Effective ear mite medication?

Question

Has anyone used any OTC ear mite medication that worked well on their cats? If so, where was it purchased?

Answer 1

I had the same problem, but I eventually had to take him to the vet. It didn't cost but 20 $ for the meds. Someone told me to use Wesson cooking oil , and it worked a little, but if they keep on showing up make a quick trip to the vet.

Answer 2

First, stop using peroxide in the ears. Peroxide can sometimes actually kill the good bacteria. Second, take the kitten to the Vet. Different Vet's have different protocols when treating ear mites. Your Vet will do a swab of the ear and look at it under a scope to try and confirm a ear mite infection followed by a ear cleaning to remove the dirt and debris, usually followed by drops for the ears (Tresaderm is a anti-fungal/anti-bacterial that is commonly now used since it's been approved for treatment of ear mites) twice a day for 2 weeks (your Vet may prescribe drops/ointment other than Tresaderm). They will also more than likely have you apply Revolution (a topical treatment for fleas, ear mites, heart worms and other parasites) once a month for 2-4 months to rid him completely of ear mites. This is something only a Vet can help you with. You can't rid him of ear mites on your own. Also, if you have other pets, they should be treated as well. In the future, if your pets have dirty ears, use mineral oil to clean the ears and do not use q-tips.

Answer 3

I don't feel real good about recommending some of the things I have done to someone I don't know. There was a time when I had more animals than I could afford to take to the vet over every little thing any more than I could afford to go to the doctor for every little thing. In fact, unless you have a good working relationship with a vet you trust, it can be a big mistake.
I worked at a feed & seed store and had access to really experienced people with excellent advice. This was in the late 70's and there weren't a lot of vets around and the ones that were, would work with you if they knew you.
For almost any external parisites, this was the treatment advised to me that worked best. In the garden section of most any store that has a garden section, there is a concentrated product combining pyrethrin and rotenone, both are plant derived and acceptable for organic gardening. For ear mites(dogs, cats, rabbits) a few drops were added to a small amount of olive oil. After cleaning the ears with peroxide to rid them of wax that would shield the mites, put enough of the formula in the ear to fill the canal, and massage the base of the ear for a little while. Repeat this every three days, as it only kills the adults and new eggs will be hatching out for a while but not be reproductive until more than three days old ( that's right, the critters can breed and lay eggs in as little as three days). After about ten days the cycle should be broken, but retreatment may be required. Any other animals in contact with the infected one should be treated as well to prevent cross-contamination.
I have used this product ( usually diluted with water) to treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks, goats and horses for lice, and my vegetable garden for aphids and mites, so I really did get my money's worth out of it.
My animals do, and always have had professional treatment for broken bones, stitches, vaccinations, internal parisite control programs, and illness with which I have not already had experience or has unclear symptoms. Any new animal gets vet checked before ever meeting the household and gets initial shots. My current vet trusts me enough to allow me in surgery to observe and give me detailed explainations of the proceedure. Knowledge of proper feeding and management is the best preventive for needing a vet in the first place.
Good luck. It is a learning experience that never ends....just like with children, spouses and everything to do with life.

Just read the recomendation for ivermecten. It works but can be deadly if an animal is positive for heartworms and ,yes cats can get heartworms. A blood test first to show this is necessary.

Answer 4

From what I have heard from people the OTC medications don't really do the job and you spend more money on the ineffective treatment than you would by having the vet give a shot of ivermectin which will do the job thoroughly with one deal.

The OTC medications you can get for animals as those deemed by vets to be ineffective or harmful to animals. I feel if it will kill a parasite it can be dangerous to you and your cat.

Answer 5

I have tried lots of different brands like Hartz and others from Wal-Mart and I have found the best by far is Revolution http://www.revolution4cats.com/display.asp?country=US&lang=EN&drug=RV&species=FL&sec=010