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Top 5 Cat Ear Medicated Drops and Ointments in Canada for 2025 — Vet-Recommended Prescription & OTC Options for Infections, Mites and Inflammation (What Vets Choose and Why)

Published on Wednesday, August 20, 2025

This category covers prescription-strength and over-the-counter topical treatments formulated for feline ear problems, including bacterial and fungal otitis externa, ear mites, and inflammatory conditions. Canadian cat owners and veterinarians choose these products because they deliver targeted action directly to the ear canal, reduce systemic exposure, and often combine antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic or steroid ingredients to treat mixed or recurrent cases. Consumer preferences in Canada emphasize proven efficacy, veterinary recommendation, clear dosing instructions, availability through licensed pharmacies, and gentle formulations that minimize irritation for sensitive cats. Ease of application, manufacturer support, and clear labeling for feline use are also major factors that influence purchase decisions across urban and rural markets.

Quick Menu

1. Best Enzymatic Option

2. Best Broad-Spectrum Prescription Drops

3. Best Ear Cleanser & Drying Agent

4. Best Potent Ointment for Severe Otitis

5. Best Anti-parasitic Combination

1
BEST ENZYMATIC OPTION

Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone

Zymox

Zymox Otic with Hydrocortisone is known for its enzyme-based formula that helps break down bacterial and yeast biofilms while the added hydrocortisone reduces inflammation; this non-antibiotic approach lowers the risk of promoting resistant bacteria compared with traditional antibiotic drops. It often occupies the best-in-class slot for owners seeking an OTC-friendly, maintenance-capable option that can be gentler on long-term ear health, though it may be less immediately potent than prescription combination therapies for severe infections.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Enzyme-powered wow

  • Hydrocortisone calm purr

  • Enzyme-powered wow

  • Hydrocortisone calm purr

Review Summary

89%

"Users commonly report that Zymox Otic with Hydrocortisone reduces itching and ear discharge and helps resolve many bacterial and yeast ear problems without harsh antibiotics; some owners note it can be expensive and results vary for severe or chronic infections. Overall buyers appreciate its gentle enzymatic action and steroid component for inflammation control."

  • No-rinse handy hooray

  • Enzyme-based LP3 formulation that helps break down bacteria and biofilm without traditional antibiotics

  • No-rinse handy hooray

  • Enzyme-based LP3 formulation that helps break down bacteria and biofilm without traditional antibiotics

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Zymox Otic with Hydrocortisone is known for its enzyme-based formula that helps break down bacterial and yeast biofilms while the added hydrocortisone reduces inflammation; this non-antibiotic approach lowers the risk of promoting resistant bacteria compared with traditional antibiotic drops. It often occupies the best-in-class slot for owners seeking an OTC-friendly, maintenance-capable option that can be gentler on long-term ear health, though it may be less immediately potent than prescription combination therapies for severe infections.

  • Enzyme-powered wow

  • Hydrocortisone calm purr

  • No-rinse handy hooray

  • Enzyme-based LP3 formulation that helps break down bacteria and biofilm without traditional antibiotics

  • Contains hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation and pruritus in the ear canal

  • Enzyme-powered wow

  • Hydrocortisone calm purr

  • No-rinse handy hooray

  • Enzyme-based LP3 formulation that helps break down bacteria and biofilm without traditional antibiotics

  • Contains hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation and pruritus in the ear canal

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$40-70 CAD

2
BEST BROAD-SPECTRUM PRESCRIPTION DROPS

Surolan Otic Suspension

Surolan

Surolan Otic Suspension is a prescription, broad-spectrum combination (antifungal, antibiotic and steroid) that delivers rapid control of mixed bacterial and fungal otitis; its clinical strength and short-course effectiveness make it a market-leader choice for veterinarians handling acute, complicated ear infections. Compared with gentler OTC cleansers like MalAcetic or enzyme-based Zymox, Surolan is technically superior for severe cases and can be more cost-efficient in reducing overall treatment time despite higher per-unit cost.

4.6
★★★★☆
  • Triple-action bravo

  • Rapid itch relief

  • Triple-action bravo

  • Rapid itch relief

Review Summary

92%

"Surolan is frequently praised by pet owners and veterinarians for fast, reliable control of bacterial and fungal ear infections and inflammation; a minority report recurrence after stopping treatment or sensitivity in individual pets. Most users say it works well when used exactly as prescribed."

  • Veterinary strength yep

  • Combination of antifungal, antibiotic and steroid (miconazole, polymyxin B, prednisolone) for mixed infections

  • Veterinary strength yep

  • Combination of antifungal, antibiotic and steroid (miconazole, polymyxin B, prednisolone) for mixed infections

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Surolan Otic Suspension is a prescription, broad-spectrum combination (antifungal, antibiotic and steroid) that delivers rapid control of mixed bacterial and fungal otitis; its clinical strength and short-course effectiveness make it a market-leader choice for veterinarians handling acute, complicated ear infections. Compared with gentler OTC cleansers like MalAcetic or enzyme-based Zymox, Surolan is technically superior for severe cases and can be more cost-efficient in reducing overall treatment time despite higher per-unit cost.

