Ear mites in cats are a fairly common occurrence in the United States. They can be very unpleasant for your cat, and in more severe cases, dangerous.
If left untreated, they can lead to secondary yeast and bacterial infections. Some cats seem to develop immunity to mites over time, so younger cats are more likely to to be afflicted. Cats with compromised immune systems are likewise at higher risk.
What are ear mites? — Mites are small, crab-like parasites and are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats. They typically live on the head, and in and around the ears. In more severe cases, they can cause a rupture of the ear drum, and may lead to deafness and even seizures.
Some cats are very sensitive to mite infestations and others don’t seem to be disturbed by it much. Younger cats are typically more bothered than older cats.
Symptoms — Frequent scratching of the ears and shaking of the head are the most common symptoms. The most obvious sign of ear mites in cats is a build up of black wax that looks like coffee grounds.
As can happen with parasite infestation, secondary bacterial infection is not uncommon. Some cats may experience a loss of hair around the ears, and the waxy build up may cause additional irritation in the ear.
In more severe cases, excessive scratching may tear into the skin at the back of the ear, which may lead to permanent scarring.
Treatment — Treating ear mites in cats begins with cleaning out the cat’s ears. This should be done only by a veterinarian, as damage to the ear could result if it is done improperly.
Flushing out the ears removes a large number of mites and dislodges the wax at the same time. The wax may first be softened with mineral oil to facilitate the process.
Following the ear cleaning, an ear mite treatment can be administered. In order to prevent recurrence of infestation by mites that have migrated away from the ear, flea control medication may be used. Over-the-counter remedies may work, but treatment will typically take longer than preparations from your veterinarian.
It’s necessary to limit physical contact with affected cats in order to prevent the spread of the mites to other household members. While this condition is very treatable, in more difficult cases, your veterinarian may administer “off-label” drugs.
