ear mites and diatomaceous earth (DE)

Hi all.

Has anyone used DE to kill ear mites? Or does anyone have any knowledge or thoughts about the safety and/or efficacy of putting DE inside of a cat's (or, well, 9-month old kitten's) ears? It just came up in a search and while I'm aware of many uses for DE, I had not come across it being used in this way before (and I've done no shortage of research on the subject of killing ear mites). I've personally experienced the effects of inhaling DE and I know how unpleasant / dangerous this is. Any safety concerns with putting it in their ears versus on their coats or in their food? Thanks. 

I've never heard of using DE this way. 

Using olive oil or even vegie oil I've heard of, but not DE.

I know, right. I was surprised when I came across it because I'd never seen it recommended before (and have LOOKED). The oil (I used almond) failed spectacularly. Or well, it didn't necessarily fail to kill mites, but both of my kittens had the same terrible skin reaction from the moisture and perhaps the interaction of the oil with the secondary ear infections they had as a result of mites (yeast and bacteria were found). Basically their skin (and with it, fur) started peeling off all around their ears It was scaly and bizarre looking, but is completely healed up now (post-Tresaderm). Vets are recommending a few cycles of Revolution to prevent a potential mite resurgence in case there are any late hatchers, and I am trying to figure out if there's something safe and efficacious that I can use instead. I do not want to jeopardize their full and permanent recovery, because the ear infections were pretty awful (for one of them in particular), nor do I feel good about potential negatives of providing them with an insecticide to be absorbed into their bloodstream :/

Here's where I found it. 

I'd be interested in hearing any experiences people have had killing or preventing reinfection of mites alternatively. The internet has the same oil, followed by yellowdock regime posted over and over again, but I have not come across a single anecdote or testimonial from someone who had used it, let alone evidence that it's effective (and there is no data on yellowdock effectively treating anything, which I mention because if it was known to be effective than I would use it in lieu of oil). DE, on the other hand, is a safer insecticide and it's mechanics are known, I just have no idea if applying it to the ears would be a) safe b) effective. 

I also read in a blog by a vet that they treat with 10 days of Tresaderm and then give a single dose on day 20, and again on day 30, to get the late hatchers. But while some vets prescribe Tresaderm for mites, one of the vets we saw told me it is ineffective against mites, so   

Interesting link!  Re: the almond oil, in tht link it doesn't specifically say it works on cats, so maybe that's part of the issue with your little ones....hard to say.  BUT, some of the remedies are very specific to cats, so I would probably just try those and see if they work.  Using vasoline sounds pretty good to me, as it only takes one week and the application sounds the easiest .  Some of them take quite a long time.

The oil regimen is found in The New Natural Cat, and Raising Cats Naturally, as well as many other books and sites (I only included that particular link because it was where I saw mention of DE; it's obviously not a reliable source)... And actually, two vets I spoke to told me to use oil, even having seen the state of my cats' ears (blocked with gunk -- to have any chance of working these remedies have to be applied to ears clear enough so the substance can reach the mites) and neither anticipated a bad reaction, but neither seemed to be recommending from firsthand experience, rather said they'd "heard." The problem is, these remedies are just repeated over and over, seemingly by people who are just regurgitating things because they've read them, but the tone is usually authoritative as if what they're recommending is tested / known to work. This is a rampant problem that I am sensitized to.

We are well past trying things (that anyone can post on the internet) and "seeing if they work". If they don't work, that will result in prolonging the suffering of my cats. They didn't have a bad reaction because they are cats as opposed to some other animal, but because their tissues were saturated by the oil. The vaseline remedy is basically the same, is likely to have the same effect, and is less safe (because petroleum). I don't know -- maybe the course is shorter because petroleum, but I'd question the one-week timeframe. We are looking for something to address late hatchers and prevent re-infestation -- their mites are cleared for now it seems.

I am specifically looking for things that are tested or people's experiences actually using alternative treatments for mites. I asked about DE because it's pest killing properties are known. But again, I'd be interested in any experiences dealing with mites alternatively. I have researched until my eyes bled. I didn't take to the forums to have someone do my research and tell me what remedies to try, but to hear about their experiences.

Sorry, my frustration mostly comes from the fact that I've kind of had my herbal bubble burst, dealing with this. And I've learned that I have to actually look into whether herbs and supplements etc are actually found to do what claims state (not just believe it because it shows up a lot on the internet). And research Every.Single.Thing I give a cat. Even when vets I'm talking to are making the claims. Even when Michelle Bernard and Anitra Frazier have published them. I feel strongly about this because it causes much serious harm. Thanks for responding. 

Ok, now I understand you.  AND, BTW, I was specifically speaking of using the ALMOND oil, as there was nothing (that I saw) that mentioned the use on cats.  BUT, be that as it may, look what I found :

THIS thread discusses the use of DE by someone who has actually used it!  And she recommended it to someone else who probably then used it.   http://www.thecatsite.com/t/305009/ear-mites-and-black-gunk-advice-appreciated    So, I am tagging both of those folks so perhaps they will see your thread and respond.  @Red Top Rescue, @imaginepeace, do you recommend using DE for ear mites?

DE works fine for ear mites.  Clean the black gunk out of the ear with a damp Q-tip so DE can get in, then put a little on the tip of a small spoon or a measuring spoon like  (I use an ice tea spoon).  Fold back the ear a little, pour the DE into the ear canal, pull the ear tip a little to allow it to fall deeper int the ear canal, then fold the ear down close to the head and massage the base of the ear to work it in.  Then release and allow cat to shake out the extra.  Repeat in 3 days, then repeat in one week, mites should be gone by then but repeat weekly at least one time after there are no signs of any mites.

