Article #4

Ear Mites In Cats

Ear mites are an infectious organism that looks similar to the tick. They live in the ear of cats and dogs; typically more so in cats. They are highly contagious and easily spread through physical contact.

They are hard to see with the naked eye but you may be able to see tiny white dots. To confirm it is ear mites, the veterinarian will scrape some waxy material out of the cat's ear and look at it through a microscope to confirm the findings.

Adults survive by eating the skin and they live for about 4 weeks. Even though the mites are usually found in the ear. Cases are reported that they can spread. Humans won't get infected but some do get skin rashes.
 

Treatment For Ear Mites In Cats

It needs to be stressed that if you think your cat has ear mites, confirm it by taking the animal to the vet. They will test it. Once it is confirmed, you will be given instructions regarding how to apply the treatment.

It is important to clean the cat's ear before applying any type of medications. Ear mites can live underneath the wax so if you put the medication in the ear before cleaning, it will just run over the wax. The wax is actually protecting them. Also, follow the directions; do not stop the medication too early. If you do, they can come back. Secondary infections can develop if not treated promptly.

Signs Of Ear Mites In Cats

The signs are rather obvious because the ear mites bite. You cat will experience intense itching and they scratch their ear more often than usual. If your see you cat scratching a lot, there is a chance they have ear mites.

You will also see your cat shaking their head. They are trying to get rid of that feeling as it is very uncomfortable. Scabs will eventually develop because of the constant scratching. Possible hair loss around the ear will also be evidence of the mites.

If you are witnessing uncontrollable scratching of the ear. start to look inside. Look for dark, crumbly, waxy discharge, this is another sign. These signs will be apparent in both ears also.

 

The Lifecycle Of Ear Mites In Cats

The stages of ear mites begin with the egg then larvae, to the deutonymph and finally adulthood. This takes about 3 weeks and once they become an adult, they live for about four weeks.

The adult male will mate with the deutonymph. At this point the deutonymph has not established its gender; that takes place after the mating process. Once mating is over and the gender is determined, eggs are laid, or not.

If the gender is a female, she will lay eggs. If it is a male then there is no consequence except that they will find another deutonymph to mate with. When the mites have bitten all they can inside the ear, they are known to leave and head to the outside and to other parts of the body to begin feeding.

 

Medications For Ear Mites In Cats

Since some medications do not work well with certain breeds, it is important to take your cat to the doctor and let them suggest medications. They are trained and have the information to know what can be given.

Some treatments can last for 30 days; it depends on the prescribed medication. Some are drops that are put in the ear and need to be applied a couple times throughout the day.

Be aware that your cat will not be happy with you while you are applying the drops, but it is necessary. An injection is also an option, which can consist of two to four treatments. You can also opt for the single dose medication. Your cat's vet will suggest the best treatment since they know your cat already.