The problem
The problem is ear mite infestations make your cat miserable and frustrate owners. Until now, treatments required messy ear drops or topical pesticides, which cats often resist. Many cats hate having their ears handled, and incomplete treatment leaves mites behind, causing persistent symptoms and repeated vet visits.
How Common Is This?
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are a leading cause of itchy, dirty ears in cats. Up to 50% of feline ear disease cases seen in clinics are linked to ear mites. Shelter cats and kittens are especially prone, with infestation rates reaching 60% in some populations. These parasites spread quickly in multi-cat households and can trigger secondary infections if untreated.
Research Findings
The study found a single oral dose of lotilaner eliminated about 99.6% of ear mites within twenty-eight days. This means the vast majority of mites were killed by the end of the month. No live mites were visible after two weeks in treated cats. In plain terms, the medication worked rapidly and thoroughly. Clinical signs—such as scratching, head shaking, and dirty ears—improved markedly in eighty-eight percent of treated cats by week four. Practically, this suggests most cats felt and looked better within a month. No adverse reactions were observed in any treated cat. This means the medication was well tolerated and did not cause side effects. In this controlled trial, eight cats received the tablet and eight served as untreated controls, allowing for direct comparison of outcomes. Owners saw clear benefits in comfort and cleanliness. For example, one owner noticed her skittish cat stopped hiding under the bed and allowed gentle ear rubs again. Another reported her cat’s constant scratching and messy black discharge resolved without daily ear cleaning.
Why Does This Matter?
At home, you avoid the struggle and mess of applying sticky ear drops to a resistant cat. You spend less time cleaning ears, and your cat rests easier without constant itching or head shaking. Treating ear mites quickly prevents damage to the ear canal and reduces the risk of painful secondary infections. With your veterinarian, you gain a straightforward, single-dose solution. No need for repeated appointments or complicated dosing schedules. Your cat benefits from reliable parasite clearance and improved comfort. Costs drop when you need only one tablet and fewer follow-up visits. You reclaim time and peace of mind knowing the infestation is handled. Your cat’s quality of life improves, and you can focus on regular wellness instead of chasing symptoms.
What You Can Do
- Request an oral lotilaner tablet (Credelio™) prescribed by your veterinarian for confirmed ear mite infestation.
- Schedule a follow-up ear exam fourteen days after treatment to check for remaining mites.
- Monitor your cat daily for improved comfort—less scratching, head shaking, and ear debris.
- Clean outer ears gently with vet-approved wipes every three days if debris is present, avoiding deep cleaning.
- Isolate infested cats from others during treatment to prevent spread, using separate bedding.
- Wash bedding and toys in hot water weekly during the treatment period.
- Track any changes in appetite, energy, or behavior, and report unusual signs to your vet.
When To Act
- At first signs of ear scratching, head shaking, or dark ear debris.
- When a veterinarian confirms ear mite infestation under magnification.
- Within twenty-four hours of diagnosis—start oral tablet treatment.
- If topical treatments fail after two weeks or your cat resists ear handling.
- When bringing a new shelter cat or kitten home—request an ear mite check.
- Schedule recheck with your veterinarian fourteen days after treatment.
Study Limitations
- Sixteen cats participated in a laboratory-controlled trial.
- All infestations were induced, not naturally acquired.
- Mite counts and clinical signs were monitored for twenty-eight days only.
- Small sample size limits broad population conclusions.
- What we don’t know yet: field effectiveness in multi-cat households.
Bottom Line
A single oral dose of lotilaner eliminated nearly all ear mites and improved symptoms in most treated cats within four weeks. You can treat ear mites effectively and safely without messy topical medications.
Your Action Plan
Start by watching for early signs of ear discomfort—scratching, head shaking, or black debris are common clues. If you notice these symptoms, schedule a veterinary exam promptly and request mite confirmation. If ear mites are diagnosed, ask your vet about prescribing an oral lotilaner tablet. Give the medication as directed, and use gentle ear wipes every few days to keep the outer ear clean. Separate your cat from others and wash bedding weekly to prevent reinfestation. Mark your calendar for a follow-up visit two weeks after treatment, so your vet can check for mites and assess recovery. Track changes in comfort and behavior, and keep notes to share at your recheck. If your cat resists topical treatments or lives with other cats, discuss the oral option for easier, more thorough control.
Disclaimer
This research brief provides educational information only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your cat’s specific needs.