Ear Issues in Cats: Natural Pet Remedies

| Modified on Oct 12, 2023
Those big, sweet ears on our cats were bound to catch more than the sound of scampering mice. Cats are prone to ear issues that include ear mites, hematoma of blood vessels in the ear tissue, yeast and fungal infection, ear infections, bacterial infection, and even allergies. Fortunately, some natural pet remedies can clean up your cat's ear problems safely and naturally!

Ear problems in cats should first be addressed or prevented with appropriate cat ear care. Perform a weekly exam of your cat's inner and outer ears, looking for redness, parasites, and other markers. When necessary, wet a bit of cotton with an appropriate ear cleaner (your vet can supply, or try simple olive oil or mineral oil) and wipe at the outer ear. Don't put anything into the inner ear. Just as with people, that can hurt! Regular cleaning can prevent cat ear infections, reduce allergens, and kill off yeast or fungi.

Ear mites in cats are also a common problem for pet owners. We have other cat remedies on our Natural Remedies for Ear Mites page, but consider cleaning with mineral oil and looking into Ted's Mange Remedy.

Cure Ear Problems in Cats with Home Remedies!

Common home remedies for cat ear care include apple cider vinegar as a topical application that works as an anti-bacterial, anti-yeast, and general antibiotic. You should dilute the apple cider vinegar with equal parts water before rubbing the mixture into the affected part of your cat's ear. It can be an effective cleanser when your cat gets ear wounds from fighting with other cats, though it stings a bit.




Aloe Vera

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Nimueh (Phoenix, Arizona USA) on 04/26/2007
★★★★★

I haven't tried the Aloe or the hand sanitizer yet, but may try. Called vet, asked about Milbemite. Vet offered Acarexx; said same thing. I got it at $15 per cat (6 cats). Vet also had me continue the Revolution (about $8 online, per cat) but vet said - as I had read online but the vet didn't tell me this earlier - administer every 2 weeks (not monthly) during this, along with the Acarexx. Plus, expect to administer for another interim after this 2 weeks.

Don't know if the desert mites here are super-bad, or what. But this seems like a lot of treatment. I agree it seems to be needed. I hope others can solve more easily than I. Just letting you know what I have done. I appreciate the sharing, the support, the idea to find this vet solution - which I didn't hear from the vet...! I will check back. Much appreciation.

Replied by Karen
(Jasper, Georgia)
01/28/2017

My cat has been to 3 vets and he has been on 3 yeast topicals. Ears have been xrayed and inner ears looked at. They can't find anything wrong. $500 later they want to send me to a specialist.


Apple Cider Vinegar

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Black Magic (Middletown) on 08/04/2014

I need to know how much apple cider vinegar to apply onto Magic or into Magic's right ear. He is one years old. An all black cat, I saw that his ear was red and bleeding a little from infection. I had rolled a q tip and thats how I knew it was or is infected HELP!!! I have read the positives of apple cider vinegar, I will go out and get some NOW!!! But how do I apply it?!!!

Replied by Om
(Hope, Bc Canada)
08/05/2014

Hi, Black Magic from Middletown ---

You can try that but keep in mind that garlic cloves, mascerated in olive oil will help very well and speedily with ear infections. My dog had a long standing issue with his ear before rescue which healed really well after applying warm oil from the mascerated garlic for three days once a time. He does not cry anymore or shake his head. For the blood in the ear you could put a small quantity of turmeric into the ear; it will be very beneficial.

If there is pus which you can tell by inserting carefully a qu-tip then there is a wonderful, cheap homeopathic remedy. It is called HEPAR SULPHURIS 30C. You dissolve three small pills in a small quantity of water and using a syringe put it sideways into the mouth behind the front incisor. You follow up, if there is puss, three times with one to two hours interval and possibly one more time at night. The next morning check again if there is puss. I applied this once more next day and that was it. The puss was gone and ears are fine. This saves you using antibiotics which most of the time do not work according to some homeopathic doctors' opinion.

You can order or purchase from health food store . All the best with your black kitty.

Namaste, Om

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
08/05/2014

Hey Black Magic!

I DITTO Om's advice on the use of oil to treat your cat's raw and bleeding ear. Using ACV at this point will make it sting and cause more trauma. Wait until the raw skin heals over before using ACV in the ear please!

