We’ve all noticed our cats scratching their ears from time to time, but if your cat’s scratching becomes excessive, there could be an underlying issue. Ear mites are common in cats, and whilst fairly easy to treat, these parasites can cause irritation and lead to long-term health problems if left untreated.
In this blog, we’ll talk you through everything you need to know about ear mites in cats, including how to check for ear mites and how to effectively treat the problem.
Help keep your cat comfortable and itch-free with our range of cat ear care products. From ear drops to cleaning pads, we have everything you need here at VetUK to help soothe irritation.
What are ear mites in cats?
Ear mites in cats are microscopic parasites that live inside and around your cat’s ears. These parasites feed off of wax, oil and skin and cause irritation and inflammation inside the ears.
Ear mites spread incredibly fast and easily pass between cats and dogs. Cats can also catch ear mites from the environment and your garden. These parasites are not visible to the naked eye, which contributes to how easily they spread.
Without fast treatment, an infestation can quickly occur, so it’s important to treat as soon as you spot the first warning signs.
What are the symptoms of ear mites in cats?
The inflammation and irritation caused by ear mites can result in a few telltale symptoms in your cat. Here’s what to look out for:
Constant head scratching
Your cat may be scratching inside their ears or around the top of their head frequently or vigorously shaking their head as if trying to remove something from their ear. Sometimes scratching may be frantic, as if they’re desperate to stop an itch they can’t reach.
Brown crusty deposits in the ears
Another classic symptom is the presence of dark brown, crumbly deposits or discharge in or around your cat’s ears. This discharge often resembles ground coffee and contains a mixture of mite waste, blood, and wax buildup.
Inflammation or irritated skin
Redness around the ears and head is usually a sign of inflammation. If your cat is excessively scratching, you may also spot irritated skin with scabs or open wounds.
Changes in your cat’s behaviour
Due to the discomfort ear mite infestations cause, your cat may become withdrawn or easily irritated. They may also shy away from affection, especially if you’re trying to pet their head or ears. They may also begin scratching as soon as you touch their head or ears, or seek attention to indicate that something is wrong.
Issues with balance
In extreme cases or where infection has travelled deep into the ear canal, this can affect your cat’s balance. You may notice them walking unsteadily or tilting their head as they walk.
If you notice these symptoms, the next step is to check your cat’s ears and consult a vet.
How to check for ear mites in cats
Before you schedule an appointment with your vet, you may want to check your cat’s ears for the telltale signs of ear mites if you suspect an infestation.
Bring your cat into a quiet area with good lighting. You can use a torch to help you see their ears more clearly, too. If you notice any signs of swelling, irritation or inflammation or spot dark, crusty debris around your cat’s ears, this is a strong indication that your cat has mites.
Never insert objects, such as cotton swabs, into your cat’s ears to try to clean them. Cats have extremely sensitive inner ears, and using swabs can push dirt and debris further into your cat’s ear or cause damage.
Once you’ve checked your cat’s ears, you’ll be able to inform the vet of what you suspect the problem is when booking an appointment.
How do vets diagnose ear mites?
When you take your cat to the vet, they will conduct a few examinations to determine the cause of your cat’s irritation.
They’ll typically start with an otoscopic exam, which involves using a scope to look into your cat’s ear canal. This gives a magnified view of your cat’s inner ear, where mites or eggs can usually be spotted.
After visual inspection, your vet may take a sample of the debris and check this under a microscope to confirm the presence of mites. If the infestation is severe or your cat is exhibiting other symptoms, your vet may also check for infections which need to be treated.
Whilst it may seem like a minor issue, you should always schedule a vet appointment if you see signs of ear mites. If left untreated, it can lead to other issues that will only increase pain and discomfort or cause health complications.
How to treat ear mites in cats
Once your vet has confirmed the presence of ear mites, you can continue on to treat the problem and prevent it from recurring.
- Vet ear cleaning
Your vet has the equipment and knowledge to safely remove excess debris, wax and waste from your cat’s ears. This will help to make treatment more effective and ease irritation. Your vet will only use veterinary-approved ear care products to help gently and effectively clean ears.
- Prescription medications
Topical treatments like eardrops are the most commonly used veterinary medications to treat ear mites. You’ll be given drops to take home and apply directly to your cat’s ears as per your vet’s instructions.
If your cat has a severe infestation or infection, your vet may use oral medication or injections. Your vet can also prescribe combination flea treatments that eradicate fleas and mites in one applicator.
One application won’t treat ear mites, and you will need to follow a course of eardrops or antibiotics to effectively eradicate these parasites.
- Preventing reinfection
Regular ear cleaning and preventative treatment, like ear drops, will help to stop mite infestations from occurring again. Limiting the interaction your cat has with strays and other outdoor animals will also protect your cat against reinfection.
Once a diagnosis of ear mites has been confirmed, clean all of your cats’ bedding, toys and blankets to kill any potential mite eggs that may be present.
- Schedule vet follow-ups
Regular follow-ups with your vet will help to keep your cat pest-free and ensure no further damage is caused to your cat’s ears. Your vet will be able to spot the early warning signs of mites before they become a serious issue.
How to help your cat recover from ear mites
When you begin giving your cat their treatment, there are a few steps to take to help support their recovery:
- Keep your cat inside until the infection clears up.
- If your cat has open wounds or a severe infection, using a protective cone will help the healing process.
- Clean your cat’s outer ears using sensitive cleaning wipes if your cat suffers from wax buildup.
With a dedicated treatment plan, your cat should be back to their old, mite-free self within a few weeks.
Ensure ear health with the right treatment
Ear mites are a common and irritating problem for cats, but with proactive care and management, you can eradicate this issue and stop mites from returning. With regular cleaning and annual check-ups, you can ensure your cat’s ears stay healthy.
It’s important to remember that professional diagnosis and treatment are the safest and most effective way of removing ear mites. If you notice open sores, bleeding or signs of infection like pus or foul odour in your cat’s ears, it’s time to book an urgent vet appointment.
If you need advice on the right products to care for your cat’s ears, our VetUK team are on hand to help. Contact our experts, and we can help you find the right products for your pet.
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