John Cole (Saipan) on 11/27/2015:

Tommy, a small tiger-looking cat who conned me into taking him in, here in Saipan (my original four cats came with me from Japan), had been suffering for weeks from what was obviously ear mites according to my knowledge. The first squirt of "baby oil", consisting of mineral oil and "olive oil essence" with a very minimal odor, stopped the severely lowered ear position, head shaking, and scratching very quickly.

Three or four days later, those signs starting popping up again, slightly, so I gave one more squirt in each ear. Again, very helpful. Then five or six days later, a lower level of those same signs, so I just gave one squirt in each ear.

I think this is the same treatment a vet might charge $50 for. Depending on the severity of the infestation and your cat's overall health, diet, and freedom to exercise and get sunshine, you might need to treat with mineral oil more than once, up to perhaps five or six times, to get complete resolution.

I took Tommy's brother, Toby, to the vet several weeks ago for the same condition. Although I avoided examining the bill for details ( "anger management" ), I suspect I paid $40 to $60 for a squirt of mineral oil in each ear.

It's not a magic cure, but the best thing I have found for ear mites so far.

 View Entire Thread

John Cole (Saipan) on 11/27/2015:

Tommy, a small tiger-looking cat who conned me into taking him in, here in Saipan (my original four cats came with me from Japan), had been suffering for weeks from what was obviously ear mites according to my knowledge. The first squirt of "baby oil", consisting of mineral oil and "olive oil essence" with a very minimal odor, stopped the severely lowered ear position, head shaking, and scratching very quickly.

Three or four days later, those signs starting popping up again, slightly, so I gave one more squirt in each ear. Again, very helpful. Then five or six days later, a lower level of those same signs, so I just gave one squirt in each ear.

I think this is the same treatment a vet might charge $50 for. Depending on the severity of the infestation and your cat's overall health, diet, and freedom to exercise and get sunshine, you might need to treat with mineral oil more than once, up to perhaps five or six times, to get complete resolution.

I took Tommy's brother, Toby, to the vet several weeks ago for the same condition. Although I avoided examining the bill for details ( "anger management" ), I suspect I paid $40 to $60 for a squirt of mineral oil in each ear.

It's not a magic cure, but the best thing I have found for ear mites so far.

 View Entire Thread

John Cole (Saipan) on 11/19/2015:

Warning

Read the label on Revolution, for cats, about mites. Does it not say something like "for the treatment and control of ear mites"? Not cure, eradication, not resolution... Besides, do you want a systemic pesticide circulating through your kitty when there are no long-term studies on safety? (My guess is that long-term, it'll shorten your cat's life.)

I tried an old-school (maybe organophosphate type) ear-drop miticide on my cats. Not only did it not get rid of the mites, but it caused severe inflammation and open sores that took weeks to heal.

Mineral oil worked FAR, FAR best for my cats.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   2      

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Julie (khia) Mersch (Kerman, California) on 01/12/2015:

Thank you SO much for that very thorough sharing of gentle and effective ways to help our cat friends. Actually, I appreciate everyone who took the time to share their experiences. My cat protested so vigorously and got so long-term mad at me when I used vet recommended drops for mites ("apply daily for 6 weeks") that I gave up after the first few days. In time things got so bad I felt like an unfit care-giver. I wanted to do something, but not even start until I felt it would help and not harm, while being effective enough to be worth whatever protests/rejection my cats might dish out. Everyone's sharing has been helpful, but your post in particular has reassured me considerably. I'm ready for the campaign now. Again, thank you.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   2      

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Ebeth (Abernathy, Usa) on 06/30/2011:

Our cat had been diagnosed with Ear mites so we started treating him Pyrethrins as Vet prescribed. So the next morning I squirted some Pyrethrins on both ears he didnt liked it at all, as the Vet directions just " squirt it into his ears". He got soo sick since then, didnt want to eat, he wobbles and vomiting, when I let him outside the wind blows and he just fell into the ground. So I stopped the medication immediately and decided to let him get well first before I would do anything. After 3 days he is well and eating and not wobbling anymore, I just feed him as long as he wanted to eat so he can have his strenght back.

Anyway, I didn't use that Pyrethrins again, I know there is someone here in the board saying that Pyrethins is from crysanthemums and it is not a chemical , I know that too cos I read the ingredients after my cat got sick. Not all Natural remedy are good for every cat, or chemical/pesticide in that matter. Just like us people some medicine may work for you but not to everyone.

