Ear mites are a common cause of feline ear problems. These tiny parasites can be extremely itchy and lead to long-term damage if left untreated. Find out what causes ear mites in cats below.
What are cat ear mites?
The most common type of ear mite in cats is Otodectes cynotis. These are barely-visible to the naked eye but may be seen as very small white dots. Diagnosis usually requires looking for the mites under a microscope. They get inside your cat’s ear canal where they feed on the ear wax and skin debris. These mites can cause itchiness, inflammation and swelling in the ear canal. Cats of all ages and breeds can be affected, with outdoor felines being the most susceptible to an ear mite infection.
What are the symptoms of ear mites in cats?
In the case of ear mites, you’ll likely find your cat scratching its ears and shaking its head to relieve the itching from these tiny parasites. Here are the most common symptoms you should watch out for:
- Scratching at their ears
- Shaking their head
- Dark, dry discharge from the affected ear
- Red, inflamed appearance of ears
- Scratch marks on the pinna (outer ear)
- Skin lesions around the ear
These symptoms can indicate various causes of ear problems including other parasite infections, skin allergies and bacterial infection. It’s best to rule out other conditions by asking for a vet’s opinion before attempting treatment.
What causes ear mites in cats?
Your cat can pick up ear mites from other cats since these parasites can jump from host to host. From the fur, they crawl their way to the ears. They can also affect dogs.
Ear mites can also live in the environment for a limited amount of time. This is why outdoor cats are at higher risk of being affected by this particular parasite infection.
How are ear mites diagnosed?
The vet will examine your cat’s ear canal for any signs of mites using an otoscope. They will look for signs of inflammation, swelling and discharge. The vet will also be looking for other causes of the ear problem such as a foreign body like a grass seed. Sometimes your cat’s ears are too sore for them to sit still during the examination, and they may need to be sedated for the diagnosis and initial treatment. A microscopic examination of the ear discharge is commonly performed to look for mites and to check for other types of infection.
Ear mite treatment for cats
The vet will suggest the most appropriate treatment for your cat. They may clean the cat’s ears to remove wax build-up, particularly if your cat is already sedated. Your vet may recommend spot-on flea products since many of these products can effectively treat ear mites. If your cat is particularly itchy, a vet may prescribe additional medication to relieve the symptoms while the mite treatment takes effect. Make sure you speak to your vet about whether it is necessary to treat other pets in the household, but never use treatment prescribed for one individual on another animal. You should also never give medication to the wrong species as this can have severe side-effects and even be toxic.
Another treatment option is to apply anti-parasitic ear drops. These will usually require regular use for a few weeks. It’s important to stick to the recommended treatment length. Some of these medications can get rid of the mites, not their eggs, whereas other products can do both. This means you may need to continue the treatment to target the various stages of mite development.
Don’t forget that there may be ear mites still living in the house, which can be easily picked up again. Avoid having to start the process from scratch by cleaning carpets and cat bedding thoroughly.
How long does it take to get rid of ear mites in cats?
The life cycle of an ear mite usually lasts three weeks which means that you should wait at least that long for your cat can be rid of the microscopic insects. The itchiness should start to subside as the medication takes effect, but you should contact your vet if your cat’s symptoms don’t improve.
Can ear mites in cats be prevented?
Mites can be prevented by appropriate anti-parasitic treatments. You should speak to your vet about which product they recommend and whether your cat’s usual flea treatment covers ear mites. It’s important to keep your cat’s indoor environment as clean as possible, especially if they have been treated for mites in the past.
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