Ear mites in cats are tiny parasites that can cause a great deal of discomfort and irritation. While they are not typically a serious health threat, they can be difficult to eliminate and cause your cat to scratch and shake its head frequently. In this article, we will discuss what ear mites are, the symptoms of ear mites in cats, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from coming back.
What are ear mites in cats?
Ear mites are a common parasitic infection in cats caused by a microscopic organism called Otodectes cynotis. Although these mites are very tiny, they sometimes can be visible to the naked eye, especially against a dark background.
This particular mite is very contagious and lives on the surface of the skin and inside the ear canal. While ear mites are incredibly contagious between cats and dogs, there is no risk to humans.
The life cycle of ear mites in a cat is around 3 weeks. Eggs are laid on a substrate, and the egg hatches after 4 days into a six-legged larva. The larva feeds for 3-10 days before hatching into the eight-legged nymph stage. The adults live for about 2 months. Mites can feed on the dead skin cells and debris that accumulate on the surface of the skin of the ear canal. This results in inflammation and irritation of the ears.
Ear mites in cats are the most common cause of ear infections (otitis externa) in cats.
Kittens are more likely to get infected than adult cats, but adult cats can also become infected, especially in dense populations such as catteries. Some adult cats don't show any symptoms but still, carry the infection (i.e. asymptomatic carriers).
Signs and symptoms of ear mites in eats
The most common symptoms of ear mites in cats include:
- Frequent scratching or pawing at the ears
- Head shaking
- Brown or black discharge from the ears
- Earflap(s) held low
- Red and inflamed ears
- Strong odor coming from the ears
Ear mites can also induce an aural hematoma, which is a swelling of the ear flap that fills with blood (aural hematoma) as a result of the trauma to the pinna from excessive scratching.
In addition, as the ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) can also live on the surface of the skin, there may be lesions and excoriations affecting the neck and hindquarters.
In severe cases, ear mites can cause inflammation in both the outer ear and the external ear canal. You may observe redness and inflammation in your cat's ears, along with the presence of pus or a dark substance resembling coffee grounds in the ear canal. Additionally, left untreated, ear mites have the potential to cause eardrum damage so it's very important to see your vet if you notice any of the signs.
How are ear mites in cats diagnosed?
The diagnosis of ear mites in cats can be easily made by your veterinarian by looking at the ear discharge under a microscope and seeing the characteristic ear mites. Other causes of ear discharge must be ruled out, such as ear infections from bacteria or yeast.
How to treat ear mites in cats
There are multiple treatments available for the treatment of ear mites in cats. One option is a topical therapy that is typically done with ear drops that contain an insecticide such as ivermectin or milbemycin, which is effective at killing ear mites. These ear drops are placed into the ear canal and then massaged for a few minutes so that the ear drop can reach all parts of the ear. If your veterinarian has prescribed topical ear mite medication, it is important to clean the ears once daily to remove debris.
There are a variety of systemic miticidal treatments available. Revolution® is an effective and labeled treatment for fleas and ear mites in cats. This is a topical medication that is applied to the skin, often at the base of the neck or between the shoulder blades, and repeated in 4 weeks. Another effective treatment is a single dose of Bravecto®, applied the same way as Revolution®.
With topical treatments, it is not recommended to clean the ears for at least 2 weeks as the medication will enter the ear canal via the waxy ceruminous glands. The drug cannot enter the ear canal properly if the wax is repeatedly taken away from the ear canal.
Additionally, in certain situations, extra treatment steps might be needed to address secondary infections.
Ear mites are highly contagious between dogs and cats and can be transmitted between hosts easily. No matter whether they are displaying clinical signs, all animals in the household should be treated in order to get rid of ear mites. Depending on the temperature, mites can survive in the environment. It is therefore essential that all bedding, feeding bowls, and litter boxes are washed thoroughly.
What is the prevention for ear mites?
To effectively prevent ear mites in cats, consistent use of monthly parasite preventatives is essential. These medications typically applied topically, are very important in both treating and preventing mite infestations in high-risk environments.
Additionally, when introducing new cats to your household, it's advisable to isolate them until they have been examined by your veterinarian to prevent potential spread. This is especially important when adopting kittens or stray cats as they are commonly infected.
Maintaining cleanliness in your cat's environment, including regular washing of bedding and grooming tools, also plays a key role in preventing ear mite outbreaks.
How to check for ear mites in cats
While a definitive diagnosis of ear mites requires your veterinarian's assessment, there are some signs and steps you can take at home to increase suspicion.
First, examine your cat's ears for dark, crumbly debris that resembles coffee grounds. You may also observe excessive scratching at the ears, head shaking, redness, or inflammation. If you suspect ear mites, you can gently collect a small sample of the debris with a cotton swab and examine it under a magnifying glass or well-lit conditions. The mites, if present, will appear as tiny white specks that may move.
However, even if you don't visualize the mites, it's important to see your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, as other ear conditions can present similarly.
Can humans get ear mites from cats?
While it's uncommon, humans can get ear mites from cats.
Although they are not typically a major concern for zoonotic (animal-to-human) transmission, there have been occasional reports of ear mite infestations in humans. This usually happens after close contact with an affected animal.
The symptoms in humans might include transient papular dermatitis, which is a temporary skin condition characterized by small, raised bumps.
If you have concerns about ear mites, either for your pet or yourself, it's best to consult with a veterinarian or healthcare provider.
Ear mite infections are very common in cats and are not typically a serious threat, but they can be very irritating and affect their quality of life. In this article, we’ve walked you through the symptoms of ear mites in cats as well as how to treat ear mite infestations with both topical and systemic treatments. If you think your cat may have ear mites, it’s always best to seek out professional medical help from your veterinarian as soon as possible.