What to drop in a cat's ear for an ear tick? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved acaricide drop, such as ivermectin or selamectin solution, directly into the ear canal following the product’s dosage guidelines. Ensure the cat’s ear is gently cleaned beforehand and monitor for any adverse reactions.
What to drop in a cat's ear for an ear tick? - in detail
For ear mite infestations in felines, the recommended approach involves a combination of cleaning, pharmacological treatment, and preventive measures.
The ear canal should be inspected and excess debris removed with a cotton ball moistened in a gentle, pH‑balanced cleanser. This preparation eliminates wax that can shield parasites and improves the contact of therapeutic agents with the mite population.
Effective topical agents include:
- Selamectin‑based spot‑on formulations; a single dose applied to the skin near the base of the neck spreads systemically and reaches the ear canal within hours.
- Moxidectin ear drops; concentration of 1 % administered twice weekly for two weeks eradicates the majority of Otodectes cynotis stages.
- Ivermectin ear solution; concentration of 0.5 % applied once daily for five days, reserved for cats with no known sensitivity to the drug.
- Lime‑sulfur dip; a 2 % solution applied to the ear canal every other day for a week, useful when prescription products are unavailable.
- Pyrethrin‑based ear drops; 0.5 % formulation applied twice daily for three days, effective against adult mites but less reliable for eggs.
Natural alternatives, while less studied, may provide adjunct support:
- Neem oil diluted to 5 % with a carrier oil; a few drops in each ear twice daily can reduce mite activity.
- Tea‑tree oil, diluted to 0.1 %, may be used sparingly; caution is required due to potential ototoxicity.
Dosage calculations must consider the cat’s weight; for a 4 kg animal, selamectin is typically administered at 6 mg/kg, while moxidectin requires 0.5 mg/kg. Over‑dosage can result in neurotoxicity, especially with ivermectin.
Follow‑up examinations after the treatment course are essential. A repeat otoscopic evaluation confirms the absence of live mites. If residual debris persists, a second cleaning session is warranted.
Preventive strategies include regular ear inspections, routine cleaning with a veterinarian‑approved solution, and periodic administration of a broad‑spectrum ectoparasiticide to disrupt reinfestation cycles.