Introduction: You’re Not Alone in This
If you’ve noticed your cat scratching their ears like crazy or shaking their head incessantly, take a deep breath – you’re not alone. Ear mites in cats are a common and treatable problem that many pet parents face.
This guide is everything we wish we had known from the start. We’ll walk through what ear mites are, how to spot the signs, how to get rid of them, and ways to prevent them from coming back.
Along the way, we’ll debunk some myths (yes, we need to talk about that baby oil remedy you might have read about!) and answer your most pressing questions.
We’re sharing this in a warm, first-person voice because we’re a team of cat lovers who have been there, and we’re here to help you and your feline friend get through this – together.
So, snuggle up with your kitty and let’s dive in. Remember, knowledge is power – and by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to do if ear mites ever decide to bug your cat.
What Are Ear Mites (Otodectes cynotis)?
Figure: An illustration of the ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) . These mites are tiny – about the size of a pinpoint – and barely visible to the naked eye.
Ear mites are microscopic parasites (around the size of a pinhead) that live on the skin debris in an animal’s ear canal. The species most commonly found in cats is Otodectes cynotis, and it’s responsible for the vast majority of ear mite infestations in our feline friends.
Despite their tiny size, these mites can cause big irritation. Under a microscope, they look like little white specks with legs – almost like tiny ticks or spiders.
To the naked eye, you might only spot them as white dots moving against a dark background if you have sharp vision. Usually, though, you won’t see the mites themselves – you’ll see the evidence they leave behind (more on that in the Symptoms section).
Ear mites are surface parasites, meaning they live on the surface of the ear canal skin and sometimes on the outer ear or even other skin areas. They feed on ear wax, skin oils, and debris. As they crawl and feed, they cause intense itching and inflammation in the ear.
One reassuring fact
ear mites are host-specific to animals and are not considered a risk to human health. In other words, ear mites are not zoonotic, meaning they don’t normally transfer to or infest humans. You won’t catch ear mites from your cat, and they won’t start living in your ears.
So, focus your concern on your furry family members – ear mites spread like wildfire among pets, but your family’s ears are safe.
How contagious are ear mites?
Unfortunately, very contagious – especially to other cats, as well as dogs and ferrets. Ear mites crawl from one animal to another through close contact. If an infected cat rubs against or grooms another, those mites can transfer over.
They can also be spread via shared bedding, grooming tools, or blankets, since mites can survive a short time off a host. They don’t jump or fly, but they crawl quickly.
Picture a mite hitchhiking on your cat’s fur until it finds the ear – one Cornell University expert noted that if a mite ends up on a cat’s back or tail, the cat will usually groom it away, but if it makes it to the ear canal, it’s safe from the cat’s tongue. That’s where the trouble begins.
Bottom line
Ear mites are tiny, highly contagious parasites that set up camp in your cat’s ears, causing itching and irritation. They’re common, especially in kittens or outdoor cats, but thankfully they’re very treatable. Now that we know what these little critters are, let’s look at how to tell if your cat has them.
Symptoms of Ear Mite Infestation in Cats
Figure: A veterinarian inspecting a cat’s ear with the telltale “coffee-ground” debris caused by ear mites. This dark, crumbly discharge is a classic sign of an ear mite infestation.
Cats with ear mites can show a range of symptoms, from mild irritation to more severe ear problems. Here are the common signs and what you might observe:
Frequent scratching or pawing at the ears
Your cat may use their hind legs to scratch behind or inside their ears constantly. They’re doing this because the mites cause intense itchiness inside the ear canal. You might also see them rubbing their ears or head against furniture or the floor to relieve the itch.
Head shaking or tilting
Because their ears are irritated, cats often shake their heads or tilt their head to one side (trying to dislodge whatever is in there). If you’ve ever had water in your ear, you know the head shake – cats do this when they have ear mites.
Dark, waxy or crusty discharge
One hallmark of ear mites is a dark brown or black debris in the ear. It often looks like coffee grounds or dirt. This gunky material is actually a mix of ear wax, blood, inflammatory bi-products, and mite droppings.
It can be foul-smelling as well. If you gently wipe your cat’s ear with a cotton ball and see dark, crumbly stuff, ear mites could be the culprit.
Redness and inflammation
The inside of the ear (ear canal and inner ear flap) may look red, raw, or inflamed. Ear mites cause a form of otitis externa (outer ear infection) due to the irritation.
You might notice your cat’s ears are sensitive or painful when touched. In some cases, there could even be pus or discharge if a secondary infection has set in.
Ear flaps held low or drooping
Cats with very irritated ears sometimes flatten their ear flaps (pinnae) or hold them out sideways. This droopy-ear posture can be a response to the discomfort. You might see one or both ears slightly folded down.
Hair loss or skin lesions near the ears
From all the scratching, cats can cause hair loss around the ears or small wounds. You might see scabs, scratches, or a rash on the outer ear, the base of the ear, or even the neck and head region where they’ve been digging with their claws.
