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My cat has ear mites. Is Hartz ear mite treatment safe and effective?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Wirehair | Male | neutered

My cat has earmites, we bought medication at Walmart (Hartz brand) and we are doing the ear drops once a day. He's on the third dose, his ears are----

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 19th, 2016

I would caution against using Hartz to treat ear mites. That's because it's an OTC medication, and it will not be as effective as medication you can get from the vet. I would recommend getting Revolution. It's a spot on flea treatment that also kill ear mites. You don't put it into their ears, but apply it on the back of the head where they can't lick it. I recommend using that on Benji.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Your message got cut off. Please re-post with a question so that we can best help you and your pet.
Earmites can be treated with a number of different products. Although I am not a huge fan of the Hartz brands because they tend to cause adverse effects in pets, especially cats.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 10th, 2017
Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It really is not a good idea to put anything in the ears unless you know what is really going on. I can not tell you how many times folks have brought their pets to me after treating for supposed ear mites, & the poor pet has a rip roaring ear infection. Please be sure before medicating, you can cause irreversible hearing loss with the wrong medication. Have your vet take a look & Jake's ears will be looking great soon. Take care.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 27th, 2017
Hi there and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

One of the things I will use with my clients is Revolution, which is a topical medication. I do recommend doing so only under supervision of a veterinarian-have your ferret checked to make sure the ear mites are the only problem as commonly other types of ear infections will present with similar symptoms. Your vet can show you how to apply and monitor for reactions if they have never had it.

I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 16th, 2020
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ms Lovett. I never recommend Hartz products, they are absolutely terrible and can cause serious problems in cats. Large amounts of pyrethrins are toxic to cats, but this is not a large amount. It's just simply a horrible product. I would wash the product off of her now in a warm bath with Dawn dish soap. Have her seen by a vet in the morning to get a better treatment for ear mites. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Can I use Revolution on my cat with ear mites and an ear hematoma?

Yes, it's safe to use Revolution on cat with ear mites, but your cat will still need to see the vet the aural hematoma. Revolution will not treat that, only the ear mites, and the hematoma will likely need to be drained and the ear flap sutured to prevent it from reoccurring. Please take your cat into the vet tomorrow if possible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has ear mites, Revolution isn't working. Need OTC help!

Cute kitty! It may take 3-4 weeks for the revolution to completely rid the infection. You can purchase Eradimite or Otomite without a prescription and this may help rid the infection more quickly. Not sure if the Zymox you’re using is the treatment drops (which are great) or the cleanser (also a great product) but if it’s not the cleanser you are using already, then get some type of ear cleanser to help break up the “gunk” and get them out of there. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My cat has ear mites, and Sergeant's isn't working. What's best?

The best options to treat ear mites are either revolution spot on or advantage multi spot on, both are prescription anti flea medications but their effect on ear mites is much better than any of the over the counter products.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat got ear mite medicine in ear. Is flushing with water safe?

This would depend on the medication. Many treatments for ear mites are topical medications that should be given in the ear. If she is on a topical flea and tick medication like Revolution for ear mites you could contact the company to see if there are any concerns about accidental exposure to the ear. Most topical medications shouldn't be too much of a concern either.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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Is it normal for my cat's ears to be red after ear mite treatment?

If you are noticing redness after the treatment, stop using it. Duchess could be having a reaction to the medication. Revolution applied to the back of the neck will kill ear mites but the treatment must continue for 2-3 months. Use a routine ear cleaner during this time to help clean out the ear wax. Other treatments are also available for ear mite treatment. I recommend to talk with your veterinarian about alternative treatments. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My cats have black, itchy ears. Is Sentry HC ear mite medicine safe?

The problem is that ear infections in cats can also be caused by yeast and bacteria in addition to ear mites, so this may not be the right medication for their ear infection. The best thing to do is take them into the vet to have it confirmed they have an ear infection and what is causing it so they can be treated correctly.

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Kitten ear mites: Can I treat them if her ears are scratched?

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You may want to consider treating the ear mites with a different medication which is applied to the base of the neck instead of inside the ears. This product is called Revolution and is a prescription medication you can get from your veterinarian that can be used to treat ear mites in cats. Might be a better alternative in Muffin's case. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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