★★★★★
Lanissa -- I always had lots of cats and deals with ear mites. You did the right thing but long term untreated, ear mites can cause bleeding.
With my cats I use neem oil after cleaning the outer ear. Then repeat every three days or so. Because neem oil interrupts the productive cycle of these mites, there is noticeable improvement. I keep checking though. Kittens need the neem oil diluted with another oil because of their delicate skins. Coconut oil is also good for sensitive ears with a touch of turmeric powder if bleeding. Turmeric stops bleeding internally and externally.
For the bleeding I use turmeric powder in small amounts as it also is a natural antibiotic. For fluid in the ear I use turmeric powder and alum in 1 - 20 ratio to dry out the ear, later following up with coconut oil. This will prevent inflammation and provide cooling for red hot ears. Hope this helps.
Namaste, Om
(Mpls., Mn) on 02/11/2014
Hey Char!
You are replying to a post that is 2 years old, so the original poster may not be around to respond to you - so I will give it a shot!
It appears the hand-sanitizer remedy is used once a day for two days.
A couple of caveats, however.
This remedy should not be used on ears that have been scratched raw as the alcohol in the hand-sanitizer will cause painful burning and stinging.
Next, you should be certain that your pet has ear mites and not another ear condition as the wrong diagnosis will result in a painful ear condition prolonged and untreated.
And lastly, all the pets [hosts! ] in the family need to be treated at the same time. If all pets were not treated, begin again this time including all pets in the protocol. If all pets are not treated, they will simply re-infect each other.
Read all about ear mites:
Hand Sanitizer
★★★★★
I used hand sanitizer on my dog for ear mites. It worked fabulously!! Didn't know if it would work on cats. We have acquired two kittens with mites. Thanks so much for all the posts on this subject. I will now feel comfortable using sanitizer with the kittens. Thanks ya'll!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
★☆☆☆☆
ACV is Apple Cider Vinegar. I recently took advice from this site and wanted to let everyone know the outcome.... We adopted a six-week old kitten who brought ear mites and fleas and in turn infected our 7 year-old male cat. I tried a few of the natural remedy recipes on this site and got very little results. I then went to a local vet who told me the cats ears were inflamed. I had to buy a steroid to use for 3 days, then used a one-dose medication he sold me. Hooray, ear mites are gone and my cats are happy!
It sounds like you did not dilute the ACV. This is key to that treatment. That is why you caused your cat's ears to inflame.
Warm Water and Q-Tip
★★★★★
I'm a retired vet and believe strongly in both home remedies and vets. Why it is a good idea to have your animal checked out regularly by a veterinarian, most are very expensive and give worthless tests. When I was ten my horse, Toyota, caught colic and we tried (my Mother and I) peppermint tea. It cleared right up. The vet even said not to but we did and it worked. Also for ear mites in dogs or cats, try warm water and a Q-tip. Be careful not to push grid into the ear canal. Put the Q-tip at the base of the ear and gently swipe it up. Do this until it is clean. If your animal's ear stinks, it may have a infection and should be checked out your vet.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Rubbing Alcohol
★★★★★
For ear mites, we were told by the vet to use half hydrogen peroxide and half rubbing alcohol, it will get rid of the mites as well as the smell in the ears.
Hand Sanitizer
I have used mineral oil with success, also Olive Oil with some Vitamin E has healing qualities, equal amounts of each. This is safe and an inexpensive way to help your pet.
I have read it takes about a month to rid a pet of these horrible bugs and I used this oil every day, 3 times a day for one month.
Be sure to clean the pet's bedding often.
Good luck.
Diatomaceous Earth
★★★★★
I use DE for ear mites but it is a desiccant which means it can dry out the skin and ear.
I just dip my forefinger and thumb in and put it on the outside and inside of the ear but not all the way down into the ear canal. Mites travel so they will get up to it. I rub some around the base of the ears and some at the base of his tail. (not sure how much good that does but read that mites will travel to the base of tail area like fleas. ) That is the only thing animal related that DE seems to work for. I had no luck for fleas. It does work for roaches and seems to discourage ants.