I started using coconut oil after I read a lot of remedies here, Im using VCO and he likes it when I massage his ears, but after 5 days I decided to switch to hand sanitizers cos seems like I didn't really see a big difference using coconut oil (i know it will take time) but I want him to feel better sooner. So far I see some improvements, he is more happy and alert and playful and dont shake his head often but probably a couple of time in a day. So I will continue to use Hand sanitizer and see what happens its been 3 days since I started using it.

Thank you so much for this very helpful message board.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY         

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K (Mason, WV) on 05/29/2009:

I would just like to say that I have a cat and have taken him to the vet several times for ear mites which cost me $65.00 per visit. I have also bought my medidcation from the vet at $12.00 a bottle and have given it to my cat faithfully. My cat still has the ear mites after over a year and suffers terribly from this he has no skin on the backs of his ears where he has dug them so much so at this point I am willing to try anything to get my cat some relief. Hopefully this will work.

REPLY   2      

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Donna (Savannah, GA USA) on 11/08/2008:

My kitten has ear mites (I think) and I put Ear Miticide in his ear last night. It didn't seem to do anything but irritate his ears worse to where he shook his head and scratched at his ears more than before. Today I rinsed his ears with two drops of vinegar/water mixed 50/50. I then put two more drops of Ear Miticde in each ear. He is sleeping all of the time and when he does get up he wobbles. I am really worried about him. Can someone PLEASE tell me if this is normal?

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EC: This website says to call your vet or local Animal Poison Control if you experience side effects from this product: http://www.drugs.com/vet/ear-miticide.html

REPLY         

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Linda (New Caney, TX) on 07/11/2008:

To treat ear mites in dogs I have very successfully used injectable Ivomec. Using a 1cc syringe, without a needle, you administer .25 for each ear. Ivomec can be found at feed stores, such as Tractor Supply. A bottle might cost $30 but last a real long time and can be shared with friends. Ivomec can also be used to prevent heartworms. I do have a chart if anyone wants it.

REPLY   11      

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Merit (Phoenix, Arizona) on 05/15/2008:

Warning

I used too much lanolin-based ear miticide (Zema) in my cat's ear. He continues to shake, now 12 hours after treatment. I know I have used rubbing alcohol to get water out of my ears. Can I use that on him to try to draw out the extra Miticide in the inner ear?

REPLY         

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Stella (USA) on 04/19/2008:

re: Feline Mite Remedies. My feline had a scary seizure type reaction from a single dose of Revolution. I will never use it again. It is not worth losing my friend over, especially when there are safer methods for prevention and eradication.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   4      

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Samantha (Sarasota, FL) on 04/19/2008:

Well yesterday my cats ear swelled up. She had been lying around for about 2-3 days. Kind of depressed. For a small time before that every so often she would scratch her ears. Im in my early 20's and this is my first cat. Though its like she had always been there. Anyway, so yesterday her left ear swelled up . I called a emergency vet because it happened to be later on the weekend. But I really couldn't afford a emergency vet visit. So I went to the store and I bought Hartz Guard w/ Aloe. But first I put a small amount of Hydrogen Peroxide in a dropper to clean out the ear wax (which the mites feed off of.) So I put the peroxide in her ears and massaged it and then used a cotton ball. The cotton ball thing is alot more difficult then it sounds!! After administering that I gave her some time because if anybody has ever had peroxide in their ears you know it starts crackling as it eats the ear wax. Then I put one drop of the Hartz on the outer part and 5 drops on the inner, because she is a runt and under 15 pounds. It tells you on the back how much based on their weight. But it is a pesticide so I advise against putting too much in the ear. Well that was last night so we went to bed and this morning she's not 100% but she's up running around holding her head up. She seems happy again. Now I know what I need to do and how frequently. Please don't be as ignorant as I was to let it get that bad. We all love our kitties or we wouldn't be here. I got the idea for the peroxide off of this site. Because it was so late I had to go to Wal-Mart and all they had was the Hartz and no cleaning solution I needed something so thanks!

REPLY   1      

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Tim (Winters, California) on 04/16/2008:

While trying to find out more about tea-tree oil's medicinal applications, I came upon the threads on Earth Clinic about ear infections in pet animals. I was disturbed and alarmed by the degree of inaccurate and incorrect information I encountered. Particularly of concern were the readers' comments soliciting unapproved and off-label uses of unknown parasite control products, especially in exotics.

