The Best Ear Mite Treatment For Cats

With the scientific name Otodectes cynotis, ear mites are tiny mites that can survive in animals’ ears. Adult ear mites can feed off of ear wax. One species that is often seen in dogs is Otodectes cynotis, which is a Greek word that roughly translates to “ear biter of the dog” or “ear picker”.

Cat ear mites are very common, and about half of all cats have these parasites. The problem is that the majority of infestations often go undetected, and while not fatal, fungal or bacterial ear mite infections can lead to further infections in the external portion of the ear canal, leading to extreme discomfort and ultimately, eardrum damage, which could mean loss of hearing.

How are ear mites treated?

Luckily, there is plenty of available ear mite treatment for cats. Some of these are in antibiotic form, while others are in the form of natural remedies, oil or shampoo.

1) Shampoo – Apply shampoo to your cat’s body from the head to the tail’s tip every other day. This is best done because ear mites can actually crawl away from the ears and subsist on another part of your cat’s body. This way, you will not worry about the exacerbation of infections. Choose a gentle shampoo that is effective, scent-free and preferably herbal. For the final rinse, consider making a yellow dock tea infusion.

2) Antibiotics – Ear mite medicine for cats is available in antibiotic form as solutions or ear drops. The key is to find an ear-safe insecticide that will kill the parasite, whether the parasites are in egg form, larvae, nymph, or adult. The powerful ingredient to keep an eye out for is pyrethrin, and some recommended solutions that contain this are Selamectin, Milbemycin, Fipronil or Acarexx. For antibiotics, these are among the best ear mite medicine for cats.

3) Mineral oil – Applied onto the ear using an eye dropper, this oil aids in dissolving ear wax and leaving ear mites smothered and killed off. This oil alone is considered to be among the best ear mite treatment for cats. It is best to massage your pet’s ears right after applying the oil.

4) Homemade mixture – Another oil-based mixture that is effective in killing ear mites is a combination of oils. Try mixing a few drops of Vitamin E (400 IU), almond oil, mineral oil and corn oil, some extract of yellow dock root, plus some white vinegar and water. This mixture is effective in soothing cats. In the event that your cat has already developed any injuries or bleeding in his or her ears, consider applying and massaging this homemade treatment to your cat’s ears, in order to kill off all ear mites and provide some soothing comfort to the ears.

Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

Millions of Americans are allergic to cats and furry pets, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. I’m one of these millions of Americans that suffer from cat allergies, but I’ve enjoyed the company of my 2 pet cats Buster (Siberian) and Choppy (Devon Rex) for 4 years now. How is this possible?!

A few years ago, I was chatting with my coworker Jean by the water dispenser, and I mentioned in passing that I never had any cats growing up, because I had asthma. She then said that there are actually hypoallergenic cat breeds, cat breeds that are regarded as “low allergen”. At first I thought she switched from talking about cats to makeup (we cover a wide range of topics during lunch break), but then she went on to explain that these cats are in fact non allergenic cats, and are not likely to cause allergies because they do not produce as much allergens compared to typical cats. She also said that while this does not make the possibility of being allergic to them zero, the chances are greatly reduced. I was intrigued.

My research told me that a protein called “Fel D1” in the saliva of cats is the allergen that tends to spark allergies among many cat owners. Cats tend to lick their coat, and this leaves the allergens on them. As soon as the saliva on their coat evaporates, the particles go into the air, and this finds its way into sinuses and noses, as we breathe in and out. With allergy free cat breeds, this protein is produced in lesser quantities.

Hypoallergenic Cat Facts

  • Male cats tend to secrete more allergens
  • Male cats that have not been neutered tend to emit more allergens
  • Cats with a dark fur have a tendency to give off more allergens
  • Kittens or “baby cats” do not produce as much allergens

Given these facts, I figured it’s safe to assume that younger female felines with light fur are best for people that are allergic to cats. My research also informed me of the 7 cat breeds that do not produce as much allergens. I had this list when I visited my local pet shop.

Javanese – These cats have medium to long single coats that do not mat: less fur, less allergens.

Rex – A couple of types of these are Cornish Rex and Devon Rex cats. These cats do not shed as much fur.

Balinese – If you have ever seen a Balinese cat, you will wonder if this breed is really hypoallergenic, but these cats do produce less allergen. These cats are otherwise known as “long-haired Siamese cats”.

Oriental Shorthair – Even though these cats are hypoallergenic, remember to ensure that they are groomed every now and then.

