Ear Mites in Cats- All You Should Be Knowing

One of the most alarming things as a cat owner when witnessing your feline friend scratching at its ears or shaking its head, let alone acting uncomfortable, is raising an eyebrow. Perhaps the most prevalent reasons for such actions are ear mites. This article will therefore focus on what ear mites are, how they impact on cats, ways of dealing with them and how to prevent them. In other words, let’s get everything in the way regarding ear mites in cats.

Ear Mites what is It?

Ear mites are areas that are microscopic in size and live in the ear canal of a cat as well as many other domestic animals. The one most commonly infesting cats has a scientific name: Otodectes cynotis. These are extremely tiny mites and cannot be seen except under a microscope. Their infestation, however, can really be such a nuisance to your cat because they cause irritation and inflammation in tissues due to drinking wax and oils of the ear canal.

How Do Cats Get Ear Mites?

This disease is brought about by small parasites which are categorized as ear mites and since they are easily transmitted from one animal to another, the issue at hand has a high likelihood of occurrence. Consequently, given the appropriate opportunity the young healthy cat will be infected if the injured infected cat and healthy cat meet face to face. Cats typically become infected in this manner:

• Direct Contact: The most common direct manner in which an ear mite infests a cat is through direct contact with another infected cat. That is how cats generally tend to get infected in multi-cat households or shelters.
• Fleas: Ear mite infection in cats also arises due to the presence of fleas in their hosts, as these are similar parasites that can stay in one environment.
• Outdoor Exposure: Cats that mostly stay outside will be likely to interact with so many other animals that may also be affected with ear mites.
• Infected Products: In addition, ear mites are communicable, and the cats involved can be infected in case they share beddings, blankets or toys with the infected cat or tend to groom it.

Symptoms of Ear Mites in Cats

Symptoms of ear mites usually occur at an early stage; therefore, you will note it before it worsens. General symptoms include the following:

• Scratching and Itching: If your pet is constantly shaking its head or scratching its ears at that’s probably the case because of the itchiness caused by the ear mites.
• Dark Waxy Discharge: There would be brown or black discharge in the ears. This can be due to ear wax, blood, and a few debris particles from mites.
• Smell: Your cat might develop a bad smell because of an infection or due to infestation with mites in the ears.
• Redness: Skin inside the ear would be red or inflamed due to irritation from the pain
• Changes in Behavior: Your cat may appear irritable or aggressive because of the pain
• Hair Loss: This may be due to the self-mutilation caused by scratching that results in fur loss around the ears and, in some cases, the head in your cat

Ear Mites Diagnosis

If you are not very confident about your diagnosis of ear mites on your cat, then you should consult your vet. If you suspect that your cat has ear mites, the following may be done: What may be done if the owner feels that ear mites could be present in the cat includes the Following;.

• Ear Examination: Examining the ears: next to the Drop the cat and stand aside, the veterinary asks the practitioner to put an otoscope into cat’s ears to see whether there are mites, inflammation, or infection of the cat’s ears.
• Microscopic Examination: An ear wax sample is pulled out to provide a sample that could be taken to a microscope.

Treatment for Ear Mites

Ear mite remedies are also geared at to relieve any pain and exacerbation in your cat. Here is what can be done:

• Medications: The Vet most probably will administer topical insecticides, specifically made to kill ear mites, by drop or ointment.
• Ear Cleaning: There could be ear cleaning ahead with this treatment prescription, to eliminate dirt and wax, allowing drug treatment to work according to plan.
• Follow-up: The veterinarian should be consulted to ensure that the infestation is being eradicated. Not all of the mites may be killed by the first treatment; therefore, a re-treatment may become inevitable.
• Treat Other Pets: Other pets ought also to be treated since they do not necessarily show signs so as to avoid infestation.

Prevention against Ear Mites

Prevention is the sure way of ensuring that your cat lives a healthy life free of ear mites. There are tips that help in prevention.

• Keep the Place Clean: Ensure that the bedding and their living places are kept clean to minimize mite infestation.
• Keep them indoors: You should keep your cat indoors because they might be exposed to other infected animals suffering from this disease.
• Flea Control: The environment should be under control for fleas as most of the time, ear mites and fleas infest together
• Grooming: This would aid you in checking for early signs of mites or diseases-associated agents

Conclusion

Ear mites are quite an inconvenience to the cat and to you. However, once diagnosed with them early, treatment is always prompt, and your pet will be back to themselves-to playing and being happy in no time. Keep vigilant and work to prevent infestation and help your feline friend not to get mites. Your best friends in keeping your cat healthy and comfortable are regular veterinary visits and a clean environment. Even with small doubts or issues that may have been generated from your observations concerning your cat’s ears or general health status, it is always best to contact your vet for good recommendations on what to do. Your cat is counting on you for care and no one else; knowledge is power so always be prepared.

FAQs

What are ear mites in cats?

Ear mites are literally ear fluke that are minute in size and live in the ear canal of the cat. These nuisance mites irritate cats by feeding on ear wax.

How does my cat acquire ear mites?

Cats can get affected by ear mites by direct contact with infected animals, contaminated items, or environments that the infected animals have been in.

What if I suspect my cat is infested by ear mites?

Consult a vet for a check-up on your cat and treat them of the ear mite’s infestation causing distress to their ears.