Replied by Mc
(FL, US)
09/02/2014

I have a new kitty, Galaxy, that I took to the vet and the vet treated him with Milbiemite for ear mites. A week later he is scratching his outside ear to the point of bleeding and scabbing over.

I called the vet and asked what was next and if I could just pick up the medicine and treat him at home. (Galaxy was so traumatized by the first trip to the vet that he pooped diarrhea three times! ) The vet told me that the ear mites had to be dead with the Milbiemite treatment and the Revolution treatment that he had given Galaxy.

The vet sent home cleansing solution and an antibiotic gel. I treated Galaxy's ears with both of these once which resulted in him pooping diarrhea again all throughout the house. (Galaxy frantically wiggles free any time you try to pick him up or hold him! )

I saw the post here about HEPAR SULPHURIS 30C. I can't see in the ears to say for sure that there is pus but one ear is very "liquid" sounding when I rub the base of his ear.

Given the exteme trauma that Galaxy goes through with any type of restraint I ground up the pellets and put them in the juice from one of his favorite foods. I treated him 3 times the first day and then 8 times the next day at 2-hour intervals. So far there is no difference in the "liquid" sound when I rub the base of his ear.

My questions are - 1. Should the HEPAR SULPHURIS still be effective when administered this way? (I am trying to minimize the trauma for this guy and he more than willingly laps up the crushed pellets when in his favorite wet food juice.)

2. Is there any other homeopathic to use if the HEPAR SULPHURIS doesn't work? (Calcarea Sulphurica 30C was suggested by the Vitamin Shoppe guy.)

My goal here is to miminize Galaxy's trauma by finding a treatment that I can put in his wet food.

Ems56rn
(New York)
09/03/2020

Homeopathic remedies should NEVER be mixed w food or drink (except water). ALSO- IT MUST BE GIVEN IN BETWEEN MEALS (at least a half hour before or after food). The remedies are so diluted, it is their energy (for better lack of explanation) that stimulates the body to respond. I use these remedies on myself, my family & my cats.

Shake the remedies if they are in their bottle or tube. DO NOT TOUCH THEM WITH YOUR FINGERS. Carefully shake out 2 or 3 (depends on the size) into a clean class with a small amount of water (a tablespoon or two works well). Let it dissolve, then use a clean eyedropper to transfer the droplets of water to the cats mouth. As long as the water touches the inside of the mouth(musosal membrane of the cheeks or top & bottem), it will work. They will swallow it which is fine.

It can work quickly...can be used 2- 3 times a day if the symptoms are acute. If the remedy is one that works for the cat- you should see results after 24 hours.

Research Homeopathy Remedieson a search engine like Duck duck go- to get better results to get a better understanding of the whys & hows. Good luck!

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
09/03/2014

Hey MC!

My answers are:

1. Should the HEPAR SULPHURIS still be effective when administered this way? (I am trying to minimize the trauma for this guy and he more than willingly laps up the crushed pellets when in his favorite wet food juice.)

NO. Homeopathic pills should not be handled with bare fingers, but should be crushed in an envelope and then the dust tipped into your cat's mouth. Mixing them in canned food may actually neutralize the remedy depending on the ingredients in the canned food.

2. Is there any other homeopathic to use if the HEPAR SULPHURIS doesn't work? (Calcarea Sulphurica 30C was suggested by the Vitamin Shoppe guy.)

MAYBE. I did not see the two you mention actually applying to the condition you are treating, but I am not super versed with those remedies. You might consider searching the Elixers.com site for additional ideas for homeopathic remedies to use.

3. My goal here is to miminize Galaxy's trauma by finding a treatment that I can put in his wet food.

Consider ACV in the food if you cannot handle your cat without undue trauma. Use the good stuff, the raw, organic, 'with the mother'/live cultures and use 1 part ACV to 10 parts water.

I have to say that it may be worth your while to handle your cat a few more times. His ears need to be flushed of debris from the mites; remedies inserted into the ear canal may be the most effective approach to healing the ears. Additionally you might consider his diet, allergies or an underlying yeast condition may be the source of the continued ear issues after the mites were resolved. Read the food label and consider switching brands if you find the diet is grain or plant based.

Replied by Mc
(Florida, US)
09/05/2014

Thanks for the feedback.

I have tracked down a holistic vet to take Galaxy to. With the previous post saying that antibiotics in the ear aren't effective I am going to wait until I see the holistic vet to know what to treat his ears with.