Aural hematoma
In more severe cases, the intense scratching and head shaking can cause a blood vessel in the ear flap to rupture, leading to an aural hematoma – basically a big blood blister between the skin and cartilage of the ear flap.
The ear flap swells up like a soft pillow. This usually requires veterinary treatment (sometimes surgery) to resolve. Ear mites are one of the common causes of hematomas because of how frantically the cat shakes its ears.
Odor from the ears
You might notice a strong, unpleasant smell coming from your cat’s ears. The combination of ear wax, debris, and possibly secondary infection can produce a musky or infected odor.
Actionable tip: Gently check your cat’s ears at home if you suspect something. You can flip up the ear flap and look inside (use a flashlight if needed). Do you see dark, crumbly debris? Is the ear red or irritated? If yes, it’s time for a vet visit to confirm ear mites. Don’t worry – getting a proper diagnosis is straightforward and will set you on the right path to treatment.
Causes and Transmission: How Do Cats Get Ear Mites?
Ear mites are highly contagious among animals. Understanding how cats get ear mites can help you prevent future infestations. Here are the common ways ear mites spread:
Direct contact with an infested animal
This is by far the most common cause. Ear mites readily crawl from cat to cat (or even cat to dog/ferret) when animals interact closely. If your cat comes into nose-to-nose or body contact with a cat (or dog) that has ear mites – whether playing, cuddling, or even briefly meeting – the mites can transfer over.
Contact with contaminated objects or environment
Although ear mites need a host to live long-term, they can survive off-host for a short period (usually a few days up to maybe a week, depending on conditions). This means an infested cat can leave mites or eggs on surfaces like bedding, blankets, grooming brushes, cat trees, or even your couch.
Another cat that comes by soon after and lies on that bed or uses that brush could pick up the hitchhiking mites.
Indirect transmission this way is less common than direct contact, but it’s possible – especially in a home, shelter, or boarding facility where many animals share space.
Outdoor exposure and other animals
Outdoor cats are at higher risk simply because they encounter more potential carriers. Stray cats, community cats, or even wildlife (like friendly neighborhood dogs, or perhaps rodents) could carry ear mites.
If your cat roams outside, a quick nose rub or sniff with an infested animal can introduce mites. Even indoor-only cats can get ear mites if a visiting pet or a new rescue in the home is carrying them.
Shelters and catteries often see ear mite cases because of the close quarters and many animals – if you adopt a cat from a shelter, it’s wise to have a vet check their ears promptly.
No link to poor hygiene or “bad ears”
It’s important to note that your cat getting ear mites is not your fault. Even the cleanest home and well-groomed cat can catch ear mites from a single encounter with an infested animal.
Ear mites aren’t a sign of bad hygiene; they’re basically like your cat “catching” a parasite from someone else. So don’t feel guilty – focus on treating the problem and preventing the spread.
Preventive insight: Knowing how ear mites spread, a few precautions become clear – for example, if you bring a new cat or kitten into your home, have them checked by a vet and consider keeping them initially separate from your other pets until you’re sure they’re mite-free.
Treatment: Getting Rid of Ear Mites Safely and Effectively
Discovering that your cat has ear mites can be unsettling, but here’s the good news: with proper treatment, ear mites can be eliminated swiftly, and your cat will feel better in no time. Treatment is straightforward and highly effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide to treating ear mites in cats.
1. Veterinary Prescribed Medications
The cornerstone of treatment is the use of acaricides (mite-killing medications). Your vet may choose from several effective treatments, such as:
· Topical ear drops:
These are applied directly to your cat’s ear canal. Medications like ivermectin or milbemycin kill ear mites on contact. Typically, you’ll administer the drops daily for 7-10 days.
Afterward, a second treatment may be needed to ensure that any newly hatched mites are eradicated. Your vet will demonstrate how to administer these drops correctly.
· Single-use treatments (spot-ons or oral medications):
Products such as selamectin or moxidectin are applied to the skin or given orally. These treatments are easy to administer and may also prevent other parasites, such as fleas. Depending on your cat’s age and weight, your vet will recommend the appropriate option.
· Injectable or systemic medications:
In some cases, your vet might administer an ivermectin injection. This is less common, but it can be an option for cats that are hard to medicate.
No matter the medication, follow your vet’s instructions carefully to ensure full eradication. Even if your cat seems better after a few days, complete the full course of treatment to avoid reinfestation.
2. Ear Cleaning
Ear cleaning is essential both before and during treatment. Your vet may perform a deep cleaning to remove debris, which will also help the medication work more effectively. At home, you may be instructed to clean your cat’s ears regularly using a vet-approved ear solution (never use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol). Gently fill the ear canal, massage the base, and then wipe away the excess with cotton balls. Always check with your vet on the appropriate ear-cleaning protocol during treatment.
