Ear Mites in Cats – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

You’re relaxing at home with your cat when you notice them scratching their ears more than usual. At first, you might not think much of it—cats scratch sometimes, right? But then you start to see your cat shaking their head and maybe even rubbing their ears against furniture. A closer look reveals some dark, crumbly debris inside their ears. These could be signs of ear mites or tiny parasites that can cause a lot of discomfort for your feline friend.

Ear mites are more common than you might think, and they can sneak up on you and your cat before you even realize there’s a problem. Left untreated, they can lead to more serious issues like infections or hearing loss. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ear mites in cats—from what causes them to the symptoms you should watch for and how to treat them effectively. 

What Are Ear Mites and What Do They Look Like?

Ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasites. They mainly infest the ear canals of cats, dogs, and other small mammals. These tiny creatures are barely visible to the naked eye, measuring only about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters in length. Ear mites are tiny. They can cause your cat great discomfort.

To the naked eye, ear mites may appear as tiny white or reddish-brown specks moving around in your cat’s ear canal. However, due to their small size, they can be challenging to spot without the aid of a magnifying glass or microscope. If you suspect ear mites in your cat, consult your vet. They can examine your cat and provide an accurate diagnosis.

Here’s a closer look at what ear mites look like:

• Size: Ear mites are incredibly small, measuring only a fraction of a millimeter in length.
• Color: Their color can range from white to reddish-brown, depending on their development and blood levels.
• Shape: Ear mites have an oval-shaped body with eight legs, resembling tiny spiders or ticks.
• Movement: These parasites are very mobile. They can quickly move within your cat’s ear canal. This makes them hard to spot without a close look.

Causes of Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites are highly contagious. They spread quickly among pets in close contact. Knowing the common causes of ear mite infestations can help you prevent them. This will protect your cat from these pesky parasites.

1. Direct Contact: A main cause of ear mite infestations is contact with an infected animal. Ear mites can quickly transfer between cats. This can happen through grooming, playing, or sharing bedding and living spaces.
2. Contaminated Environments: Ear mites can survive briefly outside their host. So, contaminated environments may infest new hosts. A cat may get ear mites if it visits a place where an infected animal has been. This includes a shelter, boarding facility, or a friend’s home.
3. Outdoor cats, or those that explore, are at a higher risk of ear mites. Other animals, like rodents and wildlife, can carry these parasites. They can transmit them to your cat during outdoor adventures.
4. Weakened Immune System: Cats with weak immune systems may be more prone to ear mites. This is due to age, illness, or stress. A weak immune response can hinder your cat’s fight against these parasites.
5. Lack of Preventive Care: Skipping routine vet check-ups and parasite control can raise your cat’s risk of ear mites.

Common Symptoms Of Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites can cause discomfort in cats. It’s vital to spot the signs and get treatment. Early detection and intervention can prevent further discomfort and potential complications. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:

1. Ear mites cause cats to scratch and shake their heads. This behavior is a natural response to the irritation caused by the mites crawling around in the ear canal.
2. Ear Inflammation and Redness: Ear mites can cause inflammation and redness in the ear canal and surrounding areas. This is due to the irritation caused by the mites’ movements and the cat’s immune response to the infestation.
3. Ear Discharge or Crusting: As the infestation worsens, you may see a dark, crusty discharge or debris in your cat’s ears. This discharge is a combination of ear wax, skin cells, and mite debris, and can have an unpleasant odor.
4. Ear Rubbing or Head Tilting: Cats with ear mites may tilt their heads or rub their ears on surfaces to relieve discomfort.
5. Ear Mites: Severe cases can cause inflammation, leading to irritation or hair loss around the ears. This can lead to skin irritation, redness, or hair loss around the ears.
6. Behavioral Changes: Ear mite infestations can cause discomfort. Some cats may become irritable, lethargic, or lose their appetite.

