Cat Ear Mites Treatment: Signs to Watch and When to Treat

Is your cat scratching incessantly at their ears? Shaking their head like something’s really bothering them? Maybe you’ve even noticed a weird, dark gunk in their ears? It could be ear mites, and as vets, we see it all the time. These tiny pests can make your cat miserable and lead to bigger problems if you don’t deal with them fast. 

Kittens and outdoor explorers seem to get these things the most, right? Well, ear mites spread incredibly easily. Think of kittens wrestling or an outdoor cat just brushing past another – bam, that’s all it takes.

Catching it early is key. The sooner you start treatment, the faster your cat feels better. Ignore it, and you’re just letting them suffer. We’re here to break down everything you need to know, from what ear mites are to spotting the signs, how we diagnose them, treatment options, prevention tips, and – most importantly – when you need to bring your furry friend in to see us at York Veterinary Hospital. Let’s get started!

What Are Cat Ear Mites?

Ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis, are microscopic parasites that reside on the surface of your cat’s ear canals. Imagine a bunch of microscopic squatters throwing a rave in there – not fun for your cat. These guys are annoyingly good at spreading and causing a lot of grief.

They basically feast on ear wax and skin oils, which causes major irritation and inflammation. They don’t burrow super deep, thankfully, but their constant wiggling and munching creates intense itching and discomfort that can escalate to secondary infections if you don’t get it sorted.

How do they travel from cat to cat? Mostly through direct contact, like a friendly head-butt or sharing a cozy bed. They’re super contagious, which is why you often see them running rampant in multi-cat homes, shelters, and those free-roaming outdoor kitties who socialize a lot. 

Younger cats, especially kittens, are sitting ducks because their immune systems are still learning the ropes. Outdoor cats? Exposure is their downfall. And, like we said, multi-pet homes can quickly turn into mite nightclubs if you’re not careful. Good hygiene and keeping potentially infested animals separate can really help curb the spread.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Catching ear mites early is a game-changer! Here are the signs and symptoms to consider:

• Frequent Scratching Around the Ears or Head Shaking: This is your cat’s natural reaction to those creepy-crawlies. If it’s more than just a casual scratch, pay attention. It’s probably a signal something’s up.
• A Dark, Crumbly Discharge: Think coffee grounds—that’s the classic ear mite giveaway. It’s a mix of wax, mite leftovers, and dried blood, usually dark brown or blackish. When you notice them, call a vet.
• Redness, Swelling, or an Odor: Mites can trigger secondary infections (caused by bacteria or yeast) and inflammation, which can result in redness, swelling, and an unpleasant odor. This combination implies that it’s not only mites.
• Behavior Changes: You would also be grumpy if you had itchy ears all the time! Cats may be restless, agitated, or simply wish to hide. Because they feel uncomfortable, they could become more talkative or refuse to have your hands on their ears. Because the mites cause pain and suffering, some cats may even act aggressively if their ears are handled. 

How Vets Diagnose Ear Mites

Here’s what we do at York Veterinary Hospital:

First, we’ll chat about what you’re seeing, how long it’s been going on, and if any other pets are showing similar signs. Then comes a thorough checkup, focusing on those ears.

Our go-to tool is the otoscope. It’s like a mini flashlight with a magnifying glass, so we can actually see inside the ear canal. We’re looking for mites scurrying around or that telltale dark discharge. It gives us a clear picture of the situation.

We might also grab an ear swab to peek at under a microscope. This confirms the mites and rules out other issues, like a bacterial or yeast party. Seeing the mites magnified seals the deal – no guesswork needed.

Don’t skip the diagnosis! Other things like ear infections or allergies can cause similar symptoms. Treating for mites when it’s something else just delays the right treatment and could make things worse, and some over-the-counter mite meds can actually be harmful if used incorrectly. A vet’s expertise is a must.

Treatment Options for Cat Ear Mites

Alright, your cat has ear mites, now what? Good news: we have effective ways to kick those mites to the curb. Your vet, especially us here at York Veterinary Hospital, will figure out the best plan depending on your cat and how bad the infestation is. Here’s the lowdown:

• Medications Your Vet Might Recommend: There are various options.
  • Ear Drops: These are usually the first line of defense, packed with mite-killing ingredients and anti-inflammatories to soothe the irritation. You’ll typically be applying these daily or every few days for a week or two. Common brands include Milbemite and Acarexx.
  • Oral Medications: Sometimes, pills or liquids might be prescribed, especially if there are other parasite problems going on too. Oral meds tackle the mites from the inside out, which is handy if they’ve wandered beyond the ears.
  • Injections: Certain injectable medications, like ivermectin or selamectin, can also be used. Your vet will administer these, and they offer a longer-lasting effect. They’re often used for severe cases or when eardrops are a no-go.
• Products Sold Over-the-Counter: Although several over-the-counter products make claims to be mite-killers, prescription medications are typically more effective. Some may contain substances that are unsafe for cats, while others may provide short-term relief from itching. Consult your veterinarian to ensure that a product is safe for your feline before purchasing it.
• Natural Treatments: As natural remedies, you may hear about mineral oil, tea tree oil, or garlic oil. Although some individuals swear by them, there isn’t much scientific evidence to support them, and if you’re not careful, they can be harmful or annoying. Cats should avoid tea tree oil in particular because it is extremely poisonous.
• Way to Clean Your Cat’s Ears: Before you put any medication in, you’ve got to clean those ears! Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and gently massage the base of the ear. Then, use a cotton ball or gauze to wipe away the gunk. Skip the cotton swabs – they can push debris further in and potentially damage the eardrum. Be gentle – your cat will thank you!

When to Start Treatment

Treating ear mites sooner rather than later keeps your cat from needless suffering and avoids potential trouble like nasty infections, aural hematomas (those swollen blood blisters in the ear flap), or even hearing loss in really bad cases that go ignored.

Think your cat might have ear mites? Call your vet as soon as possible. Don’t try to play doctor with home remedies without getting professional advice.

Go to the vet when you notice:

• Excessive scratching at their ears or head.
• Shaking their head a lot.
• Dark, waxy, or crusty discharge in the ears (often looks like coffee grounds).
• Redness or inflammation inside the ear.
• Strong odor coming from the ears.
• Scabs or sores around the ears from scratching.
• Any visible mites (though they’re tiny, you might spot them).
• If your cat seems to be in pain when their ears are touched.

Preventing Ear Mites from Coming Back

So, your cat’s mite-free, awesome! Now, let’s keep it that way. Here’s how:

• Treat All Pets: Make sure every animal in your home gets treated, even if they show no symptoms.
• Regular Checks: Peek into your cat’s ears weekly, especially after they’ve been around other animals.
• Clean Bedding: Wash pet bedding frequently in hot water to kill any lingering mites.
• Limit Contact: Be cautious about your cat interacting with unknown or stray animals.
• Quarantine New Pets: Keep new pets separate from existing ones until they’ve been checked by a vet and cleared of mites.
• Environmental Cleaning: Vacuum regularly, especially areas where your pets sleep.
• Follow Vet Advice: Stick to the full treatment plan your vet recommends, even if symptoms improve quickly.

Now you know about the signs and treatment methods for ear mites. Do not hesitate to get in touch with York Veterinary Hospital if you have any worries concerning your cat’s ears. We are always available to assist.