Sure, ear problems in cats aren’t super common. However, ear mites are frequently diagnosed and can be somewhat problematic for your cat and other household pets you might have.

The thing with ear mites is that they can spread from host to host just via brief physical contact. At this point, you might be asking, “Can ear mites spread to humans?”

The answer here is yes but, according to multiple information sources, it’s rare for humans to be infected with ear mites. As such, ear mites (AKA Otodectes cynotis) are not typically considered a risk to humans.

Ear mites in cats: What you need to know

The Companion Animal Parasite Council reports that Otodectes cynotis have been detected in dogs, cats, ferrets and foxes worldwide. However, ear mites are most common in cats—particularly feral cats and felines under one year of age.

These microscopic parasites live inside the cat’s ear canal and feed on earwax and skin. While you might be able to see signs, such as blood in the ears, ear mites can only be observed using an otoscope.

Ear mite symptoms

So, given the fact mites are teeny tiny and can only be seen with an otoscope, how do you know if your feline friend’s ears are infested? Here are the common symptoms of Otodectes cynotis in cats.

  • Your cat may scratch like crazy or shake his head to try and stop the itching. Just imagine how annoying it would feel to have a bunch of pesky parasites crawling in your ears!
  • On investigation of the inside of your purring pal’s ears, you may see crumbly, dark brown debris (it almost looks like coffee grounds).
  • If you have other cats, dogs or ferrets and they too start scratching at their ears, this could be a sign of ear mites.

Prevention and cure

Many problems can arise as a result of ear mites in cats. For example, constant scratching can cause lacerations to the ear, which can become infected. Furthermore, scratching can also cause blood-filled pockets (aural haematoma) to appear on the inner surface of the ear. If treatment is not administered further bacteria infections can present, which can lead to long-term damage of the ear drum.

Heck, it all sounds doom and gloom, doesn’t it? The good news though, is that if you detect the creepy critters early enough they can be treated—and often at home. Your local vet can provide an ear cleaning formula that works to dissolve ear wax, reduce infection and kill mites.

If your feline friend turns into an Awkward Annie and won’t allow you to administer the cleaning solution to her ears, it would be wise to take a trip to your local vet. Additionally, if there is so much dirt and debris in your cat’s ears that you can’t clean it well, then it’s worthwhile calling on your vet for help.

When it comes to prevention, the best action is to keep a close eye on your cat. Look for signs of itching and scratching and maintain regular vet checks, as this will help keep pesky parasites at bay. Practice good hygiene and perhaps talk to your vet about preventative treatment.

 

Has your cat ever had mites? What action did you take?

 

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