Should I wait to have my kittens ear mites treated?

Question

I have 2 12 week old kittens, and I looked in their ears today and noticed that they have a dark, waxy buildup. I haven't noticed any other symptoms like scratching or shaking their heads. They have an appointment to get fixed in a little over a month, and I was considering waiting until that appointment to have their ears checked (I really don't have the cash to make a whole separate appointment for this). I am scared to try an over the counter medication because I don't want to damage their ears. Am I putting them at risk by waiting a month?

Answer 1

My youngest cat Chili had ear mites ...they just gave me some drops to put in her ears.

Make sure that you take a warm washcloth and wipe the inner ear that you can see and don't go too deep.    I think they should be ok....

Answer 2

this is what i did, and it's working terrifically.

just get an ear swab with alcohol on it, and clean out the "dirt", mites.

just check em everyday and when more arrive, clean out again.

i talked to my vet couple wks ago and she said that was good cuz it was obviously working. i asked about treating them at the vet, and she said i could jsut get medicine at wal-mart or a pet store.

and she said unless it's just realllly bad, theres really no need to get them treated from a vet.

Answer 3

I'm sorry to say you are.  Cats with untreated ear mites often end up with deformities.

Call the vet and tell them what you're seeing.  They will be able to tell you better what it might be.

Ask them about a payment plan.  But caring for pets is part of responsible pet ownership.  I know it can be hard, financially, but putting it off usually means the cats get sicker and need more care, so it costs more.  (not to mention the animal suffering in the meantime)