  • Triple-action bravo

  • Rapid itch relief

  • Veterinary strength yep

  • Combination of antifungal, antibiotic and steroid (miconazole, polymyxin B, prednisolone) for mixed infections

  • Prescription product often used for bacterial and yeast otitis with anti-inflammatory action

  • Triple-action bravo

  • Rapid itch relief

  • Veterinary strength yep

  • Combination of antifungal, antibiotic and steroid (miconazole, polymyxin B, prednisolone) for mixed infections

  • Prescription product often used for bacterial and yeast otitis with anti-inflammatory action

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$50-100 CAD

3
BEST EAR CLEANSER & DRYING AGENT

MalAcetic Otic Cleanser

MalAcetic

MalAcetic Otic Cleanser is a low-cost, acetic/boric acid–based cleanser designed for routine ear maintenance and mild infections; its affordability and utility as a regular cleaning adjunct make it a financially attractive first-line product for prevention. While it lacks the antibiotic/steroid punch of prescription ointments like Otomax or Tresaderm, its pH-modulating action and detergent properties complement medicated drops and help reduce the need for repeat prescriptions when used properly.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • Acidic rinse zing

  • Dries debris fast

  • Acidic rinse zing

  • Dries debris fast

Review Summary

84%

"MalAcetic Otic Cleanser is well-liked as a routine drying/cleansing solution that helps control odor and mild infections and is especially valued for maintenance use, though it is less effective as a sole treatment for severe otitis and can sting on irritated ears. Reviewers appreciate its preventive properties when used regularly."

  • Prep and dry

  • Acetic/boric acid-based cleanser that helps normalize ear pH and control yeast growth

  • Prep and dry

  • Acetic/boric acid-based cleanser that helps normalize ear pH and control yeast growth

Time-Saving Convenience

Increased Safety & Security

MalAcetic Otic Cleanser is a low-cost, acetic/boric acid–based cleanser designed for routine ear maintenance and mild infections; its affordability and utility as a regular cleaning adjunct make it a financially attractive first-line product for prevention. While it lacks the antibiotic/steroid punch of prescription ointments like Otomax or Tresaderm, its pH-modulating action and detergent properties complement medicated drops and help reduce the need for repeat prescriptions when used properly.

  • Acidic rinse zing

  • Dries debris fast

  • Prep and dry

  • Acetic/boric acid-based cleanser that helps normalize ear pH and control yeast growth

  • Safe, non-prescription formulation for routine ear cleaning and after-swim care

  • Acidic rinse zing

  • Dries debris fast

  • Prep and dry

  • Acetic/boric acid-based cleanser that helps normalize ear pH and control yeast growth

  • Safe, non-prescription formulation for routine ear cleaning and after-swim care

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$20-45 CAD

4
BEST POTENT OINTMENT FOR SEVERE OTITIS

Otomax Ointment

Otomax

Otomax Ointment is a thick, prescription topical combining an antibiotic, antifungal and potent steroid, providing durable local drug delivery for severe or persistent otitis externa; its ointment formulation helps adherence in the ear and often shortens the number of administrations needed compared with liquid suspensions. Technically strong for stubborn infections, Otomax can be cost-effective for complex cases but requires careful use (and veterinary oversight) because of risks if the tympanic membrane is compromised, setting it apart from gentler OTC options.

4.6
★★★★☆
  • Thick ointment purr

  • Triple-drug force

  • Thick ointment purr

  • Triple-drug force

Review Summary

90%

"Otomax ointment gets high marks for rapidly improving signs of otitis (redness, discharge, scratching) and is regarded as a strong, reliable prescription option; a few users note cost and rare adverse reactions. Many owners report visible improvement within days of starting treatment."

  • Deep skin soak

  • Triple-action ointment combining antibiotic (gentamicin), antifungal (clotrimazole) and steroid (betamethasone)

  • Deep skin soak

  • Triple-action ointment combining antibiotic (gentamicin), antifungal (clotrimazole) and steroid (betamethasone)

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Otomax Ointment is a thick, prescription topical combining an antibiotic, antifungal and potent steroid, providing durable local drug delivery for severe or persistent otitis externa; its ointment formulation helps adherence in the ear and often shortens the number of administrations needed compared with liquid suspensions. Technically strong for stubborn infections, Otomax can be cost-effective for complex cases but requires careful use (and veterinary oversight) because of risks if the tympanic membrane is compromised, setting it apart from gentler OTC options.

