Cats can get ear mites, which cause them discomfort. Oral ear mite medicine offers a way to treat this problem. This article will tell you about different types of such medicine, how to use it, what to watch for, and more. This way, you can help your cat get better from ear mite issues.
Types of Oral Ear Mite Medicine for Cats
There are several kinds of oral ear mite medicine for cats. One type contains ivermectin. This medicine works by attacking the nervous system of ear mites. When mites come in contact with it, they cannot move or function properly. Ivermectin is strong and can kill many mites in a short time.
Another type uses selamectin. This medicine is good at not only killing ear mites but also preventing other parasites. It spreads through the cat’s body after being taken orally. It reaches the ears and other parts where mites may be hiding. Selamectin stops mites from growing and reproducing.
Some oral medicines combine different active ingredients. These combination medicines aim to treat ear mites in multiple ways. For example, one ingredient may kill adult mites, while another targets mite eggs. This helps get rid of the whole mite problem, not just the adult mites.
How Oral Ear Mite Medicine Works
Once a cat takes oral ear mite medicine, it enters the cat’s digestive system. The body breaks down the medicine. Then, the active ingredients enter the bloodstream. The blood carries these ingredients to different parts of the body, including the ears.
In the ears, the medicine starts to act on the mites. It may block the mites’ nerve signals. This stops the mites from moving, eating, or laying eggs. As the mites cannot survive or reproduce, their numbers start to go down.
Some oral medicines also help the cat’s body fight off any infections caused by the ear mites. They boost the cat’s immune system. This makes it easier for the cat to recover from the ear mite infestation and any related health problems.
Precautions and Dosage
Before giving your cat oral ear mite medicine, talk to a vet. The vet will check your cat’s health. They will look at your cat’s age, weight, and overall condition. Based on this, the vet will tell you the right type and amount of medicine.
Do not give your cat human medicine for ear mites. Human medicine can be harmful to cats. Always use medicine made specifically for cats. Read the label carefully. It will tell you how often to give the medicine and how much to give each time.
For kittens, the dosage is usually lower than for adult cats. Kittens have smaller bodies and may react differently to the medicine. Follow the vet’s advice closely when giving medicine to kittens. Do not change the dosage on your own.
How to Give Oral Ear Mite Medicine to Cats
Giving oral medicine to a cat can be tricky. One way is to hide the medicine in food. If the medicine comes in pill form, crush it into a powder. Then, mix it with your cat’s favorite wet food. Make sure your cat eats all of the food to get the full dose of medicine.
If the medicine is a liquid, you can use a syringe. Draw up the correct amount of medicine in the syringe. Hold your cat gently. Open its mouth a little and put the tip of the syringe on the side of the cat’s mouth. Slowly push the medicine into the cat’s mouth.
Some cats may not like the taste of the medicine. If your cat refuses to eat the food with the medicine or spits out the liquid, try giving a treat after. This can help make the cat more willing to take the medicine next time.
Side Effects and Safety
Most cats tolerate oral ear mite medicine well. But some cats may have side effects. One common side effect is an upset stomach. The cat may vomit or have diarrhea. If this happens, stop giving the medicine and call the vet.
In rare cases, a cat may have an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the face, hives, or trouble breathing. If you see any of these signs, get your cat to the vet right away.
Keep oral ear mite medicine out of reach of children and other pets. The medicine can be dangerous if they accidentally take it. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place. Do not use the medicine if it has passed its expiration date.
Monitoring Your Cat’s Progress
After starting the oral ear mite medicine, watch your cat closely. Check its ears every day. Look for signs of improvement. The scratching should get less. The redness and swelling in the ears should go down.
Also, watch your cat’s behavior. A cat with ear mites may be less active. As the medicine works, the cat should start to be more lively. If you do not see any improvement after a few days, call the vet. The vet may need to change the treatment plan.
Keep an eye on your cat’s appetite. Some cats may not eat well when they have ear mites. As they feel better, their appetite should return. If your cat still does not eat properly, it could be a sign of other problems.
Preventing Future Ear Mite Infestations
Once your cat gets rid of ear mites, you want to stop them from coming back. Keep your cat’s living area clean. Wash your cat’s bedding regularly. Vacuum the floors and furniture often. This helps get rid of any mite eggs or mites that may be in the environment.
If you have more than one cat, check all of their ears regularly. Ear mites spread easily from one cat to another. If one cat gets mites, separate it from the others until it is fully treated.
Do not let your cat come into contact with other animals that may have ear mites. If your cat goes outside, keep an eye on it. Do not let it get too close to stray cats or other wild animals.
Conclusion
Oral ear mite medicine can be a good way to treat ear mites in cats. By knowing the types of medicine, how to use it, and what to watch for, you can help your cat. Always talk to a vet before starting treatment. If you have any concerns during treatment, do not hesitate to ask for help. With the right care, your cat can be free from ear mites and stay healthy.
Related topics:
