Natural Solutions to Ear Mites

By
Alicia McWatters, PhD, CNC

Ear mites are a common parasite in cats and more than 50% of cats suffer from various stages of ear mite infections. Minor or subclinical infection may go unnoticed. When this happens, secondary bacterial or fungal infections may result.

While mites are not possible to see, the exudate that is left by the mites can be seen in the ears and is very noticeable. Its appearance is black and crusty and looks similar to coffee grounds. The ears may also be odorous. Your cat will no doubt scratch relentlessly and shake its head, as these unwelcome visitors are highly irritating.

NOTE: Mites are easily passed from one anima another so all animals in close contact with one another should be examined and treated for mites.

A cat that is unthrifty and malnourished often invites unwanted guests, such as mites. A healthy whole foods diet (fresh chicken, turkey, fish, egg, yogurt, and vegetables) can influence the health of the ears by strengthening the immune system. You can also add specific ingredients to the diet that will repel mites. For instance, garlic is a natural parasite repellant and adding it to the diet in a small amount will help deter mites.

Mites can be easily and quickly eliminated with natural treatment remedies. There are medicines that help eliminate and repel mites that can be used inside the ears. But, first you’ll want to wash the ears very thoroughly.

There are many over-the-counter herbal ear wash products that are effective. Simply take a cotton ball and dip it in ear wash, then carefully remove the debris that you can see inside the ear flap and the outer ear canal area once daily.

After you’ve cleansed the external parts of the ear thoroughly, next, an herbal extract medication can be used to kill the mites and prevent them from returning. Administer the medicine into the ear canal, then massage at the base of the ear canal.

The extract will suffocate the mites and also make the ears less inviting to them. Your cat will probably shakes its head after you add the drops to its ears – this is good because it will help distribute the remedy and may also help to loosen or dislodge any wax and debris build-up. The treatment is 3 days and is repeated two more times with a week’s break in between. This treatment schedule will kill all stages of the mite’s life-cycle – eggs, larvae, nymph and adult mites.

Mites Go Away (home remedy):

Yellow Dock - 1 cup water to 1 rounded tsp. of dried herb or 1 tbs. fresh herb. Steep for 15 minutes.
Hydrogen peroxide - 1 tbs.
Aloe vera gel – 1/2 tsp.
Lemon juice from fresh lemon – 1/2 tsp.

Clean ears thoroughly with an ear wash product. Then use the above natural remedy solution for 3 days and repeat two more times with a week’s break in between. Keep this solution stored in the refrigerator and warm before use.

NOTE: (You can substitute apple cider vinegar for the lemon juice)

In cases of severe mite infestation, you may need to bath your cat around the head and outside of the ears. Also, shampoo the tip of the tail where mites often ‘hang-out’. Use a medicated shampoo that contains herbs that specifically work to eliminate parasites.

Remember how important a wholesome diet is for your cat - both inside and out – your cat’s good health depends on it! The best results are achieved when the ears are treated as well as the whole body.