Ear mites are one of the most common issues affecting cats, particularly those who spend time outdoors or with other animals. Cats have superior hearing, and these ear mites can damage your cat’s ears. These tiny parasites can bring a lot of pain and discomfort, making your cat’s life super stressful. 

For many cat owners, recognizing and addressing an ear mite infestation early can make a world of difference in their pet’s health and comfort. With a good understanding, you’ll be able to make life easier for your best friend. 

What are Ear Mites?

Ear mites, also known as Otodectes cynotis, are microscopic parasites that infest the ear canals of cats and other animals. These tiny creatures thrive in the warm, dark environment of the ear, feeding on skin oils and ear wax. 

While ear mites themselves are not life-threatening, these pesky parasites can cause significant discomfort and lead to secondary issues that can be dangerous.

How Do Cats Get Ear Mites?

Cats can get ear mites through direct contact with an infected animal. This could happen in grooming salons, pet shelters, and cat boarding facilities. Other household pets such as dogs and rabbis can also carry ear mites to your cats.

Additionally, even if your cat hasn’t made direct contact with an infected animal, they can still get ear mites from their surroundings. Ear mites can live for a long time outside a host, allowing them to stay in bedding, toys, grooming tools, furniture, and other objects at home.

Outdoor areas pose a greater threat of ear mites in cats, as there are a lot of ways your cat can get ear mites, either from other animals or their surroundings. 

Signs of Ear Mites in Cats

The signs of ear mites in your cat might be difficult to distinguish at first, as some might just be normal reactions to anything. However, if these signs continue for a longer period of time, it might point to ear mites. To help you get started on the signs, here are the common ones.

Persistent Scratching

One of the initial signs you’ll notice is your cat scratching its ears more frequently. Over time, this activity of persistent scratching can become dangerous, as visible scratches, scabs, and wounds might come as a result.

Head-Shaking

Cats with ear mites frequently shake their heads, sometimes quite vigorously. This behavior is their way of trying to shake off the discomfort they feel in their ears. If you notice your cat repeatedly jerking their head or tilting it to one side, it’s worth checking their ears for further signs of infestation.

Dark Discharge

One of the most prominent signs of ear mites in cats is the presence of a dark and crumbly discharge that look like coffee grounds. This discharge is a mix of earwax and debris left by the ear mites. 

Perhaps the most distinctive sign of ear mites is the presence of a dark, crumbly discharge inside your cat’s ears. This discharge is a mix of earwax, dried blood, and debris left behind. Additionally, the discharge can sometimes emit an unpleasant smell, particularly if a secondary bacterial or yeast infection has developed.

Redness and Swelling

The more the ear mites irritate your cat’s ears, the more damage will be done. The effects of having ear mites will cause redness and swelling around your cat’s ears. This will come in a red and swollen appearance, which can be difficult to miss when the situation has progressed.

Hair Loss

Over time, your cat’s constant scratching and rubbing will lead to hair loss around the affected area. You might notice patches and areas where your cat’s fur has thinned. Hair loss is usually accompanied by other signs, such as small wounds and scabs.

Sensitivity and Pain

As the infestation progresses, your cat may become more sensitive to touch, especially around their head and ears. It might flinch, pull away, or even vocalize if you try to handle their ears. This sensitivity is a sign that the infestation is causing significant irritation or pain, and it could also indicate that a secondary infection has developed.

Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes are also another way to tell if your cat has ear mites. Cats have a distinct personality that can change when faced with a stressful situation. Your happy cat might be more reclusive and irritable when faced with an ear mite infestation. Loss of appetite might also be another potential sign if the irritation is too much to bear.

Treatment of Ear Mites in Cats

Once your cat’s ear mites have been diagnosed, our vets can head straight to prompt treatment. The situation is pretty straightforward, as your options will involve several tried and tested options. Here are methods we use to treat your cat’s ear mite infestation:

Topical Treatments

Topical medications are often the first line of defense against ear mites. These treatments are applied directly into your cat’s ear, depending on the product and our examination. The most commonly used type of topical treatment for ear mites in cats is in the form of ear drops, such as selamectin and ivermectin.

Systemic Treatments

Aside from topical treatments, oral medications, and injectables are also viable options to help remove ear mites in cats. These treatments work internally to help treat your cat’s ear mite infestation. The major advantage of systemic treatments is their ability to reach mites that may not be confined to the ear canal. 

Secondary Medications

In many cases, ear mite infestations can lead to secondary ear infections caused by bacteria or yeast. If a bacterial infection occurs, we will prescribe antibiotic ear drops to clear the infection and prevent it from getting worse.

For fungal infections, antifungal ear drops and ointments are available options for your cat’s treatment. Additionally, antibiotic and antifungal medications are also available in oral form. This helps treat infections that have progressed to other areas of your cat’s body.

Home Remedies

Some home remedies can help soothe and relieve the irritation your cat feels. Over-the-counter ear-cleaning solutions and natural oils such as coconut oil can be used to help your cat. Coconut oil is known to help prevent your cat’s skin from getting dry, which helps your cat recover.

However, it’s always super helpful to ask help from our vets so we can make sure your cat gets treated properly. After a quick consultation, we can get the medications you need right at our vet pharmacy.

Home Cleaning

Cleaning your home is a big part of helping your cat recover. Ear mites can stay in any object inside your home, which is why it’s important to wash your cat’s bedding and clean your home. An easy way to start is by cleaning the areas your cat frequents.

Preventing Ear Mites in Cats

While the treatment options are super viable, preventing ear mites from stressing your cat out is a great way to keep your best friend happy. Here are some tips you can follow:

Veterinary Checkups

Regular cat visits to the clinic are important ways in preventing ear mites in cats. Routine checkups are super useful in identifying the early signs of ear mites and other health-related issues in your cats. With each examination, we can recommend personalized plans for your cat.

Regular Ear Cleaning

One of the simplest ways to protect your cat’s ears from ear mites is by regularly cleaning your cat’s ears. You can clean a cat’s ears by yourself or enlist the help of our grooming services. These grooming services help clean your cat’s body, and they also include deep ear cleaning.

Home Maintenance

Ear mites can survive in your home environment for short periods, which means a clean home is a safe home for your best friend. Regularly wash your cat’s bedding, blankets, and soft toys in hot water and a safe cleaning solution to remove mites.

If your cat shares their space with other pets, make sure to clean common areas, including litter boxes and scratching posts. 

Limit Exposure

A good way to prevent ear mites in cats is by limiting your best friend’s exposure to other animals. You can start by letting them stay indoors most of the time. If you’re bringing another animal into your household, make sure to have them checked before taking them home.

Preventive Measures

Preventive measures such as regular mite treatments are a great source of defense against ear mites. Many of these products are available at our clinic, with our vets ready to help you in using these products. 

Some flea and tick collars or sprays also offer protection against ear mites. Be sure to choose a product labeled for use on cats. If you need help on choosing the best products, you can always ask our vets.

Conclusion

Ear mites in cats are not exactly a super dangerous condition, but they can pave the way for more painful and serious conditions for your best friend. However, with the right knowledge and care, you can help your cat maintain its superior hearing, especially when you call.