Siberian – These cats have coats that are somewhat long, but the enzymes that are present in their saliva are below average.

Sphynx – These cats are practically hairless!

Cat Ear Mites

There are certain infections that can lead to our cats left suffering from problems that are permanent, such as complete loss of hearing. Among these are infections from cat ear mites, otherwise known as Otodectes cynotis. These are parasites that eat skin and reside in the ear canal of cats. They resemble crabs or spiders in appearance, but since they are microscopic, it is not always easy to spot them.

Symptoms of Cat Ear Mites

If you notice your cat constantly stroking his ears annoyed, moving his head as if in agitation, or scratching violently, it is possible that your cat has ear mites. A cat with a disagreeable smell, discharge (often brown, dark and waxy similar to ground coffee) or blood coming from the ear could also be suffering from cat ear mites. Scabs and hair loss around the ear area could also be a sign of cat ear mites. Cat ear mites also enhance the production of ear wax, and too much of this wax will give the ear mites more to subsist on. Inflammation can also result from the excessive production of wax.

Should you notice these symptoms in your cat, it would be best to take your cat to the vet immediately, because the condition could be exacerbated if it turns out that your cat is allergic to the ear mites as well. While just starting out as cat ear mites, the problem could develop into a bacterial infection that could keep recurring. They can also find their way into other body parts. Another possibility is disfigurement, in the event of nonstop scratching. Cat ear mites can also be passed on from one cat to another, and it is even possible for cats to develop an immunity to ear mites. Re-infestations are possible if one or more of your cats are affected.

Treatment for Cat Ear Mites

A vet can diagnose your cat properly using an otoscope. Light and heat coming from the instrument will encourage ear mites to come out from their hiding place. Treating cat ear mites is a process that requires getting rid of all of the mites on the cat’s body, and all of these ear mites will need to be flushed out. Treatments are often repeated to ensure that they work in killing off all cat ear mites, so infections do not recur. Among the best cat ear mite treatment available is ZYMOX Otic, a treatment that can be used for cats or dogs to treat the external part of the ears for any severe and recurring inflammation. This treatment is best used once each day for a week. The recommended length of time is doubled if the infection recurs. Sentry HC Ear Mite for Cats is another effective ear mite treatment for cats.

Managing Arthritis in Cats

Arthritis is something that both humans and cats experience. Just as with human arthritis, in cat arthritis, the joints of a cat becomes inflamed, thereby leading to a painful experience. The problem with arthritis in cats is that the condition is chronic, which means that it can happen time and time again. The symptoms can just keep coming back, and each time they recur, they can be more painful.

Which Cats Are Likely to Get Feline Arthritis?

It is possible for younger cats to develop arthritis, but they are most common in cats that are older. The condition can be quite uncomfortable. Arthritis is generally painful, but there are cases wherein the illness becomes so severe that cats are left incapacitated.

Feline Arthritis Types

1) Progressive Polyarthritis – This type of feline arthritis can affect a few joints simultaneously. Symptoms can become worse over time, as the ailment develops. This can happen when the protective cartilage fails, leaving the bones exposed and unprotected. It is also possible for cats to develop feline arthritis from a congenital issue with their joints, which means that your cat may have a genetic predisposition to develop feline arthritis. Cats that are obese are also more likely to develop arthritis, as the joints get more impact than they can handle, from the surplus weight.

2) Osteoarthritis – This can be the result of impact and breaking down of the defending cartilages that keep the joint surfaces safe and protected. The condition is chronic and is a degenerative type of feline arthritis. When the cartilages (mostly of the elbows and shoulders) that serve to protect degrade, bones begin to rub and scrape each other. From this, infection can develop.

3) Traumatic Arthritis – This type of arthritis can begin from damage in the joints, or from a simple sprain; from falls, accidents, as well as impact from fights.

Symptoms of Cat Arthritis

By and large, the symptoms of arthritis in cats begin to show once the disease has developed. For this reason, it is not always easy to find out if or when a cat is in the process of developing arthritis. This is why it is good to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms, especially if your cat is beginning to mature. Most cats that suffer from feline arthritis are likely to exhibit stiffness in their joints. They will also begin to limp from place to place, and they are likely to be less mobile than usual. Cats that suffer from arthritis are also likely to hate being touched around their joints.

Cat Arthritis Treatment

It is not easy to stop the development of cat arthritis, especially if the contributing factors are weight, breed, genetics and age. The best thing to do is begin treatment as soon as possible. Among the available treatments for feline arthritis is an injectable treatment called Adequan, which is injected into the area that is affected. This brings cats relief, especially with advanced stages of arthritis. There are also NSAIDS, which are “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs”. These alleviate pain and inflammation in the joints.