DE works by getting between the scales/armor of the insect and allowing it to dry out.  No poison is involved.  If you use the FOOD grade DE, it doesn't matter if they get it on their coats an lick it off.

Oil of any sort in the ears, including all the vet prescription ear mite killers, is the worst!  The DE keeps the ear canal dry and makes it inhospitable to mites and fungi.

Wow, thanks guys! @mrsgreenjeens  thanks so much for finding that, and @Red Top Rescue  thanks for sharing your knowledge of this and experience. I am feeling good now  

Just to update, DE in the ears seems to be working! It's hard to tell because there's not a dramatic difference, since the mites and ear infections were under control when we started DE (using it to prevent a resurgence from late hatchers), but after two treatments, the minimal debris they were still producing is completely gone in one cat, and reduced in the other, they're scratching even less, and there have been no ill effects or discomfort as a result of using DE in the ears. I'm going to continue weekly at least until this goo production is totally gone, and I'm thinking maybe to continue for like 6 more weeks regardless since it's so low risk (to get us to through the amount of time the vet wanted them on Revolution to clear mites, which I declined). Anyway, cats are happy and feeling good I'm wishing I knew to use DE for ear mites from jump, but live and learn. Hopefully past kittenhood, they never have to deal with this again. 

Oh and re: the almond oil, our holistic vet recommended almond specifically, which is why I used it, though I think many types should be safe for cats (I read something about avoiding jojoba with cats, and I didn't find anything suggesting that almond oil, or olive, or coconut would be unsafe, but didn't delve too much into all this and would recommend anyone look into any ingredient they are planning to use on cats). In any event, after our experience, I wouldn't put any kind of oil in my cats' ears. Their reaction seemed to be a result of oil/moisture saturating their skin, rather than anything to do particularly with it being almond, and the vet who saw them post-oil treatment said as much. 

Thanks again! It's satisfying, and not necessarily expected, to post looking for something very specific and to find it, so I appreciate the help!

Thanks for the update

cat7bird said:

 
Just to update, DE in the ears seems to be working! It's hard to tell because there's not a dramatic difference, since the mites and ear infections were under control when we started DE (using it to prevent a resurgence from late hatchers), but after two treatments, the minimal debris they were still producing is completely gone in one cat, and reduced in the other, they're scratching even less, and there have been no ill effects or discomfort as a result of using DE in the ears. I'm going to continue weekly at least until this goo production is totally gone, and I'm thinking maybe to continue for like 6 more weeks regardless since it's so low risk (to get us to through the amount of time the vet wanted them on Revolution to clear mites, which I declined). Anyway, cats are happy and feeling good I'm wishing I knew to use DE for ear mites from jump, but live and learn. Hopefully past kittenhood, they never have to deal with this again. 

Oh and re: the almond oil, our holistic vet recommended almond specifically, which is why I used it, though I think many types should be safe for cats (I read something about avoiding jojoba with cats, and I didn't find anything suggesting that almond oil, or olive, or coconut would be unsafe, but didn't delve too much into all this and would recommend anyone look into any ingredient they are planning to use on cats). In any event, after our experience, I wouldn't put any kind of oil in my cats' ears. Their reaction seemed to be a result of oil/moisture saturating their skin, rather than anything to do particularly with it being almond, and the vet who saw them post-oil treatment said as much. 

Thanks again! It's satisfying, and not necessarily expected, to post looking for something very specific and to find it, so I appreciate the help!

Click to expand...

With cats that go outside, you can use DE in the ears once a month or so as a preventative.  Pass this info on to friends, because some of this old school knowledge is likely to get lost when us old folks who learned it from older folks cross over the Rainbow Bridge. 

I see that you also have a Tortoise Shell White cat. You and I have chatted before about the wonderful "Anal Gland Abscess". Now I have to deal with a few fleas. Going to try Diatomaceous Earth

THANK YOU SO MUCH for this information - started an account because of this thread! Percy NEVER had ear mites. Tried melted coconut oil as advised @several internet resources, but for Percy, DE is working better. It was so nice to get detailed directions!

My question is how could he have picked up the mites? Percy is strictly indoors and always has been an only cat - I'm allergic, but picked him up (literally) off the street 6 years ago. He didn't escape outside...thanks in advance. I'd like to avoid this situation in the future...[emoji]128578[/emoji]

So if you could get that question answered you would be wealthy beyond your means. I had a house of indoor cats only and one of them got fleas a few years ago so, go figure.

Interesting, I'd never heard of DE for ear mites but it makes sense. I just can't work out how you make it work! Glad its working. You can also use diluted apple cider vinegar for ear mites on cats (50/50 solution is best).

I've been told you can bring fleas in on your shoes after being outside. I have no idea if that's true, but maybe ear mites are the same?

Thanks for your response! I don't allow shoes in the house* but have treated the front door mat with DE and will continue to do so every so often.

An update, using the DE for Percy's ear mites is working! I've used the DE for one day and am now cleaning tiny black dry specks from his ear flap. He sleeps soundly, less scratching, and allows me to touch/treat his ears without TOO much fuss. He has big ears for a cat, is big (16 lbs) and very strong - so this is major!
Thanks.

*(except for my parents who are in their mid-80s...probably was their shoes [emoji]128578[/emoji])

 Wow!! What a beauty! Thanks for the photo. I'm so glad the DE has worked out for you, he looks happy.

This is wonderful news!    I've just tried it as flea prevention only need a tiny amount once in while works fabulous

all natural non-toxic very inexpensive.

Thanks so much! He's a rescue - seems grateful! Literally picked him up off the street 6 years ago...

I'm keeping careful watch - he still tosses his head. Hopefully, though the DE will clear the problem.

Also read that some people apply DE on the flap & on the ears every so often as a preventative.