How To Check for Ear Mites In Cats

Checking for ear mites in your cat is essential in identifying and addressing potential infestations. Some signs, like excessive scratching or head shaking, may be obvious. However, a closer look is often needed to confirm these pesky parasites. Here’s how you can check for ear mites in your feline friend:

1. Visual Inspection: Begin by gently folding back your cat’s ear to expose the ear canal. Use a bright light source, such as a flashlight or a well-lit room, to examine the ear canal closely. Look for any signs of debris, crusting, or tiny moving specks, which could indicate the presence of ear mites.
2. Ear Swab Test: If you suspect an ear mite infestation but don’t see any visible signs, you can perform an ear swab test. Gently insert a clean, dry cotton swab into your cat’s ear canal and gently rotate it to collect any debris or discharge. Remove the swab and examine it closely, looking for tiny white or reddish-brown specks, which could be ear mites or their eggs.
3. Microscopic Exam: Your vet may suggest a test of the ear debris for a better diagnosis. They will collect a sample from your cat’s ear and examine it under a microscope to identify the presence of ear mites or their eggs.
4. Otoscopic Examination: At a vet visit, your vet may use an otoscope to inspect the ear canal and eardrum. This can help identify any signs of inflammation, discharge, or the presence of ear mites.

How to Treat Ear Mites in Cats

Treating ear mites in cats is vital. It relieves discomfort, prevents complications, and ensures your cat’s health. Many treatments exist. Following your vet’s advice and using the prescribed meds correctly is vital. Here’s an overview of some common treatment methods for ear mites in cats:

1. Topical Medications: Topical ear meds, like drops or ointments, are often the first treatment for ear mite infestations. These medications usually contain insecticides or acaricides. They kill ear mites and their eggs. Your vet may prescribe products with selamectin, moxidectin, or pyriproxyfen. They are safe and effective for treating ear mites in cats.
2. Systemic Medications: Your vet may recommend systemic meds to kill ear mites. These are oral or injectable treatments. These meds circulate in your cat’s blood. They reach the mites in the ear canal. Examples of systemic treatments include ivermectin, selamectin, or milbemycin oxime.
3. Ear Cleaning and Flushing: Before any treatment, your vet may recommend cleaning and flushing your cat’s ears. This will remove any debris and discharge, including mites. This process can boost the effectiveness of the medications. It can also relieve discomfort.
4. Environmental Control: In addition to treating your cat, remove any sources of ear mites in the environment. This may involve thoroughly cleaning and disinfection your cat’s bedding, living areas, and any surfaces they use. Vacuuming and washing fabrics in hot water can help eliminate any lingering mites or eggs.

How Can I Prevent My Cat From Getting Ear Mites?

Ear mites are common in cats. You can take steps to prevent them and protect your cat’s health. Here are some effective strategies for preventing ear mites in cats:

1. Regular Grooming and Ear Checks: Groom your cat regularly. Pay close attention to their ears. Gently inspect and clean their ears using a safe, veterinarian-recommended ear-cleaning solution. This can help detect any signs of ear mites early on and prevent further infestations.
2. Proper Hygiene and Sanitation: Keep a clean environment for your cat. Wash their bedding, toys, and living areas with hot water and disinfectants. Vacuum frequently to remove any potential mite eggs or debris.
3. Routine Veterinary Check-ups: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial. They help find and prevent ear mite infestations. Your vet can do a thorough ear exam and recommend treatments.
4. Flea and Parasite Control: Many flea and parasite control products also offer protection against ear mites. Talk to your vet. Ask about safe and effective options, like topical or oral meds, to prevent ear mites in your cat.
5. Quarantine and Isolation: If you have multiple pets or a new animal, you must quarantine and isolate them at first. This can help prevent the spread of ear mites or other parasites from an infected animal to your existing pets.
6. Avoid Sharing Bedding and Grooming Tools: To reduce infection risk, don’t share bedding, grooming tools, or other personal items between pets. This is especially important if one may have ear mites.