Help Your Cat Get Rid Of Cat Dandruff

Humans can suffer from dandruff, and so can cats. In cats, dandruff resembles dead skin cells that are loose. Cat dandruff is easy to spot because they look like white flakes that sit on the fur of cats, around the head area. Felines and canines can both experience some skin dryness, but there are times when the condition is actually among the symptoms of something more severe. This is why it makes sense to find out if your cat’s dandruff is just some regular skin dryness or otherwise.

What Causes Dandruff In Cats?

Among the many causes of dandruff in cats are sunburn, cat ear mites (particularly the Cheyletiella mite) and fleas, allergies to certain particles in the environment, environments where the humidity is low, a poor diet, food allergies, fungal infection in the skin, feline diabetes, as well as allergies that may be airborne. If you wish to find out what is really causing dandruff in your cats, take your cat to the vet, as your cat’s vet will be able to properly diagnose your cat and pinpoint what is really giving your cat dandruff.

How To Help A Cat With Dandruff

If your cat has dandruff, you may want to consider changing your cat’s diet to one that will allow your cat to get a good amount of protein from meat, on a daily basis. Bear in mind that a lot of cat food companies selling cat foods commercially tend to advertise their products as “the best”, but these cat foods may actually be inferior in terms of nutritional content – or at least cat foods that are sold commercially tend to make use of vegetables proteins, as opposed to animal proteins, and vegetable proteins are simply an insufficient source of protein for cat food. You could also use a humidifier in your home, if it is sunburns or a dry climate that is giving your cat dandruff. If what is giving your cat dandruff is the Chyletiella mite, you will be able to know immediately because these parasites are big enough that they are visible.

How To Get Rid Of Cat Dandruff

Parasites can be treated without much effort, but all possible areas where there might be parasites will likewise need to be purged of the parasites, including your bedding and carpeting, as well as (possibly) some members of your home. Wash your cat’s sheets and bedding, and use an effective solution such as Advantage, Frontline or Revolution to get rid of the Cheyletiella mite. You will need a prescription from your vet for these medications.

Best Cat Dandruff Remedies That Are Homeopathic

A couple of homeopathic remedies for cats are Taraxacum officinalis and Equisetum Arvense. These are herbs that are effective in relieving cats of any discomfort from sores on the skin, and are good for hydrating the skin. There is also a sea vegetable called Fucus vesiculosis, which is a natural remedy that boosts the functioning of the thyroid. The latter is responsible for the production of hormones, which keep the coat and skin of cats healthy. One to two times a week, you could also add some olive oil (about a tablespoon) to your cat’s food, to encourage your cat’s body to produce oil naturally.

How To Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant

“Is my cat pregnant?” A lot of cat owners have asked this question because it is not always easy to tell if a cat is pregnant, especially if you are not breeding your pet. There are times when cat owners only find out that their cat is pregnant by the time their cats are in their third trimester. With cats, mothers do not always start to appear as if they are carrying kittens, at least not until about 14 days before they give birth. Also, there are different breeds of cats, and Persian cats in particular do not tend to experience bleeding or initial estrus until they are a couple of years old. Cats are usually able to produce offspring during their ‘teenage’ years. If you wish to find out how to tell if your cat is pregnant, below are some standard symptoms and signs to keep an eye out for.

Pregnant Or In Heat?

First of all, you can try to distinguish between a cat that is merely in heat and one that is pregnant by the “signs”. Mollies (a molly being a female cat) will show that she is in heat by being very vocal. This molly will show her affection for other cats, as well as other people. This cat may howl as she rolls on the floor, and this cat will let her mate know that her body is ready for reproduction. This cat will most likely have her tail pointing towards one side, and her bottom up in the air.

How To tell If A Cat Is Pregnant

Among the other symptoms of pregnancy for cats are enlarged nipples that are rather pinkish in color and soft-looking. Also try to see if your cat is gaining weight, especially in your cat’s midsection. This should be a sign of uterine growth. Cats that are pregnant also have a tendency to have a bigger appetite than usual, and so if your cat is asking for food more than usual, combined with the abovementioned symptoms, then it is very much possible that your cat is pregnant. Cats are also likely to be ‘sweeter’ to humans and other cats when pregnant. Finally, mother cats will start constructing a nest as she prepares to give birth.

