A Guide to Cat Ear Mites

A very common cause of feline ear problems, ear mites are tiny parasites that live in your cat’s ears and make them itchy. Most cats are affected by this problem at some point in their lives so knowing how to deal with the pesky critters is knowledge every cat owner should have in their arsenal.

Ear mites are fairly easy to treat but can lead to long-term damage if left untreated like ear canal blockages and severe skin infections. They are also highly contagious, and if one cat in your house has them, it is highly likely that all of the rest will too. This is why it is so important to be able to spot and treat an ear mite infestation before it becomes a big problem.

What are ear mites?

Ear mites are tiny microscopic eight-legged parasites that can affect all kinds of animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits and horses. Outdoor animals are more prone to picking up ear mites on their adventures, which they can then transfer to indoor cats. Their eggs can also survive for several months on surfaces, and it is highly likely that an infected cat will get reinfected when these eggs hatch. These parasites eat ear wax and dead skin cells and the small hair all over their body can cause severe irritation and itching in your cat. They are often invisible to the naked eye, but sometimes may be seen as tiny white dots

Symptoms of an ear mite infection

The most common symptoms associated with an ear mite infestation in your cat’s ears are:

• Excessive ear scratching
• Shaking head side to side in an effort to relieve itchiness
• Dark red or brown flaky discharge in the ear canal. These will often look like ground coffee beans.
• Scratch marks or loss of hair around the ear
• Redness or inflammation of the affected ear
• Skin lesions around the ear
• A funky odour coming from the ears.

However, the same symptoms may also present themselves in other kinds of ear infections, so it is always better to get in touch with a mobile vet near you for the right diagnosis before attempting any self-treatment.

How are ear mites treated?

It is fairly easy to get rid of these pesky pests. Once your cat has been diagnosed with ear mites, the first order of business is a thorough cleaning of your cat’s ears. While you may do this yourself, there is always a risk of damaging the cat’s eardrums by improper cleaning so it is better to let the mobile vet do it. While cleaning your cat’s ears won’t get rid of the ear mites, it will remove any wax or debris the mites may be hiding under and feeding on.

Second, your vet may prescribe a topical medication that works much the same way as a lice shampoo that you will be required to apply to the cat’s ears for a period of up to 2 to 3 weeks to eliminate mites and mite eggs inside the ear.

You may also use some natural home remedies, such as a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water to treat mild cases of ear mite infections. Apple cider vinegar’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties help kill these parasites. Some oils, such as coconut and olive oil may also help clear out ear mites by suffocating them.

It is important to note that since these mites are so contagious, if one animal in the house is infected, all the other pets must be tested and treated for ear mites as well.

Preventing ear mites in cats

Using appropriate anti-parasitic treatments, you may be able to prevent future infestations. However, it is important to get in touch with your vet instead of self-medicating and ask them for some product recommendations. Keep your cats indoors if possible and make sure their indoor spaces are as clean as possible to prevent eggs from surviving on surfaces. While it may not be necessary, regular ear cleaning intervention may be recommended for a cat with frequent ear problems. Cats are usually very great at keeping themselves clean but can sometimes need a little bit of extra help from their owners.

If you’ve never cleaned your cat’s ears before, ask your vet to show you how to do it before you attempt to do it on your own. Additionally, also ask them if ear mite treatments are included in your cat’s regular flea treatment.

If you’re having trouble getting your cat to the vet because it gets stressed out in the car, consider searching “vets near me” on Google and get an at-home vet to visit you and check your cat and other pets for ear mites. It may also be helpful to have a vet visit you if you have multiple pets, so you don’t have to go through the trouble of making multiple visits!