Cat's ears painful after olive oil home remedy for mites. What to do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 10 lbs
I read online that olive oil in the ear is a good way to prevent ear mites. I noticed my cat had been scratching her ears a lot lately, and saw some black debris, so I tried syringing a small amount of olive oil into her ears last night (as money is very tight right now and I can't make it to the vet). Her ears have become red, hot & seem very painful. She won't stop shaking her head and looks miserable. I feel absolutely sick. Is there anything I can do to help her without making things worse?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 5th, 2017
You could try contacting your local vets office or pet store for an ear cleanser suitable for use in cats (alcohol free only) to see if this will remove the mites, wax and oil. Gently fill the ear with the solution, rub the side of the ear for 1minute then allow her to shake out excess, wipe outer ear with cotton wool if she will allow this and is not too painful. Do not force liquid into ear as this can irritate or even burst the ear drum causing pain. You should contact your vet to discuss options of pain relief, your local humane society may have information on subsidized clinics in your area
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 23rd, 2017
It likely won't harm him to use that combination, but it will do absolutely nothing to resolve the ear mites. Unfortunately, there are no good natural treatments that resolve ear mites, and you will need a good anti-parasitic treatment in order to resolve this problem. Ear mites are incredibly itchy and annoying for cats, and they often have secondary bacterial and yeast infections to go along with the mites. Lil Kitty needs to see your vet right away for definitive treatment for this problem.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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