What Type of Oil Can I Put in My Kitten's Ears?

Using oil in a kitten's ear can increase the efficacy of certain medications, and can aid in cleaning out the ear. When you use oil in a kitten's ear, apply it directly or with the use of a cotton ball instead of a cotton swab. A cotton swab may drive bacteria or mites deeper into the canal, making the condition worse. There are two types of oil you can use safely on a kitten's ears.

Purpose

The purpose for putting oil into a kitten's ear is to increase the efficacy of the treatment of ear mites, or for the treatment of ear infections. Ear mites are parasites that live in the ear canal of felines, especially stray cats or kittens. These mites cause severe itching, hearing loss, and can possibly lead to a bacterial infection in the ear. Using oil in the kitten's ear will help remove the black, crusty exudate from the canal, which allows the medicine to penetrate further into the canal and kill the mites.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil has several purposes in ear mite treatment. You can scrape out some of the crusty substance from the kitten's ear with a cotton swab, then wipe the swab on a drop of mineral oil on a microscope slide. You will be able to see the mites under the microscope, which can aid in diagnosis. Mineral oil also loosens the black crusty material when you squeeze a few drops into the ear canal of the kitten. Mineral oil is also a vehicle in many mite medications.

Olive Oil

You can use slightly warmed olive oil in the kitten's ears to remove exudate from the canal. Wipe out the ear canal with a cotton ball soaked in warm olive oil. The warmed olive oil loosens the crust from the kitten's skin so that it comes off easily. Olive oil is also the main ingredient is herbal ear mite remedies. In that case, the preferred herb is steeped in the oil, and the oil is dropped into the ear canal to drown the mites.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an herbal remedy that some pet owners use in shampoos, flea baths, or as an ear cleanser. Tea tree oil can be toxic to kittens. Undiluted or improperly diluted tea tree oil is especially toxic. Tea tree oil is an inappropriate oil to use in your kitten's ears, unless you are specifically directed to do so by your veterinarian.