A basic issue is the prevalence of ear mites. While very common in cats, it is virtually nonexistent in dogs under most circumstances. The people posting comments about the pros and cons of various treatment protocols for ear mites in dogs are most likely not even dealing with mites. And treating ear mites in cats these days is extremely simple and not worthy of prolonged discussion; a one-time (two at most) application of feline Revolution or Advantage Multi for cats should eliminate the pests. While a good product for flea control, Frontline is probably completely ineffective against mites.

I would recommend that this site be refereed by a competent veterinarian who embraces integrated (Eastern and Western) responsible practice.

Respectfully,

Tim Krasnansky DVM

Berryessa Veterinary Services
Winters, CA 95694
(530) 795-6090
BerryessaVet.com

REPLY   3      

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Lisa (In The Country, Massachusetts) on 02/26/2008:

Ear Mite Remedy - Perfection. Here is one I heard from a vet....who also admitted they will never tell you this in the office since it will cause them to lose out on some profit. This worked for my male adult cat who would never let me near his head - ever. Take the flea and tick medication (I cannot for the life of me remember which brand I used) and put one drop and one drop only in each ear. I did this for my cat, literally all I did was put one drop in each ear, no rubbing, no rinsing, nothing. The ear mites disappeared, never came back again, and he was a brand new cat that just loved attention! Give a try and see for yourself!

REPLY         

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Mike (Charlotte, NC) on 04/15/2007:

after an extensive search i found milbemite for dogs. haven't had an opportunity to try it yet it but should have been spelled w/ an E instead of an O. good luck.

REPLY         

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Deb (New Orleans, LA) on 02/27/2007:

I managed a veterinary hospital for 6 years. The only truly effective and safe method of ridding your pet of mites is "Milbo-Mite". It is a one time treatment and they don't come back. All my cats are free of mites... dogs too! Don't balk at the price. If you think of all the money you waste on things that don't work and the discomfort it causes your pet, it's worth it's price and then some!

REPLY         

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Eva Diaz (Albuquerque) on 02/21/2017:

I have a cat refuge... the ear mites are constant. I do not believe in Vets or M.Ds.. they kill too many things... I am a naturopath... and it works. My main medicines are apple cider vinegar (rubbed on the body it stops congestion.. around the neck and in the ears and on the ruff... dilute to 1/2 with distilled water). You can also put some on their paws or drops on gums and into ears. IT IS A MUST FOR MOST THINGS. I also used Aloe Vera in their ears to help heal.

PRIMARILY, I USE 500 PPM COLLOIDAL SILVER... (a teaspoon in their gallon water. I clean with Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) and vinegar.

NEVER USE CHLORINE!

READ AND RESEARCH WHAT ALL THESE THINGS DO! Make an ear wash with a dropper of colloidal silver in chamomile and green teas (1 glass) and use it to wash their ears out. Then you can use the ACV to kill mites... just make sure that infection is killed with CS and that the ears are not inflamed. Use Aloe Vera to put in ears to heal and sooth. I work everyday with one cat or five.

The other thing I use is sulpher in oil to kill mites. Mix an organic cat vitamin and mineral supplement in foods (powder). MAKE SURE THEY GET PURE NON-POLLUTED WATER OFTEN FOR OXYGEN AND HEALTH. THE Apple Cider Vinegar and CS will not harm it. Watch your animals. Get a book on using herbs etc., on yourself and animals.

Live with the EARTH and the Sun and Moon. I am Native American.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   13      

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John Cole (Saipan) on 11/27/2015:

I previously told you about weeks of misery from cat ear mites being gone in 24 hours. That was true.

Tommy, a small tiger-looking cat who conned me into taking him in, here in Saipan (my original four cats came with me from Japan), had been suffering for weeks from what was obviously ear mites according to my knowledge. The first squirt of "baby oil", consisting of mineral oil and "olive oil essence" with a very minimal odor, stopped the severely lowered ear position, head shaking, and scratching very quickly.

Three or four days later, those signs starting popping up again, slightly, so I gave one more squirt in each ear. Again, very helpful. Then five or six days later, a lower level of those same signs, so I just gave one squirt in each ear.

I think this is the same treatment a vet might charge $50 for. Depending on the severity of the infestation and your cat's overall health, diet, and freedom to exercise and get sunshine, you might need to treat with mineral oil more than once, up to perhaps five or six times, to get complete resolution.