Also I think you are spot on with the allergy idea.

Replied by Diana
(Port St Joe, Florida)
10/19/2015

My cat has had an ear infection that has driven her nuts. Unable to afford a vet visit right now, I told my vet the symptoms and he suggested half water and half vinegar solution in her ear canal (1 cc) which I did several days and infection much better. I'd asked him if it mattered what type of vinegar and he didn't think it did. I have white vinegar at home so have been using that, wondering if apple cider vinegar wouldn't be better to use. Then I found this site and it sounds like apple cider vinegar is what I should be using. Does anyone know? And should I also mix some in with her canned food to totally rid her of infection? How much is safe for her to ingest? If anyone has answers/thoughts on these questions I would be very grateful. My cat's name is Star Walker. Thanks!

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
10/20/2015

Hey Diana!

I use the white vinegar for both cleaning/laundry and topically medicinally - so using white vinegar in the ears IMHO is just fine.

Now for taking internally/internal medicine then you want the organic, raw, unpasteurized and unfilitered apple cider vinegar. And while you can find the organic unfiltered ACV it is often pasteurized so read the label and only use the RAW ACV for putting in your cat's food.

As you likely know it can be tricky to get a cat to take a remedy. What I do is get a can of tuna and add 2-3 tablespoons of the ACV and mix it well. You can take out just a few spoons of the tuna and mix in ACV also, but you will have to fudge how much ACV per how much food you spoon out if not using the whole can.

Replied by Brandi
(Glenburn, Maine)
05/24/2016

I was reading about using apple cider vinegar for ear infections in cats. What would happen if white vinegar was used instead or is there something specific about apple cider vinegar that makes it the only vinegar to use?? I have a cat with a bad ear infection & I ran out of the drops I was using so until I can find a ride into town, I only have white vinegar here. Immediate responses are greatly anticipated & appreciated as this is a time sensitive situation. Thank you.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
05/24/2016

White vinegar is sometimes used instead of apple cider vinegar, especially for topical applications. Just dilute it first. (1/2 vinegar, 1/2 water) If skin in the ear is broken, dilute it a lot. (1 Tablespoon, vinegar 1/2 cup water.)

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
05/24/2016

Hey Brandi,

If you cat has a *bad* ear infection you might consider starting with garlic infused olive oil [search EC pages for directions] as vinegar in any form will sting like the dickens.

Replied by Jess
(Rochester, Ny)
07/23/2016

If your cat has an infection and has bloody discharge from the ear, please do not try to treat it with apple cider vinegar. Call your cat's vet for treatment options.

Replied by Michaela
(Lavergne, Tennessee)
10/21/2016

My kitten AnaMae is about 3-4 months old. She has been crying a lot and digging in her ears. Would this remedie work on her? If so about how much would I use and for how long. I hate to see her cry in pain all the time... Please help!

Replied by Mary
(Oregon)
11/10/2016

I want to try the white vinegar water 1/2 and 1/2 but no one says how many times a day or how long? I have already been to the vet and he did exam and gave me antibiotics for her ( twice) did not work. He said there were no mites and was ear infection. Well the was $150.00 and still she had same problem, Then I tried hydrogen peroxide, she was better till evening time then started shaking head again, did the same thing this a.m., but don't think it is working either, PLEASE if anyone knows what to do let me know, am out of money, as I live on $9,000.00 a yr. Thank you, mary a.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
11/11/2016

Hey Mary!

It sounds as if your cat has chronic ear infections - you might try to get to the root of why your cat has these infections. The first thing to look at is diet, so read the ingredients on the cat food bag. If you see corn or grains in the first 10 ingredients it is time to upgrade the groceries as a corn or grain based diet has been linked to causing skin and ear infections in our pets.

You can use a vinegar solution to clean ears that are NOT infected, but if your cat has an infection with sore ears that are scratched raw, you would be better using garlic infused olive oil several times a day until the ears are healed and then you can use the vinegar solution to clean them. Vinegar in sore ears stings so make sure they are not sore and raw if you use vinegar.

One product that I do buy online that I strongly recommend for ear problems in pets is Zymox Otic Hcl - it has enzymes that digest bacteria and yeast and also some steroid to help with inflammation and pain -worth buying even on a tight budget.

Good luck and please report back!

Replied by Delores
(Tennessee)
02/17/2017

For cats with ear or respiratory problems - check the humidity levels in your home.

