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Ear mites are a common spider like
external parasite which causes significant discomfort to
the cat. Although the name would suggest otherwise, ear
mites can live on any part of the body although they
generally live in the ears of cats. They are the most
common cause of otitis externa (inflammation of the
outer ear canal) in cats.
Ear mites are most often seen in
kittens, but they can affect cats of any age.
Ear
mites feed on epidermal debris & ear wax. They
burrow into the ear, causing inflammation which the body
responds to by producing more wax.
While
there are several types of mites which may infect cats,
Otodectes Cynotis is the mite most commonly seen in
cats.
What
are the symptoms of ear mite infestation in cats?
Not all
cats will display symptoms of ear mites but often they
will scratch at their ears & or shake their heads.
Other symptoms may include reddish/brown discharge in
the ear, bleeding from the ear, coffee-grounds
like appearance in the ear, scratch marks, odour.
There
may be damage to the ear if the infection has been
present for a length of time. Damage to the ear could
include a thickening of the skin or infection which is
caused by the cat damaging the skin by scratching, and
bacteria entering these wounds.
How
do cats become infected with ear mites?
Ear
mites are extremely contagious & are passed from cat
to cat, or dog to cat.
How
are ear mites diagnosed?
Often a
veterinarian can diagnose ear mites by direct
examination of the cat's ears with a magnifying glass.
Your veterinarian may also diagnose ear mites by
microscopic examination of material removed from your
cat's ear.
What
are the treatments for ear mites?
Treatment
depends on how severe the problem is. Removal of
the exudates from the ear by instilling a few drops of
mineral oil & gently massaging the base of the ear.
This will loosen the exudate, which will make it easy to
remove.
Your
veterinarian will be able to prescribe a commercial
insecticide to kill the mites.
Revolution
which is a flea/worming treatment can also be used to
treat ear mites in cats.
Can
I catch ear mites from my cat?
No,
thankfully humans can't catch mites from cats.
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