Boric Acid
Olive Oil, Garlic Oil
WARNING!!!!!! You should never use garlic oil or any kind of product containing garlic on your cat. Garlic is toxic to cats!!!!!! Many other types of oils can be used! Please use an acceptable substitute like olive oil, vegetable oil or almond oil.
Mineral Oil
★★★★★
we were very worried about our kitty, mint greene. she had been scratching her ears constantly. i dipped a cotton swab in mineral oil, rubbed it on the outer ear (not the ear canal) and she hasn't scratched since!! YAY!! tomorrow i will do this again, and massage some into her ear canal as well. if this works for mint then the other four cats, and three dogs will be next!! i am so glad i found your website. it has been a very big help.
Medications
I always used mineral oil for any animal that I have had for ear mites. Just use an eye dropper and put about 5 or 6 small drops in each ear. Check the ears each day. As long as you keep seeing the blackish or dark color,looking like the ears are dirty then keep doing it until that goes away. The mineral oil will suffocate the ear mites.This has always worked for me. Good luck. Hope the cat gets better soon.
Trim Fur on Inside of Ears
★★★★★
Regarding the topic of ear mites, and, itchy ears in kitties.. I found with my older cat who was scratching his ears naked, that the tufts of fur on the inside of his ears was the culprit. Once I trimmed the 'old man hair ears' he stopped scratching. Whenever it was time to trim, he came and sat patiently while I carefully trimmed the hairs, (being careful to not let the hair fall into the ear canal). Happy kitty, with no more scratching or neeked ears! Worth a looksie!
Mineral Oil
★☆☆☆☆
Please do not use baby oil in your cats ears to kill earmites. It is mineral oil BUT, it also has fragrance which will burn or sting terribly when you put it in a cat's ear. I made the same mistake. It was horrible. The cat never trusted me again. It ran & shook it head. Ran n shook. Hid from me. I felt horrible. I'm here to help. Them not harm them. Did you know many cities have free or low cost. Spay n nuetering. In Utah it is 1800 PETSFIX ext 10. Free if u are low income. $15 / $25 dollars if not. Lets love the ones that are already here. We have plenty. Thank you!!
Neem Oil
★★★★★
thank you, thank you. Of all the remedies listed, neem oil will not poison or kill a cat. A few years ago the gov't here issued a warning about Borax. It is not as harmless as thought of generally. Most vets' medicines are prohibitively expensive, harmful or outright poisons. If health is a business, let the buyer beware. However, I would see a vet just to determine if the cat has also an ear infection. Antibiotics have long term damaging effect on the body and some cats do not recover well at all. Warm the neem oil and clean the outside daily, applying every three days for a month. I have many rescue cats and some dogs, believe me, simple, harmless natural remedies are , in the end best and not draining on limited resources plus no pain and stress on the animal. Thanks again. Om
Medications
i would love to have the chart. i tried almost everything on my dog but is taking a long time. i clean his ears with mineral oil and yes it leaves the ears so clean.
Diatomaceous Earth
D.E. is NOT GLASS! Diatoms are actually made up of mostly calcium and other minerals and are the food grade is safe for humans and animals internally as well as externally.
Medications
★★★★★
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
★☆☆☆☆
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.
Medications
I wrapped my kitty in a blanket like a taco and after the first cleaning she trusted me from then on, but before I thought of that she would hiss and scratch and bite so just take your time and wrap her up in a blankie
Hydrogen Peroxide
★☆☆☆☆
WARNING!
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) for Ear Mites: Just a warning for cat and dog lovers out there treating their pets with hydrogen peroxide in the ears:
H2O2 in an animal's (or human's, for that matter) eyes can blind them permanently. My vet told me that, and I also learned that in nursing school, but I'm not certain about the mechanism of action. I would personally try other remedies first, unless you have a very quiet and cooperative kitty.