Replied by Maureen
(Elkhart, Iowa)
03/04/2017

For infections on broken skin, ringworm or pinkeye, use 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in one cup of distilled or spring water. Apply this solution to the infection twice a day.

For ear infections, mix 1/2 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar with 1/2 tablespoon rubbing alcohol. Drop a few drops into each ear twice a day. If ears are "gunky" use the solution on a cotton ball to wipe out the visible part of the ear.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jibit (Ky) on 09/03/2013
★★★★★

My 10 year-old cat had yellow pus in his ear that led to him shaking his head and turning his head sideways. I treated him with organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother). I used a syringe to administer 1/2 ml of the ACV in his ear. He shook his head and talked to me right after I administered the ACV. He wasn't thrilled about having it placed in his ear, but within two days he stopped tilting his ear and the pus completely disappeared within 3 days. I continued to administer the ACV to his ear for a week and a half to make sure the infection stayed away. A lady I know did the same thing for her dog who was tilting his head and had pus in his ear. She said her dog is doing much better after just two administrations of the ACV. I'm not sure how much ACV she used on him. Her dog is about 45 pounds.

EC:

Warning!

Please exercise caution with this remedy. Apple cider vinegar applied straight can burn and cause terrible pain to a pet. It must always be well diluted in water when applied topically -- at least 50% Water to 50% ACV.


Ear Issues

Posted by Trese (San Diego Area, Ca) on 11/15/2012

My boy kitty has lots of dark brown or blackish goop in his ears, and as much as I clean them, it's not decreasing. He's not scratching them, and I don't see any signs of rawness or inflammation. He has a weird smell and i'm not sure where that's coming from (though I can wiff it, my nose is not sensitive enough to specify).

I've used a tincture dropper to put peroxide in his ears in the evening. Sometimes following with olive oil. I have also used a diluted mix of baking soda and a few drops of tea tree oil (though I read somebody's post that tea tree oil is poison for cats. Is it?). A few times I used vinegar which has had garlic steeping in it. And I use q-tips carefully to wipe out gunk. Though he will only tolerate so much at a time, so I can never get it all at once. Though of course I won't go down the ear canal, which seems to be completely clotted up with gunk! But by the next evening, there's always just as much gunk in his ears again, as if I hadn't done anything!

I just picked up the boy a few weeks ago, to be a companion for my 7mo-old gal kitty, from an individual who got him as a rescue - neutered, shots and dewormed (though he's had gas, a few rounds of diarrea, and what seems to me to be a bit of a belly, though otherwise appears healthy with lots of feisty energy, a healthy appetite, and I have not yet seen any worms. ). They guessed he was 6mo-old.

Oh, and about his ears, the rescue paper says: "ivermectin(?) in ears repeat in 2 wks". Or that's what the sloppy handwriting looks like anyways. What does that treat? Maybe it's a clue to what it is.

My girl's ears are fine so far, so hopefully it's not something she can easily get from him. They are outdoors during the day, and in the bathroom at night. I haven't detected any fleas at all, in the 4-5 months that i've had my gal.

Any suggestions to what this could be, and how else to treat it?

The food that came with him is good quality, no wheat/corn/soy, artificial stuff, or by-products. But it is kitten food and contains colostrum, and 10% more protein than what I give my girl. Could that be causing his gas and bit-of-belly? I also supplement them with a few spoons of sardines or makerel, sometimes plain kefir, a bit of raw ground turkey a few times a week, and she loves a bit of avocado or raw egg occasionally. Any comments on those?

Thanks! I cannot afford a vet right at this moment, and my immediate area doesn't have much for options anyways, unless I drive out of town. I wouldn't have had the first kitty for this reason, except that a friend pleaded with me that she needed a home right away.

Replied by Om
(Hope, Canada, B.c.)
01/22/2013

Your baby has parasites - worms cannot always be seen. They damage body organs especially the lungs. Get him dewormed and give him natural meds to raise his immune system. The gunky ears indicate toxins in the body which leave via the orifices of the body. Gas and distended abdomen men worms and they can kill a cat. All the best OS

Replied by Regina
(Bloomington, In)
08/20/2015

I took my cats to the vet several times to the extent that of allergy injections that took the life of one.! I keep insisting they did not have fleas they never touch the ground. But I always cleaned their ears before their apppointment the stuff on the Q tip was dark and always came back! The vet told me that cats eat 90% of the fleas on them and the dark stuff is flea feces .I wish I had known that info before all the meds and injection I might still have my Baby Blue. Now I wet the white sink and shake something that they lay on if anything turns red it is flea poop!

