How to treat ear ticks in cats? - briefly
Remove the ticks using a fine‑tipped tweezer or a veterinary‑approved ear cleaning solution, then apply a suitable topical acaricide and watch for signs of infection. Seek veterinary advice for appropriate medication and follow‑up treatment.
How to treat ear ticks in cats? - in detail
Ear ticks in felines attach to the ear canal, feed on blood, and cause irritation, inflammation, and possible secondary infection. Prompt removal and appropriate medication prevent tissue damage and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
The first step is to confirm the presence of ticks. Visual inspection of the ear’s external opening and the inner canal, using a bright light and a magnifier, reveals dark, oval parasites adhered to the skin. If a tick is found, isolate the animal to prevent spread and prepare a clean work area.
Removal procedure
- Restrain the cat – use a towel or a cat‑specific restraint device to limit movement while minimizing stress.
- Disinfect the ear – apply a few drops of a veterinary‑approved antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine 0.05 %) to the ear canal.
- Grasp the tick – with fine‑point tweezers, hold the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding crushing the body.
- Extract – pull upward with steady pressure until the mouthparts separate from the ear tissue. Do not twist, which may leave portions embedded.
- Inspect – verify that the whole tick, including the capitulum, is removed. If remnants remain, repeat the extraction or seek veterinary assistance.
- Clean the site – rinse the ear with sterile saline, then apply a topical antiseptic ointment to discourage bacterial growth.
Pharmacological options
- Topical acaricides – products containing fipronil, selamectin, or imidacloprid are applied to the skin at the base of the skull. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage based on the cat’s weight; a single dose often provides protection for up to one month.
- Oral systemic treatments – milbemycin oxime or afoxolaner tablets eliminate ticks after ingestion. Dosage is weight‑specific, typically 0.2 mg/kg for milbemycin, administered once every 30 days.
- Ear‑specific formulations – solutions with pyrethrins or pyrethroids can be instilled directly into the ear canal. Use only products labeled for feline use; cats are highly sensitive to certain pyrethroids.
Supportive care
- Administer a short course of broad‑spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate 10 mg/kg PO BID) if signs of secondary bacterial infection appear, such as purulent discharge or swelling.
- Provide anti‑inflammatory medication (e.g., meloxicam 0.05 mg/kg PO SID) to reduce pain and edema.
- Keep the cat’s environment clean; wash bedding, toys, and grooming tools in hot water and dry at high temperature to destroy any remaining ticks or eggs.
Prevention strategies
- Apply a monthly spot‑on product or give an oral preventive to every cat in the household, regardless of current infestation status.
- Inspect ears weekly, especially after outdoor exposure, and remove debris with a veterinarian‑approved ear cleaner.
- Maintain indoor living conditions when possible; limit access to areas known for tick populations, such as tall grass or wooded zones.
Follow‑up
Re‑examine the ears after 7–10 days to ensure no new ticks have attached. Conduct a second inspection at the end of the treatment cycle (30 days) to confirm eradication. If ticks persist, repeat the removal process and consult a veterinarian for alternative therapeutics or diagnostic testing for tick‑borne pathogens.
Effective management combines mechanical extraction, targeted medication, and ongoing preventive measures, thereby safeguarding feline health and preventing recurrence.