đž Best Ear Mite Treatments for Cats
CREDIT: AMAZON
Ear mites are microscopic parasites that can cause serious discomfort for your cat, often leading to intense itching, red and inflamed ears, and a distinct black discharge. Fortunately, treatment is straightforward and typically involves topical ointments or ear drops.
âEar mites cause significant discomfort to patients due to the intense itching induced,â says Dr. Dolores DeHerrera, Medical Director at VCA Town and Country in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
â Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Revolution Plus â $86 at Chewy
- Type: Prescription topical solution
- Application: Apply to the skin on the back of the neck once monthly
- Kills: Ear mites, fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms
- Why We Like It: Broad-spectrum protection with a simple, once-a-month dose. Highly effective against a variety of parasites.
Best Drops: Happy Jack Mitex Ear Mite Treatment â $16 at Amazon
- Type: Over-the-counter ear drops
- Application: Place directly in the ear canal once or twice daily
- Kills: Ear mites
- Why We Like It: Fast-acting and affordable, ideal for pet owners who need a direct ear treatment without a vet visit.
Best Wipes: Petpost Cat Ear Cleaner Wipes â On Sale for $16 at Amazon (Reg. $20)
- Type: Cleaning wipes
- Use: Cleans ear debris and soothes irritation, but does not kill mites
- Why We Like It: Great as a supplemental product to keep your catâs ears clean before, during, and after mite treatment.
Best Overall
Revolution Plus Revolution Plus
CREDIT: CHEWY
Revolution Plus Ear Mite Treatment
What We Like:
- Treats multiple parasites including ear mites, fleas, ticks, and roundworms
- Easy, once-monthly topical application
- Safe for cats and kittens 8 weeks and older
What We Donât Like:
- Requires a veterinarianâs prescription
Getting rid of ear mites can be challenging, but Revolution Plus offers a simple and effective solution. Recommended by Dr. DeHerrera, this veterinarian-prescribed ointment not only eliminates ear mites but also prevents fleas, ticks, and roundworms.
Usage:
Typically, one or two monthly treatments are enough to fully clear ear mites. Youâll notice success when the itching and black discharge disappear.
How to Apply:
- Part your catâs fur at the back of the neck, between the shoulder blades.
- Squeeze the entire tube (about 3 to 4 small pulses) directly onto the skin.
- Do not massage the ointment in or apply it on broken skin.
Active Ingredients:
Dipropyleneglycol Monomethylether, Isopropyl Alcohol, Butylated Hydroxytoluene
Volume: 0.25 to 1 milliliter per dose
Best Drops
Happy Jack Mitex Ear Mite Treatment
CREDIT: AMAZON
Happy Jack Mitex Ear Mite Treatment
What We Like:
- Works for both dogs and cats
- Easy daily application
- Also helps clean and soothe ears
What We Donât Like:
- Not as comprehensive as Revolution Plus
Happy Jack offers a simple ear drop solution that kills ear mites in both cats and dogs. Made with pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, this half-ounce bottle also soothes your petâs ears with aloe vera and lanolin, helping relieve irritation.
The drops are safe for cats aged 12 weeks and older and are made in the USA. To treat ear mites, just apply a few drops into each ear daily for 7 to 10 days. While some pets tolerate this easily, others might require a little coaxing with treats.
If you want a quick, effective treatment that doesnât require a veterinarianâs prescription, Happy Jack drops are a great option.
Active Ingredients: Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide
Volume: 0.5 ounce
Best Wipes
Petpost Cat Ear Cleaner Wipes
CREDIT: AMAZON
PetPost Cat Ear Cleaner Wipes
What We Like:
- Soothes your catâs ears
- Soft, gentle cotton material
- Cleans out ear mite residue and discharge
What We Donât Like:
- Does not kill ear mites
When your cat is scratching their ears due to ear mites, youâll want a gentle wipe to clean away residue and discharge that cause redness and irritation. PetPostâs ear cleaner wipes, made with soothing coconut oil and aloe, provide relief while gently cleaning your catâs ears.
Keep in mind these wipes only clean the leftover debris caused by ear mitesâthey do not eliminate the mites themselves. Use them alongside a treatment like Revolution Plus or Happy Jack to fully resolve the infestation.
Active Ingredients: Coconut oil and aloe
Volume: 100 wipes
Final Verdict
Our top pick is Revolution Plus, a veterinarian-prescribed treatment that effectively eliminates ear mites along with other common parasites like fleas and ticks. After completing the treatment, itâs important to soothe and clean your catâs ears using gentle wipes such as PetPost Cat Ear Cleaner Wipes to remove residue and ease irritation. This two-step approach ensures both the pests and their lingering effects are addressed for your catâs comfort and health.
What to Look for in Ear Mite Treatments
Identifying Ear Mites
Ear mites are microscopic and canât be seen with the naked eye, but signs of infection in your cat are clear. You may notice your cat holding its ears down, vocalizing in discomfort, or scratching frequently. The inside of the ear will often be red, inflamed, and produce a dark discharge due to irritation caused by the mites.
Aftercare
Once treatment begins, consistent aftercare is key. Using prescribed medications like Revolution Plus as directed by your veterinarian will help relieve discomfort and keep your cat happy and healthy during recovery.
FAQ
What will ear mites do to my cat?
âEar mites cause significant discomfort to patients due to the intense itching induced. Secondary ear redness and discharge can be caused by itching,â explains Dr. Dolores DeHerrera.
Can you treat ear mites without going to the vet?
âEar mites are best treated by topical Revolution Plus every month for 2 treatments. Ear medications are of more limited success or no success at all,â says Dr. DeHerrera.
How long does it take to get rid of ear mites?
âRevolution Plus will clear ear mites after 1 to 2 treatments, therefore in 3 to 6 weeks,â notes Dr. DeHerrera.
How do you know ear mites are gone?
âWe know we have successfully treated ear mites when the ear discharge and itching disappear,â Dr. DeHerrera confirms.