The Curious Case of Cat Ear Mites
Oh, cat ears – those intricate marvels of nature! Imagine them as finely tuned satellite dishes, effortlessly picking up high-frequency sounds with precision that puts our human ears to shame. It’s no surprise that ear issues, such as mites, can throw our feline friends into a tizzy.
Decoding Ear Mites
Meet the troublemakers known as ear mites (*Otodectes cynotis*). These pesky critters often trigger [ear inflammation (otitis)](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/otitis-externa) in cats, especially in stressed kittens or those in close cat communities. While adults may develop some immunity, they can still fall prey to these tiny beasts, especially if they encounter a high mite count or have underlying health issues. And yes, our canine companions aren’t spared either.
Despite their miniature size compared to ticks, ear mites are a force to reckon with. Picture tiny white specks bustling around, visible to the keen eye on a well-lit surface. Under the lens, they resemble miniature crabs. These freeloaders thrive on skin flakes, wax, and ear debris, posing a highly contagious threat. Ignoring ear mite infestations can lead to permanent ear damage for your beloved cat.
Spotting Ear Mite Symptoms
Can you fathom the discomfort of having legions of crab-like parasites frolicking in your ears, munching, reproducing, and leaving behind their traces? Cats afflicted with ear mites exhibit tell-tale signs like incessant head shaking, odd ear and head postures, and vigorous scratching around their ears and neck. A peek inside the ears might reveal a coffee ground-like discharge.
Similar symptoms can stem from other ear issues like bacterial or yeast infections, warranting a vet visit for proper diagnosis. By using an otoscope and examining ear debris under a microscope, a veterinarian can confirm the presence of ear mites.
Tackling Ear Mite Infestation
Fortunately, a panacea exists in the form of various medications designed to combat ear mites in cats. While over-the-counter treatments demand daily application until the infestation clears, newer vet-prescribed medications typically eradicate the pests with 1-2 doses. Some medications like Acarexx or Milbemite are ear-specific, while others like Revolution, Advantage Multi, or Bravecto are skin-absorbed.
Equally crucial in treatment is cleansing the ears of all mite-related debris. Home cleaning with products like Cerumene or Oti-Clens is an option, albeit messy and requiring multiple attempts. For a thorough job, rely on your vet to ensure all remnants are removed.
Preventing Ear Mite Encore
Regular use of preventatives like Revolution, Advantage Multi, and Bravecto not only guards against fleas and ticks but also shields your cat from future ear mite invasions. Given the contagious nature of these critters, it’s advisable to treat all pets in your household if one is diagnosed with ear mites.