Replied by Melinda
(Graysville)
08/17/2016

Does the apple cider vinegar have to be organic?

Replied by Suseeq
(Sydney Australia)
08/18/2016

Melinda, acv organic with the mother is the best.

Replied by Rockel
(Us)
09/12/2016

I can only speak for my cats experience here. She has had this recurring black junk in her ears and I have finally had it diagnosed as a yeast infection that flares up every time she has seasonal allergies or eats poultry/grains/artificial dyes. Her skin also gets very itchy and bumpy and she sneezed and sniffles a LOT. Black stuff in the ears CAN indicate ear mites, but this is not the case for my Nelly cat. I had her tested for them and it is in fact yeast. I am going to experiment with using the diluted ACV 50/50 solution in her ears and then *try* it in her food. Though she is so darn picky I cant get her to eat a lot of things. I have narrowed her food down to eating fish only Earthborn Holistic's wet food and give her 250 mg of powdered lysine a day and a light sprinkling of organic nutritional yeast mixed in (extra b-vitamins and tastes like cheese. Vegans often supplement with this). This is NOT the kind of yeast you need to worry about affecting candida or yeast infections. She also gets Taste of the Wild Canyon River with Trout and Smoked Salmon Dry Cat Food for snacks. It is comparatively cheap and made with filtered water and added vitamins. Both brands are good quality. I have had a very hard time finding relatively inexpensive cat food without poultry in them but after much frustration this is what I have found that works. I also use dust free litter made from walnut shells as her skin is soooo sensitive :-( Hope this can help you in any way if you find it is not parasites.

Melissa
(Maine)
02/26/2021

Hello, I came across this site looking for help with my oldest cat Chloe. She has a chronic yeast infection in both ears. I've tried the 4 types of zymox. The latest most expensive type seemed to have helped but evidently it's come back.

Now she's sneezing like crazy and she scratches so much her left ear bleeds. Her crying when she scratches just kills me. I'm disabled and live on $900 a month so going to the vet is not a really viable option. I can't or won't do the Apple Cider Vinegar option..that would sting too much. At this point I think I'm going to have to bring her to get a steroid shot and maybe antibiotics. The zymox plus I'm using does have hydrocortisone in it but..i don't know..im at a loss but if there's any advice or remedy, I would be really grateful. I'm so glad these forums exist. It's always nice to have alternatives to mainstream medicine. Peace. ~Melissa

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
09/12/2016

Hello Rockel,

I happened to notice this post about your Nelly cat. You might want to try Zymox Otic for her yeasty ears. You can buy it online, and I find it very effective on yeasty ears and it does not sting or make the itching worse during treatment. If the ACV solution is not effective on Nelly, do try the Zymox.

Replied by Rockel
(Us)
09/18/2016

Thanks Theresa!

I think the ACV is helping a lot. I`ve been putting a capful in her wet food and putting a few drops of 50/50 filtered water/Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with "the Mother" in her ears (though she just hates it! But I don't see any rawness so I don`t *think* it is painful-just annoying) Nelly is now seeming a lot less itchy and her ears are looking better! If I cant completely get rid of the goop, I`ll definitely try the Zymox!

PS, do you (or anyone reading this) have any tips for getting rid of an ear polyp besides steroids or surgery to get rid of it?? That's her sister's main issue :-(

Replied by Rox
(Baltimore)
02/19/2018

Has anyone ever had issues after using olive oil infused with garlic? I have been using it for three days as we suspect a infection in my cat's left ear, but on the fourth day we noticed the ear feels a bit hot and is more red than the other. My guess is that by mistake I might have put too much garlic in the oil and maybe that irritated his skin? Has anyone encountered that? Also, foolish me, on the last day of doing this treatment I wiped a bit with diluted apple cider vinegar and then cleaned with the oil, so I possible leaf to this irritation... any suggestions?

Kathy
(Nj)
06/24/2018

Don't use the garlic. Just don't use the garlic, you will see the difference.

