Though ear mites are a relatively common external parasite, they are extremely contagious. They can cause severe itchiness and scratching in cats' ears and skin, along with infection and health issues. Our Astoria veterinarians discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment of ear mites in cats in this post.
Ear Mites
Ear mites (otodectes cynotis mites) are commonly diagnosed in cats. These eight-legged creatures are part of the arachnid class of animals. This highly contagious external parasite lives on the surface of the ear canal, and sometimes on the skin's surface.
They are extremely small and you'll likely need to view these tiny white dots under a microscope or otoscope. The hind legs are noticeably shorter than the front legs.
You can also use your favorite search engine to find pictures of ear mites in cats. The thumbnail image for this post also depicts an accumulation of black wax inside the ear of a cat with ear mites.
Ear mites are a common source of irritation and discomfort for cats. Though they aren't particularly difficult to treat, they can cause serious skin and ear infections if left unchecked. We frequently discover that ear mites are the underlying cause of ear infections in cats. It's extremely rare for humans to contract ear mites, and as a rule, this parasite is not considered a significant health risk for people.
What causes ear mites in cats?
You may start reading about ear mites and wonder how these tiny parasites get into your cat's ears to cause so much trouble in the first place.
Ear mites can easily spread from animal to animal due to their high contagiousness. Though ear mites are most prevalent in cats, they are also found in dogs and other wild animals. If your cat spends time outdoors or in boarding facilities and comes into contact with another animal or a contaminated surface like a grooming tool or bedding, they can easily contract ear mites.
It is also common for cats that live in shelters to acquire ear mites; therefore, you should make sure to check your newly adopted cat for ear mites and make an appointment for a routine exam with your veterinarian as soon as you can.
Symptoms of Ear Mites
The most common signs of ear mites in cats include:
- Hair or loss or irritation due to excessive scratching around the ears
- Dark crusty or waxy discharge from the ear that looks like coffee grounds
- Head shaking
- Scratching at ears
- Pus
- Inflammation
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.
Because ear mites are contagious, your veterinarian will almost certainly recommend treatment for any other pets in your home to ensure that the infestation does not spread to them.
It is not recommended to use 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 checkup 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 Steinway Court Veterinarian can make parasite prevention product recommendations for your cat.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.