The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Posted by Nimueh (Phoenix, Arizona, USA) on 04/22/2007 ★★★★★
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.
Posted by Deb (Des Moines, Iowa) on 04/04/2007 ★★★★★
Years ago, my Grandmother spent a majority of her summer, running her dog to the Vet's because of ear mites. Then she decided to take the pet to another Vet. who was a Man who believed in "old time" remedies. His advice to her for the ear mites was pure aloa vera gel. Just break off a small end of one of the stems and using a Q-tip, swab the ear and within a few days, the mites were gone and most importantly, the Aloa is very gentle on the pet not to mention it cures without harmful chemicals.
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!
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.
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.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
You can find mineral oil at your regular drug store, and sometimes grocery stores carry it too - not hard to find. You might also consider olive oil - the cooking kind. You can crush garlic and add it to the olive oil and let it sit over night, and then use that for ears.
Posted by Susan (Las Vegas, Nv) on 03/11/2014 ★★★★★
I have 3 indoor-only cats. Somehow, my Bengal got a case of ear mites, then the Snowshoe and the Maine Coon got them at about the same time.
The Maine Coon is the one that has been affected by them with the worst symptoms-- ear scratching, ear tilting, head tilting and shaking, and looking plain miserable. Of the 3, his ears showed the least amount of the telltale coffee ground ear wax. In fact, his ears were almost free of anything at all. The other 2 had some of the brown stuff, but I've seen worse. Fortunately, he has been the easiest to treat, holding still for us when we doctor his ears. The Bengal is a whole different story!
I've treated all of them with Food Grade Diatomaceous earth. I've put it directly into their ears, onto their ears, into their fur, onto and rubbed into their bedding, I've spread it all over the house and furniture... in fact, I've followed all the things recommended on this site as well as on various Diatomaceous earth sites.
The Maine Coon seemed to get quick relief from the DE whenever he started the cycle of itching and head shaking. This all began about 6-8 weeks ago, and the battle hasn't let up.
Due to the Maine Coon showing the most irritation and been the easiest to treat, I began applying the DE to him on a daily or every-other day basis for about a week to ten days in a row. I'd put a pinch into each ear, then rub a fair amount into his fur, especially around his neck area and outer ears.
Then one day we noticed his fur suddenly appeared to be thinning on each side of his neck, below his ears. Within a couple days, they became obvious bald spots. He loses his winter coat every year, but not like this!
That started about 7-10 days ago, and now he's rapidly losing hair down to bald skin in a pattern around his neck, as if he had been wearing a 2" wide collar and it had rubbed all his fur off (except he doesn't wear a collar! ) The skin is baby-smooth, no redness, bumps, welts, or discoloration of any kind. It does itch him though! 2 weeks ago I was admiring how beautiful his coat was looking- now he's starting to look like Bill the Cat.
I brush him daily to help with the winter coat shedding, and it might be my imagination, but it seems like his coat is starting to thin in other areas too. He seems to be itchy all over, not just in the ear and neck areas, but also along his sides. His winter coat is naturally thick, shiny, long and fluffy and he still has most of that except he is going bald in that 2" wide "collar" area, and also a little in front of his ears (between his eyes and ears), and on the backs of his ears too.
I applied DE pretty heavily in these areas (except for between the eyes and ears.) Could the DE have rubbed his fur off? I can't find anything about side effects.
I stopped using the DE when I noticed the rapid balding, and increased itching. I treated his ears with an ear wash last night, followed by Vitamin E oil mixed with Olive oil to see if that would help sooth his ears. Now he's back to shaking his head and scratching at his ears and surrounding areas. I don't want to use DE in case that's the problem, so I might try a little ACV and water.
Any ideas? I am at a loss and am trying to find a way to stop this rapidly expanding balding thing before it gets worse. He is a very healthy, energetic, inquisitive, loving and playful cat. His personality, eating habits, energy level etc have remained the same.
I would love to hear any suggestion or maybe thoughts on what this might be and/or why it's happening. Thank you for any suggestions, advice or opinions!
