Q&A for How to Get Rid of Ear Mites in a Cat

Get cotton balls, an ear cleaning solution made specifically for cats, and treats to keep your cat distracted.

Apply the ear cleaning solution directly to the cotton ball. Then, massage the ear gently for 10-15 seconds. Repeat this process until most of the visible debris is removed. Afterward, use a dry cotton ball to remove any excess solution.

Performing regular ear cleaning with a product approved for use in cats can help. This removes the debris that make a good home for the mites and deprives them of nutrition. However, this method can take several weeks and the cleaning needs to be done daily. Also, wash the cat's bedding to reduce contamination which could reinfect the cat.

The cat ear mite, otodectes cyontis, is killed by a wide variety of parasiticides. Many spot-on products used against fleas are also effective against ear mites, includes those containing fipronil, selamectin, moxidectin, and sarolaner. However, repeat doses are often required.

Great question, and the short answer is no. One brave vet in the 1950s decided to test this out by deliberately infecting himself with cat ear mites. He described suffering from scratching noises on top of his eardrum, but as people aren't the mites target host, they eventually died and the irritating sound cleared up.

Otomax contains antibiotics plus betamethasone, which is a corticosteroid. Steroids are generally contraindicated by mouth or injection for diabetics; however, here is is contained in a drop that is applied to the skin. There is a theoretic risk that a limited amount of steroid may be absorbed across the skin and enter the bloodstream, but it should be minimal. Indeed, the data sheet does not list diabetes as a contra-indication for use. I would suggesting chatting to your vet to see if a safer alternative is available or the risks for your individual cat.

Yes, although it is difficult to acquire infection (it requires direct transfer of infected wax from the cat's ear into yours), and people seem to develop immunity and fight off infection. In the early stages of infection, the ears are intensely itchy and patients describe hearing mites moving around in the ear canal. After a few weeks, the infection comes to a natural end.