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My cats have black, itchy ears. Is Sentry HC ear mite medicine safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 6 years and 1 month old | 9 lbs

Both my cats lately have been scratching and shaking their ears. It seems to be getting worse. I looked in one of them and it's very black. As I'm skeptical about OTC medicine, I was wondering if it'd be safe to try, Sentry HC Earmite Free Ear Miticide for Cats, 1-oz bottle. I don't want to harm my kitties, but if it would be safe then I'd like to try.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 30th, 2019

The problem is that ear infections in cats can also be caused by yeast and bacteria in addition to ear mites, so this may not be the right medication for their ear infection. The best thing to do is take them into the vet to have it confirmed they have an ear infection and what is causing it so they can be treated correctly.

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