Cat Ear Mites
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are tiny crab like parasites that live in a cat's ears. They feed on the ear's secretions and tissue debris. They are really not visible to the eye but with a good magnifying otoscope a veterinarian may confirm their presence. The warmth produced from the light of the otoscope will cause them to move about becoming visible against the black ear wax from the cat's ear. A good sign of an ear mite infestation is the presence of a dark wax in the ear resembling coffee grounds. This dark discharge is really composed by dead tissue ad the waste products produced by the mites. This is exactly how my new kitten's ear looked like.
What symptoms do they cause?
Ear mites are not to be taken lightly. They can cause a variety of symptoms. A cat affected by ear mites will tend to shake its head bothered, scratch its ears and exhibit that typical discharge discussed above. In severe cases, a cat may develop a serious ear infection that may also damage the ear drum or even affect the middle ear causing balance problems.
What causes ear mites in the first place and are they contagious?
Now that we know what ear mites are and what they do, what causes them in the first place may be a good question. There is really no other cause than exposure to another pet that has ear mites. Ear mites are very contagious! The infestation may also cross species and affect dogs. However, they rarely affect humans and when this happens it is a very rare occurrence.
How to Know if your Pet has Ear Mites
There are two pretty accurate ways to recognize if your pet has actually ear mites.
1) Gently pull your cat's ear flap downwards rubbing it, if the cat has mites, the mites will begin to move about causing the cat to begin to scratch
2) Ear mites are very small but they can become visible. Try to collect some debris from the cat's ear and place this debris on a black surface. Place under a lamp, the heat of the lamand the light should cause the mites to wiggle about.
Ear mites are treated with prescription medicationa available by prescription. There are some over the counter medications but the most effective are prescribed. A common medication is Tresaderm. Home remedies ahould be only attempted in mild cases, where there are no signs of infection, an ear rash or pain.
Home Treatments for Ear Mites
-Revolution
This once a month topical helps cats get rid of worms, fleas,ticks and ear mites. It may take some time but it is effective.
-Clean up
When treating for ear mites it is very important to clean the ears as much as possible. Often, not properly cleaned ears are a cause for reluctant ear mite infestations. Some mineral oil or baby oil can be effective in removing the gunk. A few drops of oil in each ear kept for at least one hour should soften the debris. Do not allow the cat to shake its head until you are done. Afterward, mix 1 part white vinegar in 2 parts distilled water and clean up the ears with this mixture using cottballs.
-Smother them
Miineral oil or baby oil should smother the mites and give some temporary relief. Pets do better if the oil is slightly warmed up. A few drops in each ear every other day may be helpful.
-Olive oil
Another natuural option is to warm up some olive oil and instill a few drops in the ear every other day.
-Persistence
Whichever oil is used, the ears should be treated every other day for at least one month. Even though the adult mites will be smothered there will be some eggs that will grow and their life cycle lasts at least 21 days.
For Further Reading: Signs Your Cat Has Ear Mites
*Disclaimer All remedies suggested are not to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is sick please refer to your veterinarian for a hands on examination. If your pet is exhibiting behavior problems please refer to a professional pet behaviorist.