Treating stray with ear mites

clynn11

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So I have a black and white tuxedo long haired stray who I see probably at least 3 times a week. Sometimes when I open the door he will stay [I suppose that's when he's REALLY hungry] and i'll give him some wet food and pet him. Other times he'll just bolt. I started noticing him around 4 months ago.. at least 9 mos old.. but who knows for sure. ANYWAYS. The first time I saw him he had what I thought were some battle wounds on his right ear. Over the next few times I saw him it seemed to scab over. Today I was looking at him and was wondering if maybe he had ear mites really bad in that ear, because it looks like there's claw marks all through his scabbed/scarred up area and i'm thinking he's just scratching and hurting himself over trying to itch his ear? Because it's quite the build up of scar tissue and just looks like it's been torn up over and over again. I'm wondering if there's a really fast, simple treatment I can give him that will help him even a little? Either for the mites or for the wound itself? It couldn't be to intricate of a procedure since he's VERY skittish and only let's me grasp him for maybe two seconds... I don't have money to take him to the vet immediately as I just spent $500 last week on two of the other kitties. Suggestions?
 
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StefanZ

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A vet check up is the best, but the remedy against mites and other parasites is easy; Revolution (there are also similiar)  "drop on".  Takes most of parasites save tapeworms.  Just one - two drops between the shoulders...  But if you happen to drop a couple extra not dangerous.  Works about one months.

Nowadays is Revolution presciption free in USA.

If you are really tight on budget and dont afford even this, a couple of drops of baby oil, or better yet, olive oil, in the ear may help some,   At least against mild infections.  But I dont think it will suffice against heavy infection.

You can perhaps get some medicines from some shelter or rescue group nearby?  Make sure you know what preparate it is, and not too old.. Many over the count arent not recommendable.  Or if they are too old...

Good luck!

ps.  Nick HappyKitty wrote in the pregnant forum "Selemectin (Revolution, Stronghold) is supposed to be safe with nursing cats"

Stronghold is a similiar preparate (another company).  Selemectin is the active substance.
 
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iris

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I know this woman who traps over 500 ferals a year. Her husband made a groove in a bamboo stick with a plunger..and she sticks the stick over their heads and squirts the Revolution on their necks.
 

feralvr

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Revolution needs to be given at two doses, three weeks apart to be effective against ear mites and mange. Then you are good. You have to be able to touch or pet the cat to apply the product correctly. Have never heard of the bamboo as an option, and guess it could work if you can pet the cat with the bamboo and get it right up against the skin on the back of the head. If you don't apply it there, the cat will lick it all off and start to foam and spit from the mouth - bitter taste.

You can also use Mineral Oil a few drops in the ears at least twice daily. Then again, you have to be able to touch the cat. I hope other's will have some suggestions as well. You might just have to trap the cat and take it to a vet for treatment - but then followup treatments are needed at home - so confinement is a must. It is really tricky to treat a "feral" cat - sometimes just impossible. :sigh: You can only do so much then.
Hope this helps:
http://www.feralcatbehavior.com/516/the-ear-mite-fight.html
 
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