What should be used to treat ear mites in cats at home, folk remedies? - briefly
Use a few drops of diluted apple cider vinegar or a warm‑water and mineral‑oil mixture to soften and remove the mites, then gently wipe the ear with a cotton ball. For stronger action, apply a few drops of neem oil or a pyrethrin‑based ear spray according to the label directions.
What should be used to treat ear mites in cats at home, folk remedies? - in detail
Ear mite infestations cause intense itching, dark debris and a characteristic odor in feline ears. Prompt removal of the parasites prevents secondary infections and discomfort.
Diagnostic steps
- Inspect the external ear canal with a bright light; look for black‑gray crusts that resemble coffee grounds.
- Gently scrape a small amount of debris onto a white surface for microscopic confirmation, if possible.
Home‑based interventions
- Cleaning solution – Mix equal parts distilled water and white vinegar or 3 % hydrogen peroxide. Apply a few drops into each ear, massage the base of the pinna for 30 seconds, then wipe excess with a soft gauze. Repeat twice daily for 5‑7 days.
- Oil treatments – Warmed olive oil, coconut oil or neem oil act as suffocating agents. Warm the oil to body temperature, instill 2‑3 ml per ear, keep the cat calm for a minute, then allow the oil to coat the canal. Perform once daily for 3‑5 days.
- Herbal extracts – Diluted tea tree oil (1 % solution) or lavender oil can be used sparingly; apply 1‑2 drops per ear, ensuring the cat does not ingest. Limit to a single application, then monitor for irritation.
- Aloe vera gel – Pure gel applied in a thin layer can soothe inflamed skin and may deter mites. Use 1 ml per ear after cleaning, twice a day for a week.
Supportive measures
- Keep the cat’s environment dry; reduce humidity that favors mite survival.
- Wash bedding, blankets and toys in hot water (≥60 °C) weekly.
- Trim surrounding hair to improve airflow and facilitate cleaning.
Cautions
- Avoid using undiluted essential oils; they can cause chemical burns.
- Do not introduce foreign objects (cotton swabs) deep into the canal, as this may damage the tympanic membrane.
- If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, or if secondary bacterial infection appears (redness, swelling, discharge), seek veterinary care promptly.
Combining thorough ear hygiene with the listed traditional agents offers an effective, low‑cost strategy for managing ear mite problems in cats at home.