Ear mites in cats: What are they and how are they treated?
We encounter mites frequently in our daily lives – even when we can't see the tiny parasites. Unlike →ticks or fleas, these little critters sneak in unnoticed and often you only see them when they appear in large numbers . Thanks to the optimal, moist climate in a cat's ear, mites spread more easily and are commonly found as so-called ear mites. This is not only unpleasant, but can also pose a danger to your cat's →health. Here you'll find out how to recognize ear mites in your cat, how to get rid of them and what you can do in terms of prevention.
Cause: Where do ear mites come from?
Ear mites feed on skin cells and cell components in the ear. The tiny arachnids cling to the skin. By laying eggs on the skin in the cat's ear, a few mites quickly become a whole horde, leading to itching in the ear canal for cats.
Cats get infected wherever there are contacts. Whether through humans, dogs, or objects – infection can happen in many ways. Even though outdoor cats have a higher likelihood of infection due to more contacts, indoor cats can also be affected.
Symptoms: How to recognize ear mites in your cat
If your cat's ear is infested with mites, they cause ear mange, technically known as Otitis externa parasitaria , to develop. The result and thus the main symptom of ear mites is severe itching and scratching at the ear. Additionally, cats suffering from ear mites may show the following symptoms:
Dandruff on the skin
Deposits in the ear flap
red, inflamed areas
hair loss
crusting
bacterial infections due to sore spots
inflammation of the middle and inner ear, meningitis (rare)
Severe itching on and in the ear is the most common sign of ear mites in cats.
Are ear mites in cats dangerous?
Dangerous ear mites usually are not for cats – but they are definitely unpleasant. Only in rare cases do inflammations develop, which can spread to the middle and inner ear. With timely treatment, these inflammations rarely occur.
Diagnosis: How are ear mites in cats detected?
If your cat is excessively scratching its ears and the surrounding area, you should seek veterinary advice . With the naked eye, you can't see the tiny parasites similar to →giardia, and in the vet's office, an otoscope can be used to examine your cat's ear. Thanks to the magnified view combined with very bright light, ear mites can be easily seen and professionally confirmed. If the typically dark coating has already formed, a swab is taken with a small cotton bud. After a microscopic examination, it can be determined exactly whether your cat's itching is caused by ear mites.
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Treatment: How your cat can get rid of ear mites
Once the diagnosis is made, treatment by veterinarians is the next step. Treating ear mites in cats is not very complex, and with the right approach, your cat will notice a significant improvement in symptoms. With special ear ointments or drops, ear mites are usually quickly eliminated.
To do this, you massage the prescribed medication several times a day into your cat's ear flap – this is important because by shaking and scratching, your cat will try to remove the liquids. However, with precise application, enough active ingredient remains in the ear. Depending on the severity of the infestation, the drops or ointments are administered for 2-3 weeks, as this ensures that mites in all stages are eliminated.
Since the parasites also like to stick to brushes or sleeping spots, it is recommended to do a hot and thorough cleaning of potentially contaminated surfaces.
In addition to cleaning the ears, ointments or drops are administered to kill ear mites and relieve itching.
Preventing ear mites in cats
So your indoor cat doesn't end up with severely itchy ears, there are several things you can do to prevent ear mites. Similar to prevention against ticks and fleas, spot-on treatments or collars are helpful to keep the parasites away. These are usually combination products, which work against fleas, ticks, and mites. Regular →grooming of fur, ears & co. as well as cleaning bowls, sleeping places, and brushes is important, as mites thrive wherever it is moist and where organic particles are found in large quantities. Even in house dust, regular mites are stirred up and can →cause sneezing in cats.
Diagnosis: Allergy? Itching is not always caused by mites or other parasites. If the examination shows that your cat is allergic to certain food ingredients, a diet with hypoallergenic meat varieties is recommended. Our →Sensitive Pure Meat wet food with kangaroo is highly digestible, incredibly tasty, and a perfect meal for cats with food allergies.
