Ear Mites
Ear mites are an extremely contagious external parasite that lives on the surface of a cat's ear canal, and sometimes on the surface of the skin.
While these parasites are tiny, you might be able to spot them as quickly moving white spots if you've got good eyesight. Part of the arachnid class of animals, ear mites have eight legs. Their hind legs are noticeably smaller than their front legs. If you'd like to get an idea of how ear mites look, you can search for pictures of this parasite using your favorite online search engine. In the thumbnail image of this post, you'll see a buildup of black wax inside the ear of a cat with ear mites.
Ear mites can severely irritate your kitt's ears and while they are relatively easy to treat, they can cause serious skin and ear infections if left untreated. When our vets see cats with suspected ear infections, we frequently discover that ear mites are the underlying cause. Human ear infections are uncommon and are generally not considered a health risk.
What causes ear mites in cats?
You might start reading about ear mites and wonder how these parasites got into your cat's ears to cause them such discomfort in the first place. Due to their extreme contagiousness, ear mites can easily spread from animal to animal.
If your cat spends time in boarding facilities or outdoors and interacts with another animal, or comes into contact with a contaminated surface like bedding or a grooming tool, they can easily contract ear mites.
Shelter cats also commonly become infected with ear mites, so be sure to check your newly adopted cat for ear mites and book a routine exam with your vet as soon as possible after welcoming your new kitty into your home.
Signs of Ear Mites in Cats
Here are the most common signs of ear mites in cats:
- Scratching at ears
- Head shaking
- Pus in the ears
- Inflamed ears
- Dark, crusty, or waxy discharge from the ear that looks like corree grounds
- Hair loss or irritation due to excessive scratching around the ears
Diagnosing Ear Mites in Cats
When you take your cat to the vet, they will first use an otoscope to check the inside of the ear canal. Then they will take a sample of the ear debris and examine it under a microscope to determine if the problem is caused by bacteria, yeast, or ear mites. Regular check-ups can help your vet detect early signs of infection before they become serious issues. We also have an in-house laboratory that enables us to examine skin cells from the ear with a microscope to determine if ear mites are present. We will receive the results of these tests quickly and efficiently.
How to Treat Ear Mites in Cats
Many a pet owner who has dealt with ear mites in their furry friend has likely frantically typed 'How to get rid of ear mites in cats' into their favorite search engine, looking for solutions. Fortunately, when it comes to ear mites in cats, treatment is relatively straightforward. If your vet diagnoses your cat with ear mites, an anti-parasitic medication will be prescribed. These medications are available in oral or topical form. The veterinarian may also clean your cat's ears with a cleaning solution designed for this purpose and prescribe a course of antibiotics depending on the severity of the infection.
Additionally, your veterinarian will determine if any secondary infections are present as a result of the infestation and treat them as necessary. Your veterinarian will almost certainly recommend that you return in a week or two to ensure that the mites have been eliminated and that no further treatment is required.
Due to ear mites' contagious nature, your veterinarian will almost certainly prescribe medication for any other household pets to prevent the infestation from spreading.
We do not recommend using at-home remedies for ear mites in cats. While some methods are effective against mites, many at-home treatments do not kill the mites' eggs. Thus, even if the mites appear to be gone, the infestation will resume when the eggs hatch.
How to Prevent Ear Mites in Cats
By scheduling a monthly ear exam and ear cleaning with your veterinarian, you can help prevent ear mites from establishing a foothold. Establish a biweekly reminder to clean your cat's kennel, bedding, and house to minimize the risk of an infection occurring at your residence. Your veterinarian at The Pet Hospital (Parkway) can recommend parasite prevention products for your cat.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. If you are concerned about your pet's health, contact your veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment.