Effective Treatment for Cat Ear Mites: Pet Doctor Secre

Ear mites are a common parasitic pest, and they are particularly prevalent in cats. Cats suffering from ear mites often exhibit symptoms such as frequent scratching or shaking their heads, with the ears producing a large amount of dark brown or black discharge. In severe cases, these symptoms can escalate to include redness, pain, discharge, hearing loss, unsteady gait, and head tilt in the affected cats.

While ear mites are indeed common in cats, they are not difficult to treat. Below, I'll outline some treatment steps and commonly used medications for cat ear mites.

1. Treatment Methods for Cat Ear Mites

1. Cleaning the Ears

Ear mites can stimulate the ear canal to produce excessive secretions, causing itching and making it easier for secondary bacterial infections to occur. Therefore, before treatment, it's essential to clean the ear canal using a petspecific ear cleaning solution to create an optimal environment for the ear mite medication to work effectively.

Common Medications:

●维克耳漂: An ear canal cleaner with mild ingredients, it only has cleaning properties and no mitekilling effects.

●Er Fen Fen (Pet Ear Care Solution): This solution is gentle, nonirritating, and has strong penetration, making it suitable for daily ear canal cleaning and care.

●Boric Acid and Menthol Ear Drops: These have a slight irritant effect but are more affordable. They can be considered if the ear canal mucosa is only slightly damaged.

Usage: Gently drop the appropriate amount of ear cleaning solution into the cat's ear canal, gently massage the base of the ear, allowing the solution to dissolve earwax. Then, release the cat's head after it has shaken out the solution, and use a medical cotton ball to wipe it clean. (Note: Do not use cotton swabs to remove earwax to avoid damaging the ear canal.)

2. Local Treatment

After cleaning, apply ear mite medication or ear drops containing insecticidal ingredients. Use this once daily for 7 to 14 days, then adjust to 2 to 3 times a week, and continue for 21 to 28 days.

Common Medications:

●EarFuLing: Contains nystatin, neomycin sulfate, permethrin, and triamcinolone acetonide, which not only kills ear mites but also inhibits bacteria, relieves itching, and prevents secondary infections in the ear canal.

●Xin Er Ning (Compound Nystatin Ointment): Similar to EarFuLing, it has excellent antibacterial and antiitching effects.

●Ivermectin Ear Drops/Milbemycin Ear Drops: These have stronger mitekilling effects but should be used under the guidance of a veterinarian, according to the severity of the infection and the cat's weight.

Usage: Apply the appropriate amount of ointment or ear drops to the ear canal, gently rub the base of the ear to ensure even distribution of the medication.

3. Systemic Medication

For more severe ear mite cases, especially when the infection has spread to other parts of the body, systemic medication may be necessary.

Common Medications:

●Selamectin: Used for systemic deworming, administered every 15 to 18 days, for two consecutive treatments.

●Di Pai (Pyriproxyfen Moxidectin Drops): Effective in killing ear mites and various internal and external parasites, administered every 5 to 18 days, for two consecutive treatments.

●Ivermectin Injection: Suitable for cats with severe ear mite infections, requiring professional veterinary administration, once every 1 to 2 weeks, for a total of four treatments.

2. Precautions

1. Ear mites thrive in damp, dirty environments, so it's important to maintain a clean living space and regularly clean your cat's bedding, blankets, and toys.

2. During treatment, use an Elizabethan collar on your cat to prevent it from scratching its ears.

3. Regularly deworm your cat and take preventive measures to avoid reinfection.

Treating ear mites is not a complex task, but it requires patience and attention to detail. If you suspect your cat has ear mites, consult a veterinarian promptly and adhere to the prescribed treatment. With the right approach, you can effectively control ear mites and help your beloved pet regain healthy ears.