Ear mites are a type of parasite that is found in cats. They are very small, just about the size of an eyelash, and can be seen with a magnifying glass.
Ear mites are not harmful to humans but can cause discomfort for your cat if left untreated. They are usually found in kittens or cats who have been outside and come into contact with dirt or other animals.
Ear mites live on the skin’s surface and enter the ear through a small tear in the ear flap.
So, if you notice any redness or swelling around your cat’s ears, it could be an ear infection caused by an ear mite infestation.
Causes of Ear Mites in Cats
Ear mites are tiny, spider-like creatures normally contracted from the outdoor environment with which your feline friend comes into contact. This can include wooded or grassy areas, animal shelters, or veterinary offices with poor hygiene. Ear mites are the most common cause of ear infections in cats. It is a parasitic organism that feeds on the blood of the host.
The most common reasons for ear mites in cats are:
- Accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris in the ears
- Infestation by fleas
- Infection by bacteria, such as Pasteurella and Streptococcus
- Infection by fungi, such as yeast and bacterial infections
- Infection from a foreign body like a hairball or grass seed
Symptoms of Ear Mites in Cats
Ear mites are a common issue in cats and cause some nasty symptoms. Ear mites are passed on from one cat to another through the faeces of an infected cat.
Symptoms of ear mites in cats include scratching, shaking their heads from side to side, pawing at their ears, and rubbing their face on the ground. If your cat has any of these symptoms, you should take them to the vet immediately so that it can be treated for ear mite infestation.
Treatment for Ear Mites in Cats
Ear mites are a common problem in cats. They irritate the ear, causing discharge and pain, but they are treatable. Both systemic and topical treatments are available. Your veterinarian may also clean your cat‘s ears with an appropriate cleaning solution.
Some cases of ear mite infestation in cats may need management using antibiotics, topical treatments, and anti-fungal medications. Treatment for ear mites typically involves using an over-the-counter topical solution like OTC antihistamines or corticosteroids, along with ear cleaning solutions like OTC cleaners and otic solutions (to remove debris). Cats can also be treated with ear-cleaning solutions, like hydrogen peroxide, which kills the mites naturally.
Treatment for ear mites in cats includes:
1. Clean the ears with a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide.
Ear infections can be difficult to treat, especially when the infection is in one ear. One method known to work is using a cotton ball soaked with hydrogen peroxide to clean the ears. This treatment can help prevent secondary bacterial infection.
2. Using an over-the-counter medication like Advantage Multi for Cats.
The FDA has approved the use of Advantage Multi for Cats to safely and effectively treat the most common symptoms of ear mites in cats and dogs. The medication is sold over the counter at significantly lower prices than many other treatments available on the market, making it more affordable for pet owners.
3. Applying topical treatments like Mitaban Otic Solution or Gentamicin Sulfate Solution to the affected cat ear
Although topical treatments like Mitaban Otic Solution and Gentamicin Sulfate Solution are commonly used in veterinary medicine, they work by killing bacteria and fungi that cause an infection, including those in a cat’s ear. This treatment can help relieve the pain associated with aural inflammation due to bacteria or fungi infection.
Are Ear Mites Contagious to Other Pets?
Ear mites are highly contagious, and animals become infested by direct contact with another infested animal. Ear mites are parasitic insects that infest the ear canal and cause inflammation. They may be found in dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, birds, and even humans. If you find that your pet has an inflamed or bloody ear or see an insect crawling around your pet’s ears, it may have ear mites.
Can Humans Catch Ear Mites From Pets?
Ear mites are contagious to some other animals (cats, dogs, and ferrets), but they are not contagious to humans. Ear mites are not easily seen with the naked eye, so it is difficult to notice when one has been infected. When an ear infection is present, the symptoms include itching, redness, and inflammation of the ears and head. There is no evidence that humans can catch ear mites from pets.
Conclusion
Ear mites can cause discomfort and pain to cats in some cases. There are several ways to treat it, but the most effective way is through the topical application of a medication called ivermectin. Cats with ear mites should not be treated with oral medications or shampoos because they could worsen the condition.
FAQs
Can I treat my cat’s ear mites at home?
Unfortunately, there are no home remedies that treat ear mites in cats. While your cat recovers, make them comfortable by following the vet’s instructions and, under their guidance, clean your cat’s ear by removing debris as much as possible.
Is there a one-time treatment for ear mites
Over-the-counter topical medications are available at most pet supply stores; however, these don’t kill mite eggs, and therefore, treatment can last up to 30 days. Single-use products are available through your veterinarian, which usually eliminates ear mites after just one dose.
Do cats need antibiotics for ear mites?
Ear mites are a common problem for cats, leading to ear infections and other issues. But, antibiotics are not the best way to treat ear mites. Cats should be treated with a combination of topical and oral medications.