Ear Mites in Cats: Signs, How Cats Get Them, and Treatment

Written by

Updated Date

Mar 6, 2026

10 minutes

Our cats' ears are precious little things that need to be protected. These special hearing instruments are vulnerable to plenty of issues, including bacterial and fungal overgrowth. However, there’s also another major problem that should be carefully monitored, ear mites.

Our veterinarian checks a cat for ear mite symptoms, a common parasite in cats.

To get started, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ear mites in cats, from how they’re caused to how they are prevented. But first, let’s discover what ear mites are.

What Are Ear Mites in Cats?

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in a cat’s ear canal and skin, causing intense irritation, itching, and inflammation. These microscopic parasites survive in a cat’s ear canal by feeding on the oils and wax present. The scientific name for ear mites in cats is Otodectes cynotis.

While these are not life-threatening parasites, they can cause extreme discomfort and pave the way for severe secondary infections. When left untreated, the condition can lead to some serious problems.

What Are the Symptoms of Ear Mites in Cats?

The signs are generally hard to miss, as you’ll notice your cat paying more attention to their ears. Below are the common symptoms of ear mites in cats.

Persistent Scratching. You might see your cat excessively scratching its ears with its paws or furniture. Too much scratching can only lead to wounds, scabs, and secondary infections.

Hair Loss Around the Ears. If your cat scratches too much, this might lead to hair loss in these areas. This might look like patches of thinning fur or bald patches.

Frequent Head Shaking. A clear sign of ear mites is frequent head shaking, which may look like the cat is trying to relieve irritation.

Dark, Crumbly Discharge. Dark, crumbly discharge in a cat’s ears that looks like coffee grounds is another sign. This is a mixture of earwax, blood, and debris left by the mites.

Redness and Swelling. The more damage the ear mites cause, the more the ears will become red, inflamed, and swollen. In severe cases, they can appear puffy.

Sensitivity and Pain. Cats with ear mites often feel pain when their ears are touched. They may react strongly and avoid your touch.

Behavioral Changes. If your cat's behavior changes, it can mean that something is causing it stress and anxiety. Since they're cats, the changes won't be too drastic, so it's important to notice the smallest signs.

Severe Symptoms. Severe ear infections, hearing loss, and ruptured eardrums are possible if the condition is left untreated.

An infographic showing the signs of ear mites in cats and what you must do

How Do Cats Get Ear Mites?

Ear mites can spread to cats through direct contact, contaminated environments, and maternal transmission.

Direct Contact. Ear mites are contagious, and cats can easily pick them up by making direct contact with other infected animals. This often happens in places where many animals are kept together, such as shelters and boarding facilities.

Contaminated Spaces. Cats can also contract ear mites through their surroundings, including bedding, toys, and grooming tools. They can survive for a limited time without a host. Kittens are at a much higher risk.

Maternal Transmission. Infected mothers that are close to their kittens during nursing and grooming may transfer the mites to them.

Which Cats Are Prone to Ear Mites?

Kittens and senior cats
Outdoor and free-roaming cats
Cats in shelters and multipet households
Cats with allergies and compromised immune systems.

Can Humans Get Ear Mites From Cats?

While humans can get ear mites from cats, it’s not that common. Ear mites mostly prefer to live on animals such as dogs and cats. So, at the very worst, the most these parasites can do is cause a little rash on humans.

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How Do Our Vets Diagnose Ear Mites in Cats?

We’ll start with physical exams and work our way to laboratory testing.

Physical and Otoscopic Exam

Our vets carefully examine your cat's symptoms and the other clues we can get. If your cat has very sore or sensitive ears, we may need to sedate them to safely check these areas.

Next, we'll use an otoscope to check your cat's ear canal. The light from this tool can also help us see any mite activity present.

Cytology

We may also use a cotton swab to collect some debris for microscopic examination. Through the sample, we may identify ear mites and their eggs. This process also helps us identify the presence of bacteria or fungi, which is common in cats with ear mites.

Two veterinarians are checking a cat's ear for ear mites.

What Is the Best Ear Mite Treatment for Cats?

Treating ear mites in cats will involve ear cleaning and medications.

Ear Cleaning

Before we apply any form of medication, we must first clean your cat’s ears and remove any wax or debris. Our team uses a specialized ear cleaner in order for the medication to reach the ear canal effectively. This also allows us to provide relief for your cat.

If you want to do it at home, ask our vets for the proper way and the right products. In the meantime, here’s a general guideline on how to clean your cat’s ears.

Keep Your Cat Stable

Wrap your cat in a burrito style with a towel, leaving just the head exposed. This prevents any accidental scratching or sudden jumps.

Apply the Cleaner

Hold your cat’s ears gently and squeeze a few drops of cleaner into the ear canal. Follow the vet’s instructions for this part.

Massage the Ears

Gently massage the base of your cat’s ear for about 20 seconds. Doing this will help the solution make contact with the debris and break it down.

Wipe Away the Debris

The next step is to wipe away the loosened debris using a cotton ball. Never wipe deep in the ear as this can cause damage.

Medications

Topical Treatments. The most convenient way to treat cat ear mites is by applying spot-on medications on the back of the cat’s neck. This will be absorbed, effectively eliminating the mites and preventing your cat from licking it.

Ear Drops. These are liquid medications that are applied directly to the ears to kill mites and provide relief.

Oral or Injectable Medications. In cases, we may recommend oral or injectable medications. These treatments are given for systemic cases.

Secondary Infection Treatments. If your cat also has a secondary ear infection, we may add additional medications, such as antibiotics and antifungals.

How Long Does It Take for a Cat to Recover From Ear Mites?

It would take about 3 to 4 weeks for a cat to completely recover from ear mites, provided they receive proper treatment and medication. The medication itself eliminates ear mites within 24-48 hours, while the residual period hinders the parasites’ life cycle and eliminates all eggs.