Just wanted to warn ya!
Mineral Oil
Ted says he likes the essential oils in Dr. Bronner's. Tea tree oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, etc. ARE DANGEROUS TO CATS. TOXIC. CAN CAUSE SEIZURES AND EVEN DEATH. Tea tree oil is especially dangerous. DO NOT USE ***ANY*** ESSENTIAL OIL on a cat. CAts cannot metabolize EOs, because they don't have the "wiring" in their livers to do so.
I would also like to recommend that people see their vets about ear mites BEFORE treating them. There are several other conditions that APPEAR to be ear mites to the untrained eye (that means "us" :-)) but are something else entirely. Ear mites are microscopic; identification is important so that the right condition is treated. I notice that some people write that "x" remedy isn't working "yet", and asking how long does it take, etc. If it were the right thing for the right condition, it WOULD be working. Please be sure your cat has ear mites instead of an infection or injury before treating her/him. Deafness and/or nerve damage are permanent conditions.
Thank you :-)
Hand Sanitizer
★★★★★
My recently rescued male cat had ear mites so bad one ear canal was swollen nearly closed. He was delivered by a cat lover who's plate was full, but was kind enough to include an over the counter ear mite remedy. Wow that ear mite medicine made the gray skin inside his ears peel and and turn bright pink. Applying every other day was obviously going to cause sever damage in 3 weeks treatment. The long and short of this story is he arrived on Jan 4, 07 today in June 15, 07 and the problem is better but not cured. Olive oil, Vaseline, hand lotion any thing that wouldn't kill the cat and maybe smother the mites has been tried in addition to using a systemic flea/tick product. The current problem is the waxy discharge is sticky (it was bloody) and getting it out of his ears next to impossible. Thank you 4/1/2007: Lisa from Winfield, PA for suggesting Hand Sanitizer! The cat and I are very comfortable when I am treating his ears, the scratching stopped long ago, so there wasn't much danger of pouring Hand Sanitizer on an open wound. It cleaned him up better than any thing I have tried. I held him petting his favorite spots, for a few minutes until the Hand Sanitizer dried and I didn't have to worry about him getting it in his eyes or mouth. Great service you provide, bummer I didn't find you in Jan! I will send a progress report,
Multiple Remedies
★★★★★
Hi! Checking back in, after a few more weeks of trying remedies!
As of when I wrote last, I tried Diatomaceous Earth (DE) with pyretherins (chrysanthemum extract). I used it dry, applying with a cotton ball, like I had the plain DE. The plain DE worked nicely to provide the cats immediate relief from the mites sensations. But it needed re-application daily or so.
Trying the DE + pyretherins, the result stirred up sensation and symptoms at first for a couple hours, but then seemed to last longer - I was able to go up to 3-4 days without the cats scratching, shaking heads and so on. But over a couple weeks, the relief lasted shorter and shorter for the cats.
All this, plus I have still been using the vet's Revolution for them, now about every two weeks (which I read online somewhere). I think it helped, as one cat with very long hair apparently hadn't really been getting the Revolution on her skin and she had the worst case. Finally I realized this and was very careful to apply it to her skin, and immediately her condition came "up" to the level that the other 5 cats were at. So, all 6 have very little "coffee grounds" stuff and wax in their ears, yet displayed itching and head-shaking after some time with the topically applied products used, as said above.
I was discouraged and alarmed after 3 months of this - trying something which seems to give relief, then finding the relief waning in effectiveness. I had this "waning" result with alkaline mineralized water, and with the DE with pyretherins. This was while using Revolution at 4-week intervals, then at 2-week intervals. The mineral oil didn't work for us at all. The plain DE didn't have a "waning" effect but it just never got the job all done. I came back to this site and somehow read what I missed before - about Ted's Borax, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide formula. I almost went out at midnight to get the stuff but decided to wait till the next day.