How Long Is A Cat Pregnant For?

Another question many cat owners have asked is “How long is a cat pregnant?” While humans give birth within 40 to 42 weeks, for cats, the gestation period is longer. You can expect to wait about 9 weeks or 58 to 65 days before your cat gives birth. By and large, cats give birth to about 3 to 5 kittens at a time, but as much as 8 kittens can be expected.

How Long Does A Cat Stay In Heat?

A lot of folks wish to know the answer to this question: how long does a cat stay in heat? Cats that are in heat tend to act aggressively and make a lot of noises that leave many cat owners alarmed. It is during the fall or springtime that intact female cats (those which have not been spayed) are likely to experience this, and the condition is otherwise known as “estrus”. In a single season, estrus can occur more than once.

How Long Is A Cat In Heat?

Is my cat in heat? If you are unsure and wish to know more about cats that are in heat and the heat cycle, read on. During the estrus cycle of a female cat, she is likely to go through five phases. First, there is the Proestrus phase, there may not be a lot of visible symptoms that will let you know that your cat is in heat. However, at this point, a male cat will feel attraction to a female cat, and yet the latter will not want to mate. This can last for a day or two.

Next is the Estrus phase. At this point, a female cat will consider mating. Among the many symptoms of this is some discharge (bloody), as well as a bulging vulva. However, dogs are more likely to show these symptoms. In cats, you will see a change in their behavior. Cats are likely to roll around on the floor, screech and vocalize, stick their rear end up in the air, as well as not eat as much as they regularly would. Many tend to assume that cats are experiencing pain when they do these things, but these are actually signs of estrus. This can last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. In the event that a female cat is not impregnated during this period, estrus may occur again after a few days.

After the Estrus phase comes Interestrus, which is the length of time between cycles of estrus. This can occur for 2 to 3 weeks.

Next, Diestrus or Metestrus occurs. This refers to the actual mating process and can last anywhere from a month to 40 days. In the event of pregnancy, this can last for as much as 2 months, plus a few days more.

Finally, the Anestrus phase comes into play. This is a time when no hormonal or sexual activities are likely to take place, and can occur in between stages of the estrus. This can last for about 60 to 90 days or so.

How To Calm A Cat in Heat?

The best way to calm a cat in heat is to soothe your cat by way of gentle, soothing strokes and massages, as well as cuddling, petting or brushing your cat’s hair. The heat cycle can come to a halt when a cat becomes pregnant.

Is Milk Good for Cats?

There are some things that we think is OK to give to our pet cats, just because we see someone doing it on TV, or we assume that what is good for us humans will most probably be good for our cat as well – besides, we’re both mammals, aren’t we? It rarely occurs to us that what we are giving our cats might be bad for them. When our cats ask for certain foods or liquids that they like the smell of, a lot of us tend to give in just to appease our beloved pets.

Is Milk Bad For Cats?

In cartoons, movies, older TV shows, commercials and books, we see people giving milk to their cats, served in a shallow bowl. Is milk good for cats, or not? Giving milk to cats is actually not a good practice, and is among the things we shouldn’t do just because we see it done on TV. For one, milk is not something that cats necessarily need in their diet – for cats, the nutritional value of milk is very low. And while milk is not poisonous to cats, it is also not ideal for fully grown and mature cats. The reason for this is that the majority of these cats are lactose-intolerant. This tells us that their digestive systems are not able to properly process the sugars that are found in cow’s milk, goat’s milk, etc.

What Happens If I Give My Cat Some Milk? Are Cats Allergic To Milk?

Lactose-intolerant cats can suffer from drinking milk, and a lot of adult cats are lactose-intolerant, so after consuming some milk, these cats could be left with an upset stomach, or diarrhea. A cat that only subsists on milk is also likely to die because of lack of nutrition in this cat’s diet.

Why Do Cats Like Milk?

It might make sense that something a cat likes in smell or taste is most probably good for a cat. If you think about it, humans (including babies and children) also like the taste of sugar, and yet sugar is known to have very bad side effects, especially when consumed regularly and in considerable amounts, in sodas, candies, juices and desserts. From a biological perspective, it makes sense for cats to like the taste of milk because cats are also mammals with mammary glands that produce milk, and kittens drink this milk; cow’s milk (unless ultra-pasteurized) is not ideal for cats. If your cat is not lactose-intolerant or you wish to give your cat some milk from time to time, consider giving your cat some Cat Sip, which is a brand of milk that is taurine-fortified and “ultra-pasteurized”. A cat’s digestive system will be able to process this milk without any problems.