During treatment, be sure to take note of your cat’s condition to see if they are improving or not. The symptoms are expected to improve as the treatment progresses. We recommend visiting the clinic after the scheduled time so we can check your cat’s ears.

A veterinarian in a black shirt is holding a cat on a metal table while talking to the pet owner about ear mites.

Vet Tips: How to Prevent Ear Mites in Cats

Preventing ear mites is simple, as you just need regular checkups, cleaning, and home care.

Schedule Routine Checkups

Routine checkups are great for identifying problems early on. We can also recommend the preventive treatments your cat needs, such as deworming and antiparasitics.

Clean Ears Regularly

Regular ear cleaning is the best way to prevent ear mites in cats. Use a gentle ear-cleaning solution that’s been prescribed by our vets. If you need help, we can show you how, or you can have your cat professionally groomed at our clinic.

Maintain a Clean Home

Since these parasites can live in the home environment, keeping your cat’s space clean is important. Regularly wash bedding, pillows, and their litter box. Always take the time to clean.

Limit Exposure to High-Risk Animals

Limit your cat’s activity outside. If your cat really loves to spend time outdoors, be sure to supervise them every step of the way. If you’re bringing in new pets, make sure they’re not experiencing anything contagious.

“Healthy ears mean a happier cat. Comfort starts when the itching ends.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska

Final Thoughts

Ear mites in cats are a common problem, but they’re easily treatable and manageable. With the right knowledge and care, you can save your cat a whole lot of trouble. Remember that our cats rely on us for their care, so let’s do everything we can to keep them happy and healthy.

How Do Our Vets Diagnose Ear Mites in Cats?

We’ll start with physical exams and work our way to laboratory testing.

Physical and Otoscopic Exam

Our vets carefully examine your cat's symptoms and the other clues we can get. If your cat has very sore or sensitive ears, we may need to sedate them to safely check these areas.

Next, we'll use an otoscope to check your cat's ear canal. The light from this tool can also help us see any mite activity present.

Cytology

What Is the Best Ear Mite Treatment for Cats?

Treating ear mites in cats will involve ear cleaning and medications.

Ear Cleaning

If you want to do it at home, ask our vets for the proper way and the right products. In the meantime, here’s a general guideline on how to clean your cat’s ears.

Keep Your Cat Stable

Wrap your cat in a burrito style with a towel, leaving just the head exposed. This prevents any accidental scratching or sudden jumps.

Apply the Cleaner

Hold your cat’s ears gently and squeeze a few drops of cleaner into the ear canal. Follow the vet’s instructions for this part.

Massage the Ears

Gently massage the base of your cat’s ear for about 20 seconds. Doing this will help the solution make contact with the debris and break it down.

Wipe Away the Debris

The next step is to wipe away the loosened debris using a cotton ball. Never wipe deep in the ear as this can cause damage.

Medications

Topical Treatments. The most convenient way to treat cat ear mites is by applying spot-on medications on the back of the cat’s neck. This will be absorbed, effectively eliminating the mites and preventing your cat from licking it.

Ear Drops. These are liquid medications that are applied directly to the ears to kill mites and provide relief.

Oral or Injectable Medications. In cases, we may recommend oral or injectable medications. These treatments are given for systemic cases.

Secondary Infection Treatments. If your cat also has a secondary ear infection, we may add additional medications, such as antibiotics and antifungals.

How Long Does It Take for a Cat to Recover From Ear Mites?

Vet Tips: How to Prevent Ear Mites in Cats

Preventing ear mites is simple, as you just need regular checkups, cleaning, and home care.

Schedule Routine Checkups

Routine checkups are great for identifying problems early on. We can also recommend the preventive treatments your cat needs, such as deworming and antiparasitics.

Clean Ears Regularly

Maintain a Clean Home

Since these parasites can live in the home environment, keeping your cat’s space clean is important. Regularly wash bedding, pillows, and their litter box. Always take the time to clean.

Limit Exposure to High-Risk Animals

“Healthy ears mean a happier cat. Comfort starts when the itching ends.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if ear mites go untreated?

Untreated ear mite infestations in cats lead to severe discomfort, intense itching, ear damage, hearing loss, aural hematomas, and more.

What happens if ear mites go untreated?

Untreated ear mite infestations in cats lead to severe discomfort, intense itching, ear damage, hearing loss, aural hematomas, and more.

How do I tell if my cat has them?

If your cat has ear mites, then you will notice signs that pertain to discomfort in their ears, which can be scratching, head tilting, and redness. The sure way to confirm is to have our vets check your cat's ears at the clinic.

How do I tell if my cat has them?

Do I need to clean my house if my cat has ear mites?

Yes, cleaning your house helps your cat recover. Ear mites can spread to bedding, furniture, and even other pets. So, if your cat frequents these areas, they might have a hard time recovering, even with the right medication.

Do I need to clean my house if my cat has ear mites?

Are these parasites painful for cats?

Yes, ear mites cause physical pain as they pierce the skin inside the ear canal, causing inflammation and intense discomfort. Additionally, they can cause self-inflicted wounds and painful secondary infections.

Are these parasites painful for cats?

What is the lifespan of an ear mite?

Ear mites can live for about 2 months, living entirely on the cat’s ears. The entire timeline from egg to adult takes about 3 weeks, and they can live for about 2 months. During this time, they reproduce continuously.

What is the lifespan of an ear mite?

Written by

Dr. Mafalda Sardinha

Veterinary Surgeon | Medical Director at Jumeirah Branch

Dr. Mafalda Sardinha is a veterinary specialist in Internal Medicine, Abdominal Ultrasound, and Soft Tissue Surgery. She is dedicated to empowering pet owners through education.