I took Tommy's brother, Toby, to the vet several weeks ago for the same condition. Although I avoided examining the bill for details ( "anger management" ), I suspect I paid $40 to $60 for a squirt of mineral oil in each ear.

It's not a magic cure, but the best thing I have found for ear mites so far.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   2      

---

John Cole (Saipan) on 11/19/2015:

Warning

Read the label on Revolution, for cats, about mites. Does it not say something like "for the treatment and control of ear mites"? Not cure, eradication, not resolution... Besides, do you want a systemic pesticide circulating through your kitty when there are no long-term studies on safety? (My guess is that long-term, it'll shorten your cat's life.)

I tried an old-school (maybe organophosphate type) ear-drop miticide on my cats. Not only did it not get rid of the mites, but it caused severe inflammation and open sores that took weeks to heal.

Mineral oil worked FAR, FAR best for my cats.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   2      

---

Julie (khia) Mersch (Kerman, California) on 01/12/2015:

Thank you SO much for that very thorough sharing of gentle and effective ways to help our cat friends. Actually, I appreciate everyone who took the time to share their experiences. My cat protested so vigorously and got so long-term mad at me when I used vet recommended drops for mites ("apply daily for 6 weeks") that I gave up after the first few days. In time things got so bad I felt like an unfit care-giver. I wanted to do something, but not even start until I felt it would help and not harm, while being effective enough to be worth whatever protests/rejection my cats might dish out. Everyone's sharing has been helpful, but your post in particular has reassured me considerably. I'm ready for the campaign now. Again, thank you.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   2      

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Ebeth (Abernathy, Usa) on 06/30/2011:

Our cat had been diagnosed with Ear mites so we started treating him Pyrethrins as Vet prescribed. So the next morning I squirted some Pyrethrins on both ears he didnt liked it at all, as the Vet directions just " squirt it into his ears". He got soo sick since then, didnt want to eat, he wobbles and vomiting, when I let him outside the wind blows and he just fell into the ground. So I stopped the medication immediately and decided to let him get well first before I would do anything. After 3 days he is well and eating and not wobbling anymore, I just feed him as long as he wanted to eat so he can have his strenght back.

Anyway, I didn't use that Pyrethrins again, I know there is someone here in the board saying that Pyrethins is from crysanthemums and it is not a chemical , I know that too cos I read the ingredients after my cat got sick. Not all Natural remedy are good for every cat, or chemical/pesticide in that matter. Just like us people some medicine may work for you but not to everyone.

I started using coconut oil after I read a lot of remedies here, Im using VCO and he likes it when I massage his ears, but after 5 days I decided to switch to hand sanitizers cos seems like I didn't really see a big difference using coconut oil (i know it will take time) but I want him to feel better sooner. So far I see some improvements, he is more happy and alert and playful and dont shake his head often but probably a couple of time in a day. So I will continue to use Hand sanitizer and see what happens its been 3 days since I started using it.

Thank you so much for this very helpful message board.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY         

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K (Mason, WV) on 05/29/2009:

I would just like to say that I have a cat and have taken him to the vet several times for ear mites which cost me $65.00 per visit. I have also bought my medidcation from the vet at $12.00 a bottle and have given it to my cat faithfully. My cat still has the ear mites after over a year and suffers terribly from this he has no skin on the backs of his ears where he has dug them so much so at this point I am willing to try anything to get my cat some relief. Hopefully this will work.

REPLY   2      

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Donna (Savannah, GA USA) on 11/08/2008:

My kitten has ear mites (I think) and I put Ear Miticide in his ear last night. It didn't seem to do anything but irritate his ears worse to where he shook his head and scratched at his ears more than before. Today I rinsed his ears with two drops of vinegar/water mixed 50/50. I then put two more drops of Ear Miticde in each ear. He is sleeping all of the time and when he does get up he wobbles. I am really worried about him. Can someone PLEASE tell me if this is normal?

---

EC: This website says to call your vet or local Animal Poison Control if you experience side effects from this product: http://www.drugs.com/vet/ear-miticide.html

REPLY         

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Linda (New Caney, TX) on 07/11/2008:

To treat ear mites in dogs I have very successfully used injectable Ivomec. Using a 1cc syringe, without a needle, you administer .25 for each ear. Ivomec can be found at feed stores, such as Tractor Supply. A bottle might cost $30 but last a real long time and can be shared with friends. Ivomec can also be used to prevent heartworms. I do have a chart if anyone wants it.