The next evening after work, I was too tired to . (as I understood the procedure) clean the house with a borax/ water solution and leave it on the floors, etc.; do laundry with borax of all 6 cats' beddings; and give a Ted's borax solution bath to each of the 6 cats. (His stories and the testimonials talked about dogs and baths; I didn't find any about cats but I was prepared to bathe the cats, though I haven't ever before bathed all the cats at once.) So, tired, instead, I made up a small glass bottle of Ted's borax solution to apply to ears, paws, privates and tail's ends, just to see if I could see the effect for the cats.
Reading Ted's approach, I had begun to understand the importance of getting the biologically active material into a solution that penetrates skin somewhat. Another person had talked to me also about putting the DE into solution; when I had tried that person's suggestion which had not been tried on a pet's body but only in the garden, it clearly made their situation worse over a couple of hours, and I reversed tacts. Using Ted's formula the night before last and yesterday, I also found that it didn't do the job. Here in the Arizona desert, we may have some truly genetically deviant mites, very hardy.
However, this morning, before I could do all the cleaning steps that Ted's approach asks (not that my house wouldn't benefit from that, anyway!), I thought about what had worked the best. The best remedy was the plain DE - available at HomeDepot here, or where swimming pool supplies are sold, for use in pool filters. But DE didn't last, didn't quite get the job done. DE is known to be an effective natural pesticide, as it is fossilized, ground seashells, inert calcium carbonate, etc., and its pieces are very sharp microscopically, so it cuts the micro-bugs; it is also very drying, so it lethally dehydrates the micro-critters too. It is used here by savvy natural gardeners to get rid of garden pests. As I wrote earlier, if you use it, you'll find it is very drying to your hands and nails, so wash your hands well after touching it. (And, again, avoid the expensive brand that states it is "Flour Grade," as I found that it gets into the air and is breathed - very damaging if anyone has respiratory conditions - and is quite difficult to clean up as it only floats in air and doesn't stay on surfaces to get wiped up easily. I had to clean and clean again. One of the most challenging and dangerous experiences in this whole tough time, as one here has a respiratory problem.)
So, this morning, I added DE to my bottle of Ted's formula and again drenched my 6 cats' ears, paws, privates and tails' ends. This provides an active solution and a hopefully effective biologically active agent - DE. And the Borax is there too. I am currently delighted that I have seen no more head shaking, itching, etc., for hours. I will report in a couple days if the effect continues, and I will take steps to apply it very thoroughly to all the cats and the environment too.
Thank you for this site. It has helped me and my beloved felines. Hopefully some of this experience will help others.
Hand Sanitizer
I know this is an old post, but it needs a response for the sake of people reading nowadays.
Zoonotic diseases are the ones that CAN be transmitted to humans, the term means "of animal origin". It's also used for diseases we can give to animals. COVID is zoonotic, we can give it to our pets.
Scabies can infest both pets and people. The mite is Sarcoptes scabei. There are variants within the species that prefer different hosts, so you have Sarcoptes scabei var. hominis in people, Sarcoptes scabei var. suis which infests pigs and is used to test human remedies for scabies, and others.
There are also other species of Sarcoptes mites. They're nasty things.
In general, it's unhelpful to tell someone with a skin condition that they are imagining it. Please google "A Filamentous Borrelial Dermatitis" using Google Scholar.
Many people suffering from Morgellons, who were told this was not a real disease and they were imagining things, actually had a Borreliosis that was not Lyme disease but was caused by a related organism. The infection caused skin sores AND interfered with normal skin collagen production so that those sores contained fibers.
So all those people had a real disease. But they were told they were imagining it, some of them were even accused of causing their own wounds, and they were given tranquilizers when they needed antibiotics. And their doctors often refused to look at any fiber samples they tried to bring to the doctor's attention.
Please do not tell people they are imagining things. Please take them seriously. All of those people had wrong diagnoses on their medical records and were labeled as needing psychiatric medications. There was nothing at all wrong with them except that they were infected with a previously unidentified species of Borrelia, and their doctors wouldn't pay proper attention to them.
