There are numerous types of ear mites that can reside in cats’ ears, however the most common are Otodectes cynotis, small, eight-legged parasites that feed upon the wax and oils in a cat’s ear canal. A specific mite has a roughly three-week life process, and is hardly noticeable by the naked eye. Causing inflammation and inflammation, ear mites can infect the external and internal canal, and result in more major skin or ear infections if left neglected. Infection usually produces a particular dark discharge-and in the most severe cases, a cat’s ear canal can become entirely blocked by this coffee ground-like debris.
What Causes Ear Mites in Cats?
Extremely contagious, ear mites are frequently passed from pet to pet in casual contact at home or outside. Though they can infect both cats and dogs, ear mites are a lot more typical in cats, and are responsible for more than 50 percent of all feline ear infections. Humans are typically immune to ear mites.
Although ear mites can contaminate cats of any ages, they are most typical in kittycats and outdoor cats.
Symptoms of Ear Mites
- Excessive scratching and rubbing of ears
- Head shaking
- Hair loss and dermatitis
- Black or brown waxy secretion
- Strong odor
- Inflammation of the ear
- Obstruction of ear canal with coffee ground-like debris
- Scratches or scabs near ear
Complications
In addition to the development of skin infections, ear mites can cause capillary inside a cat’s ear to rupture from extreme scratching and head shaking. This is referred to as an aural hematoma, and frequently needs surgery to remedy.
Follow up
It is important to bring your cat to a vet for an accurate diagnosis. Your veterinarian will take a swab sample of ear discharge and assess it under a microscopic lense. Avoid self-diagnosis, given that specific types of bacterial infections can imitate the symptoms of ear mites.
How Are Ear Mites in Cat Treated?
- Ear mites can be treated with products your vet will recommend that are used straight in the ear or medications that are used on the skin.
- If the ears are infected or have an accumulation of debris, mild cleaning might be required with cotton and an ear cleanser. (This may need your
- vet’s help, depending upon the cat’s character and the intensity of accumulation.).
- Your vet might likewise prescribe medicated ear drops or an antibiotic to resolve infections.
- A cat will begin to feel relief right after treatment starts, however please total the full course of treatment to ensure complete obliteration.
Prevention
Regular cleaning of your cat’s ears will signal you to any early issues. If your family pet has just recently recuperated from ear mites, make sure to completely clean his bed linen and check your other family pets for invasion.