REPLY   11      

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Merit (Phoenix, Arizona) on 05/15/2008:

Warning

I used too much lanolin-based ear miticide (Zema) in my cat's ear. He continues to shake, now 12 hours after treatment. I know I have used rubbing alcohol to get water out of my ears. Can I use that on him to try to draw out the extra Miticide in the inner ear?

REPLY         

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Stella (USA) on 04/19/2008:

re: Feline Mite Remedies. My feline had a scary seizure type reaction from a single dose of Revolution. I will never use it again. It is not worth losing my friend over, especially when there are safer methods for prevention and eradication.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   4      

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Samantha (Sarasota, FL) on 04/19/2008:

Well yesterday my cats ear swelled up. She had been lying around for about 2-3 days. Kind of depressed. For a small time before that every so often she would scratch her ears. Im in my early 20's and this is my first cat. Though its like she had always been there. Anyway, so yesterday her left ear swelled up . I called a emergency vet because it happened to be later on the weekend. But I really couldn't afford a emergency vet visit. So I went to the store and I bought Hartz Guard w/ Aloe. But first I put a small amount of Hydrogen Peroxide in a dropper to clean out the ear wax (which the mites feed off of.) So I put the peroxide in her ears and massaged it and then used a cotton ball. The cotton ball thing is alot more difficult then it sounds!! After administering that I gave her some time because if anybody has ever had peroxide in their ears you know it starts crackling as it eats the ear wax. Then I put one drop of the Hartz on the outer part and 5 drops on the inner, because she is a runt and under 15 pounds. It tells you on the back how much based on their weight. But it is a pesticide so I advise against putting too much in the ear. Well that was last night so we went to bed and this morning she's not 100% but she's up running around holding her head up. She seems happy again. Now I know what I need to do and how frequently. Please don't be as ignorant as I was to let it get that bad. We all love our kitties or we wouldn't be here. I got the idea for the peroxide off of this site. Because it was so late I had to go to Wal-Mart and all they had was the Hartz and no cleaning solution I needed something so thanks!

REPLY   1      

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Tim (Winters, California) on 04/16/2008:

While trying to find out more about tea-tree oil's medicinal applications, I came upon the threads on Earth Clinic about ear infections in pet animals. I was disturbed and alarmed by the degree of inaccurate and incorrect information I encountered. Particularly of concern were the readers' comments soliciting unapproved and off-label uses of unknown parasite control products, especially in exotics.

A basic issue is the prevalence of ear mites. While very common in cats, it is virtually nonexistent in dogs under most circumstances. The people posting comments about the pros and cons of various treatment protocols for ear mites in dogs are most likely not even dealing with mites. And treating ear mites in cats these days is extremely simple and not worthy of prolonged discussion; a one-time (two at most) application of feline Revolution or Advantage Multi for cats should eliminate the pests. While a good product for flea control, Frontline is probably completely ineffective against mites.

I would recommend that this site be refereed by a competent veterinarian who embraces integrated (Eastern and Western) responsible practice.

Respectfully,

Tim Krasnansky DVM

Berryessa Veterinary Services
Winters, CA 95694
(530) 795-6090
BerryessaVet.com

REPLY   3      

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Lisa (In The Country, Massachusetts) on 02/26/2008:

Ear Mite Remedy - Perfection. Here is one I heard from a vet....who also admitted they will never tell you this in the office since it will cause them to lose out on some profit. This worked for my male adult cat who would never let me near his head - ever. Take the flea and tick medication (I cannot for the life of me remember which brand I used) and put one drop and one drop only in each ear. I did this for my cat, literally all I did was put one drop in each ear, no rubbing, no rinsing, nothing. The ear mites disappeared, never came back again, and he was a brand new cat that just loved attention! Give a try and see for yourself!

REPLY         

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Mike (Charlotte, NC) on 04/15/2007:

after an extensive search i found milbemite for dogs. haven't had an opportunity to try it yet it but should have been spelled w/ an E instead of an O. good luck.

REPLY         

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Deb (New Orleans, LA) on 02/27/2007:

I managed a veterinary hospital for 6 years. The only truly effective and safe method of ridding your pet of mites is "Milbo-Mite". It is a one time treatment and they don't come back. All my cats are free of mites... dogs too! Don't balk at the price. If you think of all the money you waste on things that don't work and the discomfort it causes your pet, it's worth it's price and then some!

REPLY