Mineral Oil
★★★★★
Hi! I just wanted to reply to my previous remedy for mineral oil. I treated our 9 cats with the oil and so far all is well! Try not to use too-too much...haha otherwise they get funky hair do's!!! haha otherwise it worked perfect thanks, and good luck!
Mineral Oil
★★★★★
Hello. I just spent my saturday morning (today) at the vets office with one of my cats. She had been shaking her head lately for the past 2 weeks; and when I looked inside her ears (at first it was only in one ear), there was reside in them resembling small coffee grounds. Two nights ago she scratched her ear raw inside one of them. So I decided it was time to take her to the vet. He went ahead and started putting the MINERAL OIL in her ear and massaging it in (via the outside of the ear, so that she wouldn't shake it all out, right away), and then he used the long, medical Q-tips to remove some debris (the blackish gunk). I helped him hold her as he did this and he notified me that this should kill of of the living ear mites and to reapply in a couple of days, because of the eggs. So its gonna be a process but apparently mineral oil is what is used by professionals. I am going to try it but kind of weary of the q-tip! yikes...I am not going to try and go too deep in the ear since I am not a professional. I hope this helps someone! I will repost again to tell you if this worked! Thanks.
Ear Mites Vs. Ear Infection
I think the yoghurt is meant to be eaten by the dog, not put in their ears. :-)
Diatomaceous Earth
★★★★★
I mixed diatomaceous earth, 1 teaspoon with his food, because I thought he might have a parasite. The next day he threw up this mucus and it had a little bit of blood in it and there was a worm. I think it was a tapeworm that came out about 12 inches long. So I took him to the vet and I put what he threw up in a baggie and we were in the room waiting for the doctor to come back in and I asked her what it was and she says we don't know what it was and I ask her can I have it back so I can find somebody that knows what it is and she said that they had already thrown it away. Every time I take my dog to a vet I tell them about the diatomaceous earth, and they're all against it but after my dog did the diatomaceous earth, he gained weight he was healthy, running around like a wild dog. He was having fun again.
Also, my Maltese had ear mites, and my Dog Groomer said to use diatomaceous earth and I did and they're all gone now.
Apple Cider Vinegar
I"m so sorry that happened. I was thinking at this point since he may not let you treat his ears you could try Revolution... it's not natural, I know but it is effective on ear mites. you might be able to sneak onto his back at least once...it last for 30 days. But you'll need a prescription for it. Is it possible to get him into a carrier to go to the vet? or if you know a vet real well maybe the would just give you a script for it. To win him back try some extra tasty food like rotisserie chicken or small amount of tuna ...or some cat nip and bring a new super comfy bed. Don't lose hope... he will eventually come around but working on his ears may be a deal breaker for him.
Mineral Oil
★★★★★
Ear Mites - Mineral oil has been working great for me... I don't know about hand santitizer, seems like it would be painful if it has alcohol in it
Neem Oil
Neem oil (and most all natural oils) is toxic to cats - they do not have the liver enzyme or metabolic enzymes as we do. As well cats have systems like camels - so any dry food harms them greatly (they derived from the desert and their intestines are designed to draw water out of the food to store it. (very simply put).
I once did research on what is in many common pet foods and it will make you well disgusted... even rubber hardeners and other nasty garbage. I use Wysong products (great and low temperature as high temperature destroys enzymes and other nutritional qualities). I add this to a raw diet along with certain home grown herbs and plants chopped and slightly wilted (warm water poured over the food) I add natural sea Vegetables as well (make sure a dog or cat search on any plants that are toxic to them. Or other products).
A great book is "The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs and Cats by Diane Stein and one can search for such other great books. I have had mine for decades and resort to it frequently. Dr. Mercola (Human MD) has great books and products for cats (dogs).