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Posted by Megincsky (Highland Heights, Ky) on 09/04/2012 ★★★★★
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!
Posted by Altaz (Regina, Sk, Canada) on 03/28/2012 ★★★★★
The vet here charges an arm and a leg for just walking through the door, so if he's not dying he's not going. Is a completely indoor cat. I tried the usual home remedies online and nothing worked. So I came up with an even better home remedy that worked.
Soak pure tobacco (buy online) in about 100 ml of water for half an hour, and strain out the tobacco with a coffee filter. Use an eyedropper to squirt in the cat's ear and massage the ear afterward.
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.
Posted by Sunny (Centerville, Iowa) on 06/04/2010 ★★★★☆
My dog has ear mites he caught from an infected cat. I'm an ER RN and we treated wax build-up with a name brand laxative drops... waited for the wax to soften, then used warm H2O to rinse. So I have started tonight with Castor Oil in the ears, and tomorrow will use H2O2 with the Castor Oil. I used the Castor Oil a week ago 3-4 days, and he was feeling so much better that I slacked off. I clearly didn't understand the little beasts would be so hard to get rid of, until reading some of the horror tales on here. I used the Oil an hour ago and the dog is sleeping. Anyone tried Castor Oil ? The oil should smother the mites, loosen the wax, and the H2O2 will help work wax and ear mites out. My main concern is not to cause harm. I think this treatment will be more successful than some I've read about.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
If this were my dog and castor oil was my option, I would FLUSH the ear with liberal amounts of oil. Really work it down into the base of the ear and all over the orifice. Dabbing with a Q-tip IMHO will not suffice to get rid of ALL of the mites. You may need to treat your dog daily for up to 30 days to eliminate all of the mites.
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.
My friend's Rottweiller has ear mites and 3 vets tried to treat her but she wouldn't let them -- (this is what I'm told?) but she's such a sweet dog and I roughhouse with her almost every day and I've broke out in a rash and I feel a crawling sensation and tunnels on my hands AND my ears are being bitten-up. OF COURSE NO DOCTOR WILL EVEN LOOK but only gave me topical medication for scabies - AND I DO NOT HAVE SCABIES.
My question is: is it possible I got infected by canine ear mites? All this stuff sounds crazy to me but it's the only thing that makes any sense. I'd appreciate whatever help I can get and thanks so much! Artie G.
I think it is possible that cat mites go onto humans. The scabies treatment will work as well, they are similar mites. Chlorine water from a pool is great, just make sure you keep the mites to yourself, should you visit a pool. You can suffocate the mites on your skin with cream, but they might keep hatching, so you have to be persistent.
Posted by Jus1chance (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 01/21/2010
I'd like to post a comment to Bev from Mt. Juliet. What exactly is a holographic health practitioner? Is it someone who practices medicine on holograms? Do you know what a hologram is? Or did you mean homeopathic health practitioner? Or is it someone who practices medicine through the use of holograms? I'm confused.
Posted by Mparsons (Port Richey, Fl) on 11/22/2009
I read one of the comments of using boric acid as part of a formula. This is frightening. Do you realize that boric acid can kill cock roaches and other pests that regular pest control won't? Please research what boric acid does to the NERVE system of the cock roach to rid it for good.
Also, another comment was that using mineral oil for a couple of days rids your problem. Not so. Ear mites RAPIDLY reproduce and this takes much longer and regular cleaning to even get ear mites under control. However, after using for 3 weeks, I still bring crust up and mites from my kittens ears, as well as the brown wax, telling me they are still there. Once, my kitten is 12 weeks old, I will be using medication and still checking with mineral oil for traces of ear mites.
Also, Gentian Violet diluted down to 0.5% with water works excellent for fungal infections in the ears for both human and animals. By I think it may be banned in Australia…. But double check me on that.
