Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy for Feline Ear Infections

| Modified on May 30, 2023
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Apple cider vinegar is an effective natural remedy for ear infections in cats. This inexpensive home treatment usually works very quickly.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Ear Infections in Cats

  • Mix 1/4 cup raw and organic apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol.
  • Use a dropper to drop several drops of the solution into your cat's ears twice a day.
  • Use a cotton ball to clean out the outer part of the ear after you put the drops in.
  • After the initial infection has cleared, you can use this remedy once a week as a preventative.
  • You can use pure water in place of the rubbing alcohol if the skin in your cat's ears is broken (alcohol may sting.) The alcohol is preferred over water, however, because it helps to dry out the ear canal. Moisture in the ear canal can be a breeding ground for bacteria. 



3 User Reviews



Posted by Sandy (Deltona, Fl) on 02/07/2015

My 16 year old cat has a very large skin tag (confirmed by the vet). I have already spent thousands on this cat and cannot anymore. I read that apple cider vinegar works on humans to remove skin tags but does it work on cats as well? She also has chronic ear infections. Again, apple cider vinegar for this? If yes, how do I do this?

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
02/07/2015

Hey Sandy!

Most have good result just snipping the skin tag off; they are cosmetic and not harmful to your cat.

The chronic ear infections don't sound like any fun and are sometimes linked to a grain based diet; consider switching up your cat's groceries if the diet you feed contains grains.

You can try the ACV for the ears by diluting it and adding it to wet food - again, watch the ingredients in the wet food. You may also find that probiotics or acidophillus added to the diet may help.

Do consider the garlic infused olive oil as one remedy for your cats ears.


Ear Infection
Posted by Jessica (Arlington, Va) on 11/10/2009
5 out of 5 stars

After coming home to find my cat lethargic and disinterested in food & water, I realized his left ear was causing him extreme amounts of pain. I searched online for advice as I wasn't interested in an expensive vet bill and unnecessary tests. I stumbled upon the posts for Apple Cider Vinegar and tried it on my cat. I mixed one cap of ACV with one cap of tepid water, placed in an infant ear irrigator and squeezed as much as my cat would allow into the ear, massaging the area when possible. He wasn't a fan of the process, however, after one day he was purring and eating again. After 2.5 days, the infection released and drained. After 3 days, he's pretty much back to normal. Thank you!


Ear Infection
Posted by Tricia (Hamilton, On, canada) on 01/05/2008
5 out of 5 stars

A couple of weeks ago I responded re ACV remedy, I was very pleased with the results. I am sending my comments again because when I think of the money I spent at the vet which did not cure the cats ear infection and this simple solution of ACV and water (50/50) worked so well. Its a wonderful solution, our cat seems to be completely healed, no more scratching what so ever.


Ear Infection
Posted by Tricia (Hamilton, On) on 12/18/2007
5 out of 5 stars

I have a seven year old indoor siamese, have been having trouble with his ears getting dirty for the last year and a half, vet has treated him with clavamox and prednisone and even though the scratching stops it returns as soon as the meds are finishedl. I recently read the article re apple cider vinegar and the dirt in his ears is basically almost gone and the scratching has stopped, obviously this method is working but I still do not know what is causing the dirt. The vet said it was an infection and the clavamox would cure it but it did not. I have to say I am extremely impressed with the acv remedy. Hopefully in time this will cure him completely.

Replied by Connie
(Kansas City , MO)
05/09/2008

Could be that the 'dirt' in your cat's ear is ear mite droppings. These droppings look similar to sprinkles of table-top black pepper. A vet can tell you for sure, but I'd bet your pet's ears are infested with ear mites, a common problem in dogs and cats.

Replied by Gudrun
(Surrey, BC)
01/04/2022

I'm glad I'm not the only one with the experience of infection from ear mites returning once Clavomox was finished, and worse, both my kittens kept coming down with colds but I was able to treat that promptly with Elderberry syrup mixed in their food before the cold developed further. I've just tried apple cider vinegar with water today and it seems to help, we'll see how it goes! I think I'm done with the expensive vets and turning to natural remedies!