My background was in research (legal and medical) and many other areas. I went holistic as a young child after reading my mothers medical books - although her Merck manual from 1953 is full of natural remedies that work. Rx for people and pet's took over.
Mineral Oil
★★★★☆
So my almost 3 month old kitten has ear mites. I first started out with R-7m not knowing about natural treatments. read on Amazon mostly good comments. I used it for 3 days hardly worked and nearly poisoned my kitten even tho used as directed. I researched more and saw mineral oils works wonders! Just a day after cleaning her ears with mineral oil it has loosened up the black gunk in her ears. Yesterday I could hardly see down her one ear canal now today is way better! Just after a day her ears are that much better and she is shaking her head less that I can tell so far! Will keep using it! Now I know that it is safe to use and she won't die from the poison of R-7m that mineral oil is great so far!
Kathryn, for over 40 years, I have always used olive oil, just a couple of drops inside ear and then massage ear to work it down and it has always worked with a return very rarely.
Diatomaceous Earth
(Mpls., Mn) on 03/12/2014
Hey Susan!
The bald behind the ears/at the base of the ears sounds like it could be from scratching due to the ear mite infection. That you are still dealing with a mite infestation after treating for 8 weeks with DE tells me that the DE is not working - its not the right remedy in this case.
Read up on EC for ear mite remedies: https://www.earthclinic.com/pets/ear_mites.html
Ear mites spread from animal to animal, and do not typically spread from surfaces to animals. So while a thorough cleaning is in order - wash bedding and the like - you shouldn't have to sterilize the entire house - whew!
It may help to bathe the cats using Ted's mange remedy - scroll down as it was posted very recently.
Treat the ears with an oil remedy, use the oils to flush out particulates and debris as the gunk in the ear will cause to itch also. Keep at the ears on all cats am and pm, for at least 5 days to start. The life cycle of the mite is 21 days, so you should really plan on treating for 27 days to ensure you have eliminated all the mites.
Hair loss does seem related to the mites, but you report naked skin and not scratched up and bleeding skin. The mange baths will help determine if its another mite that is the problem. Barring external parasites diet should be considered - what are you feeding?
Many questions but do start with the ear oil remedy and see what results that brings.
Diatomaceous Earth
To Cindy from Illinois,
Yes, I was wondering also! I thought my male shorthair had mites, he was digging at his ears and shaking his head a lot, he was miserable!
Decided a trip to the vet was necessary and found out he didn't have mites, he had a nasty yeast infection in his ears! Much better now, with ear wash prescrip, and an antifungal ear med! Poor guy!
Diatomaceous Earth
Food grade diatomaceous earth is great to add to food as a supplement or for worms/parasites. Externally, It is good to use for fleas, but over use can dry out the skin and that could be why the cat's fur thinned out.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is for the lady with the balding Maine Coon...... Diatomaceous earth is generally safe for use on pets, so long as it is food grade. BUT, some cat breeds are more sensitive to certain treatments, especially when they are used long term. Maine Coons, Persians and Himalayan breeds are especially sensitive. I would suggest cutting out the DE for now. Second, loss of hair to that extent and at such a rapid pace points to secondary health problems. These can include, but are not limited to ringworm infection, vitamin deficiency, diabetes, mange, or allergic reaction to something in his environment or on his skin. Take him to a vet and get him looked at to determine what exactly is going on.
Hand Sanitizer
★★★★★
I read about using hand sanitizer for ear mites on EC and wanted to say that it truly works, almost miraculously. I use 1 or 2 squirts in each of my cat's ears while massaging the base and then close my eyes for the inevitable shake. No more scratching or head shaking after 2 days. I'm going to keep up the regimen for a month and then use it as a preventative once a week or so. It's easy, cheap and works fast!
I love that product and used it since the "hippy days" well for me post. That said Lavender and most essential oils are toxic to cats - many will get by but again why risk it as they do not have the same detox (metabolic and other) enzymes that we humans have. I think this product comes in NO fragrance.