Diet plays a significant role in dog ear troubles. My dogs had itchy and inflamed ears, especially in the summer, until I put them on a freeze-dried raw food diet. Issues went away within a week. But they still needed a good ear flush from time to time. I used Epiotic advanced cleaner for that with very good results.
I use Diatomaceous Earth. FOOD GRADE kind. It is mined from fresh water deposits and does not harm people or animals. Dont breathe in the dust while you are applying it as it is unsafe for your lungs. Once it is applied it is fine.
It is amazing! My daughter and I both drink about 1 Tbs a day with plenty of water, or sprinkled in yogurt. It has helped our digestive systems as we both have issues with constipation and diarrhea depending on the day.
I also made a paste with 1 Tbs DE, 3 Tbs water,1 Tbs olive oil and 1 drop of peppermint oil and used it as a face mask.Rub on gently and let dry for about 5 minutes and wash off-smooth and soft!
For my pets I use DE to get rid of fleas. I brush it into their fur making sure it doesn't get in their eyes or face. I also mix a couple teaspoons in their wet food to get rid of worms. I do this every other day. Also, I put it on my rugs and the bedding and leave it there a few days then vacuum up a couple times a month. This has taken care of a severe infestation that has not returned since started.
This is a product that is worth doing a search on the internet about. DO NOT USE POOL GRADE. ONLY FOOD GRADE.
Always dilute vinegar for use on a dogs fur or in his ears. No more than 50% vinegar. If the skin is broken, dilute it more. I wouldn't use more than 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a cup of water if skin is broken.
Posted by Stephani (Tallahassee, FL) on 09/25/2008 ★★★★★
to Delores in Hobe Sound - ear mites:
09/22/2008: Dolores from Hobe Sound, Florida writes: "What is the formula for ACV? My cat has eye problems and also ear mites. I use a commerical ear cleaner but they keep coming back. I hate putting her through the ear cleaning so often."
I have used NutriBiotic ear drops with tea tree oil & grapefruit seed oil in my dogs & cats ears. They had a lot of scratching and black gunk (i think that is from mites). Their ears are clear now. I got the drops at vitamin shoppe, but you can find them online too. Hope this helps.
Posted by Melissa (Kamloops, Bc) on 06/17/2011 ★★★★★
Diatomaceous earth is amazing! It works wonders as a dust bath for fleas on my dogs and I even had a friend that used it for bed bugs! Bed bugs is apparently a huge epidemic right now and so I thought I would share what my friend learned from her experience. As everyone has suggested make sure you use food grade d.e. but also make sure that it is in a powdered granulation... Not fine! And most importantly she was told not to put it right on top of the matress but rather to put it in the cracks and crevices, in the boxspring, on the headboard, etc. Where the bed bugs will hide!
Posted by 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.
Posted by John Cole (Saipan) on 11/19/2015 4 posts ★☆☆☆☆
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.
Posted by John Cole (Saipan) on 11/27/2015 4 posts ★★★★☆
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.
Posted by Margaret (Upper Darby, PA) on 08/24/2008
RE: Holding down a cat: An easy, friendly way to hold a cat so that you don't get shredded during care is to toss a quillt over their back, as they are unsuspecting, then wrap them up in your arms and hold them like a baby. you can hold them with one hand and give care with the other. Have all your supplies on a table beforehand, so you can easily grab them with your one hand. Eventually your cat will know that when you do this he/she does not need to be scared. My cat no longer needs to be wrapped up when I cut her nails. She growls quietly, but is never violent.
Posted by Margaret (Upper Darby, PA) on 08/24/2008 ★★★★★
I am being a foster mommy to an abandoned kitten with ear mites. I use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning only. It should not be thought of as a remedy. To avoid getting it into the cats' eyes, dab a clean q tip into the bottle, shake some off the q tip, then wipe only the parts of the ear that you can see. It is best to only wipe in an upwards direction to avoid debris from falling into the ear canal, and hold the cat on its side, so that anything falling will fall out. Next take kitty to the vet for some ear mite drops, and follow the directions EXPLICITLY! Otherwise, you will see how the mites will keep coming back.