Cat Diarrhea

Cats do not regularly get diarrhea, but diarrhea in cats can occur if there is something wrong with the digestive system of a cat. Diarrhea that only lasts for a day or so is usually nothing to worry about, and most of the time, the reason for this is that a cat may have eaten or drank something that their digestive system failed to process as it should. This type of diarrhea in cats usually goes away after a day or so.

Causes Of Cat Diarrhea

Among the many causes of diarrhea in cats is cats drinking fluids or eating foods that their systems are unable to process properly. Kittens grow up subsisting on milk from their moms, but a lot of adult cats are usually lactose-intolerant. At the same time, it is not ideal for us cat owners to give our cats cow’s milk, goats milk and the like, especially if the milk is not lactose-reduced or ultra-pasteurized. Contrary to what many of us have seen in old movies, it is not true that milk provides cats the sustenance that they need: milk simply has no role in a cat’s diet, and it has been said that a cat that feeds on milk alone is likely to die. Another possible cause of diarrhea in cats is change in a cat’s diet, especially if a cat is not used to the new cat food provided. Hairballs, spoiled food, bacteria, and specific medications can also cause diarrhea in cats.

A cat can also get diarrhea from an allergy, and just as with humans, cats can get sick with diarrhea from a certain virus strain or bacteria. Among the parasites that can lead cats to suffer from diarrhea are Giardia, coccidian and roundworms. As far as diseases go, digestive tract tumors, certain cancers, liver, kidney and inflammatory bowel diseases can also give cats diarrhea, including colitis and hyperthyroidism.

How To Stop Cat Diarrhea

Once your cat gets diarrhea, try to immediately identify the culprit. Diarrhea in cats can last for a while, and in such cases, a cat is likely to be left dehydrated. This means that your cat’s body will be losing vital salts and minerals needed to remain healthy. For a correct diagnosis, take your cat to the vet if your cat’s diarrhea lasts for more than a few days.

Best Cat Food For Diarrhea

If your cat is suffering from diarrhea, try eliminating dry cat food with wheat or corn-based fillers from your cat’s diet, and instead switching to a diet that consists of raw and/or canned cat food. Go over the ingredients of the processed cat food that you have been giving to your cat, and keep an eye out for ingredients that seem out of place or are not part of the natural diet of the feline species, such as rice, potatoes, rosemary and milk.

The Best Flea Treatment for Cats

Unfortunately, fleas are not something we cat owners often notice on our pet cats, until it is too late and our cat’s fur is already crawling with the tiny insects. Most owners of cats are used to grooming their cat, and yet the problem may not be apparent until our cat starts shedding, or some bumps begin to show up on the skin of cats. With felines that are light in color, fleas are much more noticeable, since fleas are dark in color. However, on fur that is darker in color, one will need a flea comb with fine teeth, in order to find the small dark dots, which are called “flea dirt”, a type of discharge that fleas leave behind. If you are looking for flea treatment for cats, read on.

What fleas can do to your cat

Among the consequences of cat fleas is tapeworm, and kittens are especially prone to these. This is why they need to be regularly dewormed. As for cats that are older, if they are losing weight, show coat that is lacking in shine, as well as seem tired all the time, it is possible that they have tapeworms. As a cat owner, if you notice any white spots around your cat’s anus area (which appear a little like grains of rice), this might be an apparent sign that your cat has tapeworm. Some flea medicine for cats may be prescribed by your cat’s vet, in the form of a tiny pill that will get rid of fleas on your cat, and by controlling the flea infestation on your cat’s fur, you should be able to get rid of tapeworms.

How to get rid of cat fleas

The problem with infestations of fleas is that they can leave cats anemic with feline anemia, and for kittens, this can be life-threatening. If you want to find out if your cat suffers from flea infestation, what you can do is check to see if your cat’s gums are pale. If so, this is a sign that your cat has lost blood. There is even a worse kind of anemia that strikes cats, and this is brought about by a microorganism that is carried by fleas. To correct this type of feline anemia, the use of steroids and antibiotics will be necessary. And if your cat has lost a lot of blood, your cat’s vet may suggest blood transfusion.

Flea control for cats

Fleas can be very uncomfortable and itchy, and as a result, your cat can suffer from more infections and skin problems. There are plenty of topical treatments available, and among the best flea treatment for cats are Revolution, Frontline, as well as Advantage. These medications will help your cat get rid of fleas.