites-otodectes-in-cats-and-dogs
Dryden, M. W. (2018). Mite Infestation (Otodectic Mange) of Cats. In Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner ed.). Merck & Co. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/skin-disorders-of-cats/mite-infestation-mange-acariasis-scabies-of-cats
Hinsperger, B. (2024). Ear Mites in Cats: What Cat Owners Need to Know. Kingsdale Animal Hospital. Retrieved from https://www.kingsdale.com/ear-mites-in-cats-what-cat-owners-need-to-know
Small Door Veterinary. (n.d.). Ear Mites in Cats. Retrieved from https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/ear-mites-in-cats/
Cornell Feline Health Center. (n.d.). Ear Mites: Tiny Critters That Can Pose a Major Threat. Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/ear-mites-tiny-critters-can-pose-major-threat
Furkin Pet Insurance. (2023). How to Check for Ear Mites in Cats (+ Treatment Options). Retrieved from https://www.furkin.com/blog/treat-ear-mites-cats
Weese, S. (2010, Feb 26). Ear mites and the strange pursuit of knowledge. Worms & Germs Blog. Retrieved from https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2010/02/articles/animals/cats/ear-mites-and-the-strange-pursuit-of-knowledge/
Zumalka. (2021). Vet Insights: 4 Easy Ways to Detect Cat Ear Mites at Home. Retrieved from https://www.zumalka.com/blogs/blog-pet-health/vet-insights-detect-cat-ear-mites-at-home