How to treat ear ticks in cats at home with folk remedies? - briefly
Apply a diluted apple cider vinegar or a mixture of coconut oil and neem oil to the cat’s ear canal with a dropper, massage gently, and extract any visible ticks using tweezers. Repeat the application daily for several days, monitoring the ears for irritation or infection.
How to treat ear ticks in cats at home with folk remedies? - in detail
Ear ticks attach to the inner ear canal, feed on blood, and may cause irritation, infection, or anemia. Removing them at home with traditional methods requires careful preparation, proper technique, and follow‑up observation.
First, gather safe ingredients: diluted apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water), warm olive oil, finely grated fresh rosemary, and a clean cotton ball. Avoid harsh chemicals, as the cat’s skin is sensitive.
Preparation steps
- Warm olive oil to body temperature (approximately 37 °C).
- Mix 1 teaspoon of rosemary into 2 tablespoons of the warmed oil; let steep for 5 minutes, then strain.
- Prepare the vinegar solution in a separate container.
Application procedure
- Gently restrain the cat, using a towel to prevent struggling.
- Apply a few drops of the rosemary‑infused oil into each ear canal; the oil suffocates the ticks and eases removal.
- After 10 minutes, wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball soaked in the diluted vinegar; the acidity disinfects the area and reduces inflammation.
- Using fine tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily upward. Do not twist, as this may leave mouthparts embedded.
Post‑treatment care
- Repeat the oil application daily for three days to deter re‑infestation.
- Clean the ears with the vinegar solution every other day for one week.
- Observe the cat for excessive scratching, discharge, or swelling; these signs may indicate secondary infection.
Precautions
- Ensure the cat is not allergic to any ingredient; test a small amount on the skin first.
- Do not use essential oils undiluted; they can cause toxicity.
- If more than five ticks are found, or if the cat shows lethargy, seek veterinary assistance promptly.
Regular grooming and environmental control, such as washing bedding in hot water and treating the living area with a natural flea‑repellent spray (e.g., diluted neem oil), complement the above regimen and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.