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
02/20/2018

Hey Rox,

It is possible the remedy is simply not the right remedy for your cat's ear infection. You might consider the Arcane ear formula: https://www.earthclinic.com/arcane-solution-ear-infection-dogs.html

Flower's Mom
(Pueblo of Acoma, NM)
02/28/2021

Hi Michele,

So sorry to hear of your cat's ear issues. About a year ago, my dog, Molly, developed a severe yeast infection in her ear and I treated it with the following. 4 oz. witch hazel, 1 Tbsp. borax, 1 Tbsp. hydrogen peroxide and 1 Tbsp. colloidal silver. I mixed all of the above together and generously applied it with a cotton ball to the inside of her ear several times a day. I hope that helps and please keep in touch as to her progress.

God bless, Flower's Mom


Ear Mites

Posted by Nia (Nyc, Ny) on 09/19/2011

I have a feral and have done TONS of research. My feral has a damaged or "collapsed" ear due to the earmites that typically infest the ears of ferals and only get worse the longer they go untreated. My cat is the posterchild for a feral cat with his crumpled left ear; yet, he doesn't suffer from earmites anymore but, needs to have his ears cleaned at least once a week. Food grade oils like coconut or olive massaged into the ears do nicely. God bless:)


Ear Mites
Posted by Nimueh (Phoenix, Arizona) on 03/28/2007

Diatomeceaous Earth/Cat Ear Mites: One writer refers to Milbo-Mite. I wm interested but cannot find it on the web with just that name. Please advise, if possible. Thank you!


Fungal Ear Infection Remedies

Posted by Stephanie (Long Valley, Nj) on 10/13/2021

My cat has a fungal ear infection. He has black waxy debris, and the vet told me last year he has a fungal ear infection, but he was acting fine, and I didn't have the money for the medicine, so she cleaned his ears. Now his ears are hurting him, and he is miserable, uncomfortable, scratching his ears, tilting his head, sleeping a lot, and doesn't want me to pet his head. I can't go to the vet because I am severely immune compromised, so I am hoping someone can suggest what medicine, and natural treatment for inside the ear, and oral medicine. If I give him antibiotics would that help a fungal infection or do antibiotics cause more fungus? He is 12yrs old and weighs 11 lbs. Indoor cat.

Replied by Jgny
(Thousand Islands)
10/14/2021

There's an ear powder called fresh ears, its the only thing that has helped our golden retriever's ear problems. You can search online for the product. And the jar lasts forever! And it's an all natural product!

Replied by Rob
(Kentucky)
10/16/2021

Povidone Iodine 10%. 2 drops used in the ears. Massage around the ear so it goes deep into the canal. This works on both humans and animals.

Hesperian Guidelines in Developing Countries are as follows:

Give antiseptic ear drops such as vinegar or povidone iodine (betadine).

For all ages: 2 drops in the ear, 2 times a day for 2 weeks, then give 2 drops in the ear, 1 time a day (before going to sleep), for several weeks or months til the issue is resolved.

Ruth
(NM)
10/11/2023

for cats, will white vinegar work? I ask because I used it to clear up my goopy swimmer's ear

Replied by Tammy
(South Carolina)
11/02/2021

I put Colloidal Silver and DMSO on the outside of my cats ears and on nape of neck.


Green Tea

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Kim (Missouri) on 08/27/2015
★★★★★

I am so happy I found this site. My kitten had been laying around for a few days just sleeping not her entergetic self and not eating. I did some research and discovered she had ear infection. So I wanted to find a home remedy instead of rushing her to vet. I came upon this site and found the green tea remedy using two tea bags in 8oz water after it was at right temperature to put in her ear I put 10 drops in her right ear rubbed it and let her shake it out. The next morning it was amazing she ate all her breakfast and is running around the house like her wild self. Thank you so much you are an amazing site.

EC: Right temperature would be warm, about body temperature, we assume?


Mineral Oil

4 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  75%
1 star (1) 
  25%

Posted by Donny (Hummelstown, Pennsylvania) on 02/09/2009
★★★★★

My wife and I have a 3 year old bull dog that has had a serious problem with earmites in the past year. The cheapest way that I have been told to cure earmites is with Fragrence free Baby Oil... This home remedy really does work with persistant use. I would recommend twice daily for 2 weeks. Apply liberally using an ear dropper or syringe, place 3-5 drops in ear and massage for 30 seconds, then clean the excess dirt and oil using cotton balls or Q-tips... USE CAUTION WITH Q-TIPS...

