How can I treat ear mite in a cat's ears?

How can I treat ear mite in a cat's ears? - briefly

Clean the ear canal with a veterinarian‑approved cleanser to eliminate wax and debris, then apply an approved acaricidal medication (such as selamectin, ivermectin, or milbemycin) according to the product instructions and repeat the dose as recommended.

How can I treat ear mite in a cat's ears? - in detail

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are common parasites that inhabit the external auditory canal of cats, causing irritation, inflammation, and secondary infections. Effective management requires a systematic approach: diagnosis, medication, cleaning, and prevention.

Diagnosis

• Visual inspection of the ear canal with an otoscope or magnifying glass.
• Presence of dark, coffee‑ground‑like debris mixed with wax.
• Scraping of the debris onto a glass slide; microscopic examination reveals oval, crab‑shaped mites.
• Rule out bacterial or yeast infections by cytology if discharge is excessive.

Pharmacologic treatment

• Topical acaricides:
  1. Selamectin (Revolution) – applied once monthly; kills mites and prevents reinfestation.
  2. Moxidectin (Advocate) – monthly spot‑on; effective against mites and other parasites.
  3. Ivermectin (IVOMEC) – 0.2 mg/kg applied to the ear canal; repeat after 7‑10 days.
  4. Lime sulfur dip – 1–2 % solution; applied to the ear canal for 5‑10 minutes, repeated weekly for three weeks.
• Systemic options:
  • Milbemycin oxime – oral dose of 0.5 mg/kg, administered every 30 days.
  • Nitenpyram – oral chewable tablet; single dose of 2.5 mg/kg, effective within 24 hours.

Select a product based on the cat’s health status, age, and any concurrent medications. Follow the manufacturer’s label for dosage and frequency.

Ear cleaning procedure

1. Warm a sterile cotton ball or gauze with a commercial ear cleaning solution (e.g., chlorhexidine‑based) to body temperature.
2. Gently fill the canal with the solution; allow it to sit for 30–60 seconds to loosen debris.
3. Use the cotton ball to wipe out visible wax and mite material; avoid inserting objects deep into the canal.
4. Dry the ear with a clean, soft cloth.
5. Perform cleaning before each medication application to improve drug contact.

Environmental control

• Wash bedding, toys, and grooming tools in hot water (>60 °C).
• Vacuum carpets and upholstery; discard vacuum bags or clean filters promptly.
• Treat all animals in the household, even if asymptomatic, using the same acaricide regimen.

Follow‑up

• Re‑examine the ears 7–10 days after the initial treatment; repeat cleaning and medication if debris persists.
• Conduct a second microscopic evaluation 2‑3 weeks post‑treatment to confirm eradication.
• Schedule a preventive topical or systemic dose at the next routine wellness visit.

Adhering to this protocol eliminates ear mites, restores auditory health, and reduces the risk of recurrence.