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 they are and how to treat them successfully.
Is your feline scratching their ears more than usual? One of the most common causes for a cat’s ear discomfort are microscopic parasites known as ear mites. Read on to find out how ear mites in cats affect your pet’s health and what to do to get rid of them.
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 significant inflammation and swelling in the ear canal and are very itchy. Cats of all ages and breeds can be affected, with outdoor felines being the most susceptible to an ear mite infection.
- 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 are non-specific and can indicate various causes of ear problem 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 almost anywhere, including from other cats. Getting in contact with another pet carrying them is the perfect opportunity for the troublemaking mites to change hosts and move onto your cat’s fur. From there, they crawl their way to the ears. They can also affect dogs, although less commonly than in cats.
Ear mites can also live in the environment for a limited amount of time during which they could transfer on to any cat that passes by. 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 advise what treatment is most appropriate for your cat. They may clean the cat’s ears to remove build up of wax, particularly if your cat is already sedated. Many spot-on flea products are suitable for the prevention and treatment of ear mites, and this may be recommended by your vet. 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 ear drops. These are anti-parasitic and will usually require regular use for a few weeks. It is important to stick to the recommended treatment length. Some of these medications are aimed at getting rid of the mites, not their eggs, whereas other products tackle 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 and be sure to follow veterinary recommended parasite prevention.
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.
Ask your vet whether they recommend ear cleaning in your cat. This is not necessary for most individuals, but may be appropriate if they have a history of regular ear problems. If you’re not sure how to clean a cat’s ears, check out our easy guide, and make sure a vet or vet nurse has shown you what to do.
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