I found the answer on another site for the Ear Mites simple formula.
One part 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and 2 parts water equals a 1% solution. The 2 parts water dilutes the 3% H2o2 solution to a 1% H2o2 solution. Store in a sealed glass container. Pour out enough of the 1% H2o2 solution for one treatment into a separate shot glass. Now put add in a little borax until it won't dissolve any more and you're done. Use an eye dropper to pour into Kitty's or Dogs ears. Throw the contents of the shot glass away. If you need to re-administer, use the stored 1% H2o2 in the same manner as above. Keep in mind, if it's more than a mth old, throw it out and make a fresh batch of 1% H2o2.
Posted by NYCandre (New York City, USA) on 09/23/2008
I did use oils to clean the mites initially - then using TED's mange cure worked after the requisite 3 week period to get the second mite egg generation as well. Followed the advice to use Borax also on the floor, and now a year later still no problem. Since it does work and I had tried a few other approaches, I thought it worthwhile to repeat here the older posts below:
09/29/2007: Andre from New York, USA writes: "I tried the oil based treatments, actually using coconut oil since I heard it has antiseptic properties, and hdrogen peroxide. This only slowed down the ear mites. After a couple of weeks of this, I started with a mix of Borax (20 Mule Team), hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and a little Dr Bronner soap. After just two days the mites are disappearing. To prevent my cat from lcking off his wet fur, that I allow to dry naturally as indicated, I got him a collar. See his picture on Fickr, tag: ear.mite.cure.for.cats, or go directly to the page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nycandre/1459080973/
Thanks a lot, Ted and everyone else here! nycandre"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Thanks for the information! The Dr. Bronner soap has the lavender and tea tree oil that I always like. So its great you use it. The house should lightly be sprayed with some borax solution or sprinkled borax powder if possible to prevent reinfection. You can also use a small amount of borax, and sprinkle it like a talcum powder on the localized area. Not only the borax kills them, the powder also cause the insects to be suffocated. Those are optional.
Posted by Jamie (Port Orange, Fl) on 05/27/2007 ★☆☆☆☆
WARNING!
I read that someone suggested using hand sanitizer to cure ear mites, I would be very careful about doing so because if your pet has scratched their already inflammed ear, that would really burn!
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
I have googled the use of hand sanitizer to cure ear mites and some folks say it does the trick. I can only say this: use with caution as it will sting like the Dickens if there is raw, open sores on the skin!
Please consider using one of the many olive oil remedies suggested on EC's ear mite page:
Thank you for posting. My dog apparently has mites (from motel room) and I do too. Noticed itching 5 days ago from my dog.. Then a couple days ago my ears and eyelashes are really itchy. Haven't tried yet.
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
It is quite possible to contract scabies mites from hotel bedding - Ted's Mange Remedy applies here for both you and your dog. Do also wash both dog and human bedding and clothing daily to avoid re-contamination.
Please, never use swimming pool grade Diatomaceous Earth in the house, only foodgrade DE. From the gardenstore or feed store. NOT the swimming pool store. Swimming pool grade can give you lung disease.
This advice may be a bit late but hopefully it will help someone anyway. If it's a yeast infection feed them a spoonful of plain, unflavored yogurt daily. They love it. Yeast infections in the ears means they have yeast gone wild within their body. The yogurt helps their whole body. Plus yogurt is healthy anyway so make it part of their daily feeding routine. Remember, it's important that you feed them only PLAIN yogurt.
I have found using green tea and olive oil will cure ear mites in cats. You first take a cotton ball and soak it in green tea to clean the ear of debris and then stand back to let the cat shake out the rest. Then you add 2-3 drops of the oil for 2 days a week and then once a week as the condition improves.
Posted by Pam E. (SW California Desert) on 09/16/2024 171 posts
There are natural remedies that work fine.... This cat's problem right now is more the fear from the painful use of vinegar, than the mites! Using a chemical treatment would only add insult to injury. Please do *NOT* encourage the use of pharmaceuticals on EQ ... Do you have any idea what these chemicals are doing to a great many of our pets ...?!?
