Ear mites are highly contagious parasites that cause intense itching and scratching in cats, often leading to infections and health problems. Our Louisa veterinarians discuss their symptoms, causes, and treatment in this section.
What are ear mites?
Ear mites, known as otodectes cynotis mites, commonly infest cats and belong to the arachnid class of animals. These highly contagious external parasites inhabit the surface of the ear canal and sometimes the skin.
You would most likely need a microscope to detect these microscopic, fast-moving white spots. They possess eight legs, including a noticeably smaller pair of hind legs. You can find pictures of ear mites in cats online.
Ear mites can cause severe irritation in our feline companions. Although they are relatively easy to treat, neglecting them can lead to severe skin and ear infections. Suspected ear infections in cats are often attributed to ear mites. It's important to note that human ear mite infections are rare and generally not considered a health risk.
What causes ear mites in cats?
Due to their high contagiousness, ear mites spread easily from one infected animal to another. While cats are most commonly affected, dogs and other wild animals can also harbor these pests. If your cat frequents boarding facilities or the outdoors, coming into contact with other animals or contaminated surfaces like grooming tools or bedding can lead to the transmission of ear mites.
Shelter cats often fall victim to ear mites, so it's crucial to examine your newly adopted cat for signs of infestation and promptly schedule a veterinary check-up.
Symptoms of Ear Mites
The most common signs of ear mites in cats include:
- Hair 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
Do ear mites affect people?
Because mites are transmitted by physical contact, all pets living in a house are likely to get them if one pet becomes infected. Humans have been reported to develop skin rashes, but overall, people are extremely unlikely to contract ear mites from a pet.How to Treat Ear Mites in Cats
Many pet owners who want to eliminate mites in their cats search frantically for solutions online. Fortunately, treatment options for ear mites in cats are relatively straightforward. If your vet diagnoses your cat with ear mites, they will prescribe an anti-parasitic medication in oral or topical forms. The vet may also clean your cat's ears with a designated solution and prescribe antibiotics based on the infection's severity.
Additionally, your vet will check for any secondary infections resulting from the infestation and treat them as needed. A follow-up appointment in a week or two will likely be recommended to ensure the mites have been completely eliminated and assess the need for further treatment.
To prevent the infestation from spreading, your vet will likely prescribe medication for any other household pets due to the contagious nature of ear mites.
Our vets do not recommend using home remedies to treat ear mites in cats because many of these treatments fail to eliminate mite eggs. Consequently, even if the mites seem to be gone, the infestation can reoccur when the remaining eggs hatch.
How long does it take to get rid of ear mites in cats?
The ear mite life cycle takes 21 days to complete. Treatment must continue for at least three weeks to eliminate all mite eggs. If you are using a single-use product such as Revolution to treat your cat's ear mite infection, one dose is often enough to eliminate the infection, but it will still take up to three or four weeks to completely clear up the infection.
How can I prevent my cat from catching ear mites?
Schedule a monthly check-up and ear cleaning with your veterinarian to prevent ear mites. Set a biweekly reminder to clean your cat's kennel, bedding, and house to reduce the risk of infection at home.
Consult your veterinarian at Tri-County Animal Clinic for 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 people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.