Black Build Up in a Kitten's Ear
By chikad2001 from Toledo, OH
Feedback About This Post:
RE: Black Build Up in a Kitten's Ear
My cat had the same thing, but NO itching, so my vet knew it was not ear mites. Also, the flea meds I give him from the vet once a month also takes care of ear mites. The black crud Ramsey gets is just wax and my vet told me to just use a q-tip dipped in a little olive oil and clean the crud being careful not to dig deep. I do this at least once a month. Ramsey doesn't like it, but he's getting used to it and when we're done, he heads directly to the treat jar where he knows mommy gives him a treat afterward for being such a good boy.
Post by chef4u
RE: Black Build Up in a Kitten's Ear
Treat your animals like you would your kids---if they have something wrong, take them to the doctor first, to find out for sure what it is, then ask them, very politely, if there is anything you can do at home in the future if it happens again. You can end up with an animal that is constantly ill, has chronic ear problems, which can lead to behavior problems down the line from the constant pain.
Post by fatboyslimsmom
RE: Black Build Up in a Kitten's Ear
Sounds like ear mites. I had a cocker that constantly had them and her ear wax was black. You will have to go to the vet and get the cat medicine to clean the ears and medication also.
Post by Mythi
RE: Black Build Up in a Kitten's Ear
I agree it is likely ear mites. You have to take your cat to the vet, who will show how to clean the ears and give you medication to kill the ear mites. Go now, before the cat scratches its ears raw on the outside.
Post by louel53
RE: Black Build Up in a Kitten's Ear
Hello,
I have worked for a Veterinarian for over 27 years. Your Fur-baby needs to be seen by a Doctor. If it is ear mites you will need a prescription or an injection from the Doctor. You cannot treat ear mites at home. Good luck
Post by K9cats
RE: Black Build Up In My Kitten's Ear
That black ear wax is not ear wax. It's ear mite poop. Clean the ears with a q-tip without going inside the ear. My husband used to instruct clients to "use it like a spoon" and scoop the crud out. Then with a cotton ball moistened with alcohol or just water clean them the best you can. If you use ear mite medicine on top of all that stuff you'll just have medicated poop and won't kill the mites. Go to you vet office and ask for ear mite medicine. Don't rely on some of those Walmart things and certainly not Sargent's or Hartz. If you have money to throw away, throw it my way! You need to treat 3 times a week for 3 weeks to totally rid the cat of the mites.
Post by Glenn'sMom
RE: Black Build Up In My Kitten's Ear
It can be ear mites. Are they scratching? Get them used to getting their ears cleaned, be firm but gentle. Take a clean kleenex, fold it, wrap it around your finger and gently but firmly wipe the junk out of their ears, getting new tissues frequently to avoid spreading the black stuff. If you are careful you can get down into the smaller section of the ear safely, but don't go any further than that. if it is ear mites, don't come in contact with them, they seem to have 2 inch long fangs! They burn when they come in contact with our hands-and with the cats ears. If you have more than one cat, clean all of their ears, it can be easily spread from one cat to another. It will take several cleanings to control it, first every other day. If it's really bad, then once a week, then once a month. We had a cat who had it chronically and she would come and ask us to clean her ears. Most cats don't like it done, but she really appreciated it. Any cat who has a bad case of ear mites gets it that the cleaning makes them feel better. There's a liquid wash you can get from your vet that helps clean their ears.
Post by nekocat
RE: Black Build Up In My Kitten's Ear
Mineral oil on a cotton ball. If that doesn't work, you'll probably have to make a trip to the vet.
Post by Fortunately
Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer: http://www.thriftyfun.comdisclaimer.ldml If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.