"Even veterinarians routinely prescribe these based on an animal's history. But that could be a tragic mistake with this dangerous chemical. Seizures, tremors, lack of muscle control or death could occur, even if your pet has never had an adverse reaction in the past...."
You need to take your kitty to the vet. From my experience with a dog it was inner ear infection and it's deep into the ear. A vet has to look at it. Don't forget that cats are good at hiding pain, I am sure at this point that your kitty is in a lot of pain. I wouldn't hesitate, I would try to get it seen as soon as possible.
If you have been dealing with it that long it probably needs antibiotics...
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
My first thought on reading your update was that it doesn't sound like you are dealing with ear mites as you certainly have done all the right things to get rid of mites and the symptoms persist.
My next thought is ZYMOX otic with 1% hydrocortizone, enzymatic ear solution. Google it, order it, its not spendy. The hydrocortizone helps calm the skin and the enzymes 'digest' the yeasts that may be in the ear. You should dose once per day, but you don't have to dig around and clean the ears so it is easy to use.
Hair loss around the neck and ears indicate itchy ears - usually. And your cats do have something going on with their ears so it would make sense to see this hair loss. But just in case its something way off the mark check out these sites and see if anything makes you go "Hmm...."
The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.
About Theresa
Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.
Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.
Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.
-----------------------------
How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation
If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.
I am just not picking up on mites. you could maybe use your jewelry lope to examine the gunk to see if there are mites, but the treatment didn't work - all the treatments didn't work, so again I rule out mites when I think on it.
The only thing that I can think of that could *appear* to be contagious to all cats/get's passed around would be inhalant /allergic reactions - be it from allergens in the breeze blowing pollens from CA over to you, or from the junk food treats you abundantly fed. I know around this time of year I see allergies in my pack; it shows up as gunky ears: best I can figure it's the molds and mildews from the spring melt that come into play and while it seems to affect all of the dogs, the way the allergic reaction is expressed in each dog varies greatly. This could be the same deal with your pride. Feeding the wrong foods will cause one of my dogs to get swollen lumps that act like abcesses and ooze and weep, while another dog might get gunky ears and another might break out in itchy hives. Feeding the wrong stuff can set up a chain reaction on the inside allowing yeast to over grow in the GI tract which often expresses as skin allergy, but might also express as gunky ears.
I would go ahead and get the Zymox; I would also try alkalizing the water by adding 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to 1 liter of pure water; if you can build it up to 1 teaspoon do so, and dose 1 teaspoon per liter for one week. In addition I would consider adding probiotics of some sort - ie DDS with FOS. As with yeast over growth, if you have too much of one flora in the GI tract the whole system fails [you see skin problem or ear problems] so rotate the probiotic flora species around - when you finish 1 bottle, replace it with a new formula, and so on.
Also consider the chemicals in your house. From what you have shared I get the idea that you likely would use green chemicals for kitty safety, but things like scented plug ins can cause all sorts of problems for cats, along with the type of laundry soap you use to wash their bedding. So have you purchased new cleaning products in the last few months?
Susan, Sometimes when cats have flea allergies called flea dermatitis, they can lose their fur that leaves a bald spot. My cat experiences this every summer, so I always get flea medication such as Frontline or Revolution to stop the allergy. The hair grows back normally once you kill all the fleas....
Posted by Wilby 2011 (Albany, Oregon) on 10/16/2011 ★★★★★
I used a recipe from this great site for my eight year old Cat, who was starting to grow an ear mite infection. I have started the steps, using the Garlic with Grapeseed oil, and his ear is getting better. I need to go to the second treatment, yellow dock root extract, 9 drops with a Tbsp. Of water. Every three days for six weeks.
You must be logged in to this post! Please sign in:
Please note that we use cookies necessary for the functioning of our website, cookies that optimize the performance. To learn more about our cookies, how we use them and their benefits, please read our Privacy Policy