Replied by Scott Miller
(Fl, US)
07/28/2014

NEVER use Q-Tips inside a cat's ears!

Replied by Theresa
(Mpls., Mn)
07/29/2014

Hey Scott!

You can safely use Q-tips inside your cat's ears. The key is to never insert the Q-tip past where you can see. If you cannot see the end of the Q-tip, then you risk rupturing your pet's ear drum. So if you only use in areas that you can see, you can safely use Q-tips in your cat's ear.

Replied by Rachel
(Rhode Island)
03/10/2016
★☆☆☆☆

Do not use mineral oil! It leaches good nutrients out of the ear skin!

Replied by Tina
(West Virginia)
08/25/2016

This is absolutely untrue and has not a shred of factual basis! Mineral oil coats the ear and does not "take nutrients" from the skin! In fact many OTC remedies have mineral oil and or aloe as an important ingredient. And this goes for un-medicated solutions as well! Please take a moment to educate yourself on a topic before handing out wrong information that can quite possibly prevent a suffering pet some relief! Honestly....PLEASE know what you are talking about! It would make these self help advice forums much more accurate and useful if people like you did!


Mineral Oil
Posted by Mae (Elmo, Utah) on 12/30/2008
★★★★★

Thanks for the advice on checking for ear mite eggs around the fur around a cat's ears. My cat Taya has been diagnosed with ear mites and I've been treating her with mineral oil and I noticed that she had an infestation of eggs around the base of her ear. To say the least she got an impromptu bath and a radical assault of mineral oil squeezed into her ears with a bulbous syringe. No she wasn't happy about the impromtu bath or 'mom's' sudden zealous assault on her ears but she's feeling better and is sleeping peacefully on 'mom's'pillow. I'm also going to be instituting the ear mite med I got from walmart. Can anyone plz tell me if the adult mites die after laying eggs or do they continue living with their offspring making kitty's ears a living nightmare for some owners?

Replied by Rosy
(Orlando, Fl)
12/31/2008
★★★★★

Mineral Oil kills all mites in cats ears, so you shouldn't have to use the mite meds from Wallmart. Just add a small dropper full of oil in ears everyday until mites are gone.

Replied by Sylk
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
02/29/2012

Just wanted to comment: Be careful when treating your cat's ears. One of mine developed an aural hematoma, requiring draining and stitching. This may have been caused by rough handling of the ear, or too much scratching and shaking on his part. Gentle treatment only, please.

Replied by Robin
(Clovis, California)
01/27/2016

The hematomas happen from shaking their heads, I've had two dogs who had to have surgery for this problem.


Wounds

Posted by Alex (Cebu, Philippines) on 11/28/2009

Hi, I moved to the Philippines this year and have become father to a number of feral cats. The kittens are mostly tame now, but the feral parents are not, even though they love to be fed.

I have a question about the ears of one old male cat. Since I came in February of this year, he has been hanging around and eating fine. When I first saw him, his ears were bloody, as if in a bad fight. Well, it is 6 months later and at least one ear is half missing and a bloody stub. What can it be?

Replied by Diamond
(Salisbury, Ma.usa)
04/08/2011

Alex, from Cebu; The older cat with no ear may have had a fight over food etc. Or it could be frost bite, if it gets very cold there(?) is there any way you can make a small shelter for them? maybe wood boxes?a few tarps to cover the boxes or a make shift tent? just to keep them in out of the freezing cold and/or heat, some grass or mainly hay where it will keep them warm. When you feed the older cats just ignore them and eventually they will come to you, if you show them affection too soon they will run away, then all is lost. I guess they sot you out for a godly reason, it means you have a great heart, these are animals that once had homes and lost trust in their owners because of abandoment issues. If you can try to feed them rich foods if not give them whatever you can, then of course you will have these kitties for life as a friend(s). Good luck and I hope you keep us informed(?) god bless you

Replied by Corinne
(Summerfield, Florida, Usa)
09/04/2011

The problem could be related to flies and gnats. If attracted to a sore spot on the ear, they will continue biting and feeding on the area, making it bloody. Eventually this can result in the loss of the tip of the ear. If you can treat the animal with a fly/flea repellent, like pyrethrin, it will help. You can also use plain vaseline to protect the area and some medicated powder like Gold Bond. (Using the cheaper generic brands is fine. ) Remember not to use citronella products on cats.

