Symptoms, Causes & Natural Remedies

Ear mites are small parasites that infect the ears of cats and cause discomfort. Severe cases can cause painful infections, swelling, hearing loss, balance issues, and anemia. Kittens with underdeveloped immune systems & cats who live outside are most commonly infected, but indoor cats can also be at risk if exposed.

Symptoms of Ear Mites in Cats

Symptoms of ear mites in cats can include:

• Scratching ears
• Shaking head
• Dark, gunky looking ears
• Ear odor
• Inflamed ear
• Hair loss around ears
• Scabs around ears

Causes of Ear Mites in Cats

Cats are exposed to ear mites through contact with another infected animal. Ear mites are highly contagious, so it’s best to treat all the cats in your home if you notice that one of your kitties has them.

Natural Treatments for Feline Ear Mites

If you’ve caught the ear mites at a full-infestation it is recommended to see your veterinarian first – to be sure your cat’s eardrums are still in tact and haven’t ruptured from the infection.

Aside from traditional chemical ear medications, there are many natural ways to help cats with ear mites that will come with much less risk of side effects. Here are a few expert recommendations:

1. Oxy-Cat: This remedy has been used for decades on animals and we used this to successfully rid the ear mites from our kittens, Friday & Zorro. Take a cotton swab and gently clean the inside of the ear thoroughly 2 times per day for a week, or until symptoms subside. If you are familiar with the inner contours of cats ears, you may carefully use a Q-tip. 
2. Diluted oregano oil: clean with cotton swab
3. Mullein oil: clean with cotton swab
4. Virgin coconut oil: “clean with cotton swab then spread a tiny layer in the ear folds… the mites will hate it.” – Coconut experts at cocotherapy.com

Dr. Karen Becker, DVM (the most followed veterinarian in the world) also advises:

“While you’re treating your cat or dog for ear mites, keeping the ears clean and free of debris is very important.

Some of the cleaning agents I recommend include witch hazel, organic apple cider vinegar diluted with equal parts purified water, hydrogen peroxide, and green tea infusion.

Saturate a cotton ball with cleaning solution and swab out the inside of the ear. Repeat this process until there’s no obvious debris on the cotton. This process may require two cotton balls or a dozen, it just depends on the buildup of residue in your pet’s ears.”

Once the ear mites appear to be gone, continue to check the ears regularly for debris. Sometimes those little suckers can resurface and you’ll need to continue treatment.