  • Thick ointment purr

  • Triple-drug force

  • Deep skin soak

  • Triple-action ointment combining antibiotic (gentamicin), antifungal (clotrimazole) and steroid (betamethasone)

  • Prescription topical ointment formulated for more severe or chronic otitis externa cases

  • Thick ointment purr

  • Triple-drug force

  • Deep skin soak

  • Triple-action ointment combining antibiotic (gentamicin), antifungal (clotrimazole) and steroid (betamethasone)

  • Prescription topical ointment formulated for more severe or chronic otitis externa cases

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$60-120 CAD

5
BEST ANTI-PARASITIC COMBINATION

Tresaderm Dermatologic Solution

Tresaderm

Tresaderm Dermatologic Solution combines antiparasitic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, making it particularly useful when ear mite infestations coexist with secondary bacterial or inflammatory disease; its tri-action chemistry offers a balanced technical solution that can reduce the need for multiple separate products. As a prescription option, Tresaderm competes with other combination therapies like Otomax and Surolan by targeting parasitic components more explicitly, which can be a financial advantage when a single product resolves multiple concurrent ear problems.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Mite-targeting champ

  • Antibiotic steroid combo

  • Mite-targeting champ

  • Antibiotic steroid combo

Review Summary

88%

"Tresaderm is commonly reported as effective for ear mites and mixed infections and reduces inflammation quickly, though some pets experience irritation or sensitivity and it requires veterinary oversight. Buyers value its broad-spectrum action but caution about proper use and potential side effects."

  • Ear-to-skin versatile

  • Contains thiabendazole plus antibiotic and steroid to address fungi, some parasites (ear mites) and inflammation

  • Ear-to-skin versatile

  • Contains thiabendazole plus antibiotic and steroid to address fungi, some parasites (ear mites) and inflammation

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Tresaderm Dermatologic Solution combines antiparasitic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, making it particularly useful when ear mite infestations coexist with secondary bacterial or inflammatory disease; its tri-action chemistry offers a balanced technical solution that can reduce the need for multiple separate products. As a prescription option, Tresaderm competes with other combination therapies like Otomax and Surolan by targeting parasitic components more explicitly, which can be a financial advantage when a single product resolves multiple concurrent ear problems.

  • Mite-targeting champ

  • Antibiotic steroid combo

  • Ear-to-skin versatile

  • Contains thiabendazole plus antibiotic and steroid to address fungi, some parasites (ear mites) and inflammation

  • Prescription solution commonly used when parasitic infestation is suspected alongside infection

  • Mite-targeting champ

  • Antibiotic steroid combo

  • Ear-to-skin versatile

  • Contains thiabendazole plus antibiotic and steroid to address fungi, some parasites (ear mites) and inflammation

  • Prescription solution commonly used when parasitic infestation is suspected alongside infection

Order Now

$40-90 CAD

What Research Says About Topical Ear Treatments for Cats

A body of veterinary research and clinical guidance supports the use of topical combination therapies for many forms of feline ear disease. Topical products can achieve high local concentrations of active agents, allow combined antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, and are often faster acting for external ear infections than systemic therapy alone. Veterinary dermatology guidelines recommend an evidence-informed approach that matches the product class to the underlying cause (bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or inflammatory) and uses culture or cytology where appropriate to guide therapy.

Topical antibiotic and antifungal preparations deliver high local drug levels to the ear canal while limiting systemic exposure, which can reduce systemic side effects.

Steroid-containing topicals help control inflammation and pruritus quickly; combining steroids with antimicrobials is a common strategy for mixed infections.

Acetic-acid based cleansers (like MalAcetic style formulas) help restore normal ear pH and inhibit bacterial and yeast growth when used as part of routine cleaning.

Targeted antiparasitic agents or combination products are effective against ear mites when used according to veterinary guidance; confirmatory cytology or scope exam improves treatment success.

Clinical guidance emphasizes accurate diagnosis (cytology, culture when needed), proper administration technique, and follow-up to confirm resolution and reduce recurrence risk.

In the Canadian 2025 market, these five options represent common veterinary-recommended choices for feline ear care: Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone, Surolan Otic Suspension, MalAcetic Otic Cleanser, Otomax Ointment, and Tresaderm Dermatologic Solution. For complex or mixed infections that require prescription-strength, broad-spectrum coverage and anti-inflammatory action, Surolan Otic Suspension is frequently the go-to prescription choice among veterinarians; Zymox remains a strong OTC option for many mild to moderate cases, MalAcetic is a useful maintenance cleanser, Otomax is a trusted antibiotic-steroid ointment for targeted therapy, and Tresaderm is commonly used where antiparasitic coverage is needed. We hope you found what you were looking for — you can refine or expand your search using the site search to compare formulations, availability in Canada, or veterinarian-specific recommendations.

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