Replied by Jujucats
(North East, Pa Usa)
09/10/2011

Diamond, he's from the Philippines--I'm sure frostbite is not the issue here. Also, feral cats exist without having once had a home--your assertion that they have abandonment issues may or may not be true-sadly, some cats are born feral and remain that way. Socializing the kittens from a very early age is a great idea and very effective; however, the adult ferals are just that: feral, wild. It's wonderful that you are feeding them-if you had a humane trap you could take them to a clinic to at least have them altered before returning them to the wild-as for the ears, he was in a fight the first time you saw a bloody ear and when he returned with part of his ear(s) missing and a bloody stub, it simply means he was in a fight again. It happens. The best you can do is continue to feed them, like I said-trap them if you can (go online to find trap-neuter-release programs, they often have traps available or can show you how to make one yourself)get them fixed and just enjoy their presence when they decide to bestow it upon you. Oh, and love their offspring. You have a good heart-thanks from one cat lover to another!

Replied by Diamond
(Salisbury, Usa)
11/01/2011

jujucat; Thank you for your imput. I do know about wild/feral cats, I have volunteered for rescue animals for many years, animals do have their own identities/personalities, therefore they do have psychological issues with humans. I don't feel that cats were once known to have never having a home(?) maybe some kittens were not but the mother's & male cats did, and as my mother taught me, so did the mother cat to their kittens of what a home was and what it meant in trusting our human friends. When a human gets a close caption of any animal only to find they are almost as human as we are, the only thing is they cannot do as we can and thats speak. Animal's integrity goes way beyond any one's understanding, maybe too far fetched to understand.

I found and raised many a stray and feral cat colony, I found that what most of society thinks feral means vicious, rabid and/or diseased. That maybe the case with most but I took my chances and did my very best at saving these animals and giving them another chance in re-trusting humans, and that they did. The bright eyes and the expressions on these animals faces were worth a thousand words and much more. The sad stories and the happy stories are too great to share with those that have never been there to see the changes and the differences made in their lives. Life was rewarding for these pets as well as for me.Thanks....


Zymox, Cat's Claw Bark

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by The Wholesome Table (Franklin Lakes, New Jersey) on 03/13/2016
★★★★★

Ear infection, Ear mites and all other EAR issues

My Persian cat suddenly cannot walk and keeps falling all over the place. She cannot find her balance and almost looked like something is wrong with her legs because she really cannot keep her balance and falls/slides every 2-3 steps. After looking it up online what are the possible causes, it was the EARS. She couldn't be hurt any other way since I do not let her outside without a leash on and sure enough when I checked her ears, it was crusty, a bad odor, full of puss-like fluid and overall painful when I touch it because she cries.

Instead of using anti-biotics or other things a "vet" can come up with, I spent a whole day to find a less harsh, earth-friendly remedy. ZYMOX. A Hydrocortisone in a squirt bottle. I bought it at chewy.com for $10. It's $8 in Dr.Foster.com

You do not need to clean or prep the ears of your pet. Do not use over the counter human hydrocortisone. Zymox is specifically prepared for animals' gentle ears without the added stuff what you will find in a human hydrocortisone gel, so it is different! Directly put a good amount inside the ears making sure it reaches the very inside of the ears and massage gently until all drops put in is touching all the walls of the ears.

Apply once a day for 10 days and apply a good amount. I would say it took me a good 3-4 squirts before it reached the inside of the ear canal. I saw a difference by the 4th day. Her balance returned and was not scratching the ears too much. By the 7th day, she was back in business but I still continued applying until the 10th day.

Zymox greatly assisted in lowering the extreme inflammation inside the ears.

I also used CAT'S CLAW BARK tincture aside from Zymox. I put 2 drops inside the mouth twice a day for 4 days, Then lowered to 2 drops once a day inside the mouth for another 4 days. CATS CLAW BARK works as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-yeast, anti-fungal.. Not to mention the other 100+ useful benefits it does and cures.

Replied by Lis
(Richmond, va)
01/08/2022

Hello, my cat has similar discharges but his nose also obstructed..so his breathing is louder because of the blockage. Suspect a polyp. How is cats claw tincture administered..as tinctures have alcohol? Do you do something to take out the alcohol? 4th round of vet prescribed antibiotics, the problem goes away and comes back worse after antibiotics wear off.

He eats well, no balance issues yet but has lost some weight..