How to treat ear ticks in a cat? - briefly
Remove the ticks with fine tweezers, disinfect the ear canal, and apply a veterinarian‑approved topical acaricide or oral medication; repeat the treatment according to the product instructions and monitor for inflammation. Follow up with a vet visit to confirm eradication and prevent reinfestation.
How to treat ear ticks in a cat? - in detail
Ear mites and ticks can colonize the external auditory canal of a cat, causing irritation, inflammation, and secondary infection. Prompt removal and appropriate therapy prevent discomfort and long‑term damage to the ear structures.
First, isolate the animal to avoid spreading parasites to other pets. Perform a visual inspection: use a bright light and a otoscope or a magnifying glass to locate live ticks, their bodies, or residual debris. If ticks are attached, grasp them close to the skin with fine‑point tweezers and pull straight upward with steady pressure. Avoid squeezing the abdomen to prevent pathogen transmission.
After extraction, cleanse the ear canal thoroughly. Apply a veterinarian‑approved ear cleaning solution (e.g., a balanced saline‑based product) and flush the canal according to the product’s instructions. Gently massage the base of the ear to distribute the fluid, then allow the cat to shake its head. Wipe excess fluid and debris with a soft gauze pad; never insert cotton swabs deep into the canal.
Therapeutic measures include:
- Topical acaricides – spot‑on preparations containing selamectin, fipronil, or imidacloprid; apply the recommended dose to the skin at the base of the skull, avoiding the ear canal unless the product is labeled for otic use.
- Ear drops – formulations with ivermectin or milbemycin oxime specifically designed for otic parasites; administer the full course (usually 3–5 days) as directed.
- Systemic medications – oral or injectable macrocyclic lactones (e.g., milbemycin, selamectin) provide broader parasite control and can address hidden infestations.
- Anti‑inflammatory agents – short‑term corticosteroid or NSAID ear drops reduce swelling and pain, facilitating healing.
- Antibiotics – if bacterial otitis secondary to tick damage is suspected, culture‑guided therapy or broad‑spectrum agents (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) are indicated.
Monitor the cat for at least two weeks after treatment. Re‑examine the ears weekly; repeat cleaning and apply a second round of topical acaricide if live ticks persist. Maintain regular preventative care—monthly spot‑on or oral preventatives—to reduce the risk of re‑infestation.
If the cat shows signs of severe inflammation, ulceration, or hearing loss, seek veterinary evaluation promptly. Advanced interventions may include ear canal flushing under sedation, ear cytology to identify secondary infections, or surgical correction in cases of chronic damage.