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Can I safely use ear drops on my cat if I think it has ear mites?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 6 years and 11 months old

Is it safe for me to put ear drops in my cats ears if I suspect ear mites?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2017

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It really is not a good idea to put anything in the ears unless you know what is really going on. I can not tell you how many times folks have brought their pets to me after treating for supposed ear mites, & the poor pet has a rip roaring ear infection. Please be sure before medicating, you can cause irreversible hearing loss with the wrong medication. Have your vet take a look & Jake's ears will be looking great soon. Take care.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Yes if it's a veterinary product for ear mites. I like to put some in the ears, rub at the base of the ear to loosen the debris. Then I wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton ball to remove the debris and excess medication. Follow the directions, usually using the medication daily for one to two weeks. If the ears are not improving then bring Jake to your veterinarian for ear cytology to determine if it's mites or a yeast or bacterial infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jake.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 14th, 2019

    Ear mites are not really that common in house cats. Was she actually diagnosed with this problem? Is she a stray or did you just get her from a shelter? If not, it is more likely she has an infection. A vet visit is always what we recommend because you have to be very careful what you use in the ears so you don't cause additional problems. Cats are very sensitive to many over the counter remedies. Having a proper diagnosis would be best. If you insist on trying something at home first, I would suggest this ear cleaner. This specific one, not any other. You may be able to get it at your local Petco but all first to see if they have it. If not, you can order it online. Here are two online options. Use as directed. If you need instruction on how to clean cat ears, there are lots of YouTube videos available on how to do this. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5480-zymox-ear-cleanser-with-lp3-enzyme-system-4-oz.aspx?SearchTerm=zymox%20ear+Auto ) ( https://www.amazon.com/Zymox-Ear-Cleanser-Bio-Active-Enzymes/dp/B0014HYCM0 ) Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

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