3. Treat All Susceptible Pets
Ear mites spread easily between animals, so treat all pets in your home, even if they aren’t showing symptoms. This prevents a cycle of reinfestation and ensures your cat doesn’t get mites again from other animals.
4. Address Secondary Infections
Ear mites can cause significant irritation, leading to secondary infections like bacterial or yeast infections. Your vet may prescribe additional treatments like antibiotic ear drops or antifungal medications to address these issues.
5. Follow-Up and Recheck
Your vet will likely schedule a follow-up visit a few weeks after treatment to ensure the mites are completely gone. Don’t skip this recheck, as it’s essential for confirming that the infection is resolved. If you don’t see improvement, it may be necessary to adjust the treatment.
If your cat is diagnosed with ear mites, don’t delay: Check out our complete guide to home remedies for ear mites, and why professional treatment is always the safest option!
👉Ear Mites in Cats Treatment: Complete Guide to Safe and Effective Solutions
Why Prompt Treatment Matters: Risks of Untreated Ear Mites
Ear mites might start as a simple itch, but if left untreated, they can lead to serious issues for your cat. Here are some potential complications and risks if you don’t address an ear mite infestation in a timely manner:
Severe ear infection (Otitis externa)
The constant irritation and break in the skin barrier from mites can invite bacteria and yeast to overgrow. An untreated ear mite infestation commonly progresses into a bacterial infection in the ear canal. The ear becomes more painful, swollen, and filled with pus and debris.
If this outer ear infection (otitis externa) worsens, it could even break through the eardrum and lead to a middle or inner ear infection. That’s much harder to treat and can cause hearing loss or balance problems for your cat.
In fact, chronic ear mite infestations are a known cause of ruptured eardrums in cats. This kind of damage can permanently affect a cat’s hearing and equilibrium.
Aural hematomas and ear deformities
As mentioned earlier, the intense head shaking and scratching can cause a blood vessel to burst in the ear flap, leading to a swelling called an aural hematoma.
If not treated, hematomas can cause the ear flap to scar and crinkle (sometimes called “cauliflower ear”). This is not only uncomfortable but can leave a permanent deformity of the ear’s appearance.
Skin infections and wounds
Cats with itchy ears often create wounds around their ears, head, and neck from scratching. Those open scratches can get infected with bacteria, leading to abscesses or widespread skin infection (pyoderma).
Additionally, mites can wander to other parts of the body (face, neck, back) and cause itching and rashes there, too. An owner might think the cat has fleas or general dermatitis, when it all started from ear mites.
Pain and poor quality of life
Imagine having a constant itch and noise in your ears – it would drive anyone mad. Cats can become highly agitated, restless, or conversely, depressed and lethargic from the constant discomfort.
They may lose their appetite or stop playing because they’re so irritated. Over time, chronic pain can even change a cat’s behavior (for instance, a normally sweet cat might become grumpy or avoid petting because every touch near the ears hurts).
Spreading to other pets
If you delay treating ear mites, you’re giving them time to spread to any other cats or dogs in the household.
What was one cat with mites can quickly become three cats (and a dog) with mites. That makes the eventual treatment more involved (and expensive) as you’ll have multiple patients instead of one.
Additionally, if your cat goes outdoors or is around others, they can spread mites in the community, affecting neighbors’ pets or shelter populations. It’s a contagious issue.
Long-term ear problems
Chronic untreated ear mite infestations can cause thickening of the ear canal (due to ongoing inflammation). This narrowing can make the cat prone to future ear infections even once mites are gone, because the ear never fully returns to normal healthy skin. Some cats are left with sensitive ears that flare up easily.
In our experience at SnuggleSouls
One memorable experience was a community member sharing a stray cat named Shadow;
When he brought it home, both of its ears were already full of ear mites, which triggered an inner ear infection that affected its balance.
It took a long time to treat the infection, and due to past injuries, its head was always tilted to one side. I wish we had discovered it earlier.
On the other hand, there were others who had encountered such a situation, but the pet owner discovered the problem early (slight head shaking, some brown debris on the body) and treated the cat within a few days – that cat fully recovered within a few weeks without any sequelae. The effect of early intervention is crucial.
Prevention Tips: Keeping Ear Mites at Bay
While there’s no way to guarantee your cat will never get ear mites (they’re common and can affect even the healthiest of pets), you can certainly reduce the risk. Here are some practical prevention tips to help keep ear mites away or catch them early:
Regular ear checks
Make it a habit to check your cat’s ears regularly, especially if they go outdoors or interact with other animals. Look inside each ear weekly – the skin should be pale pink, clean, and there should be minimal wax.
Use parasite preventatives
Many flea prevention products for cats also protect against ear mites, ticks, and worms. Ask your vet if a broad-spectrum preventative is right for your cat, especially if they’re high-risk (outdoor cats, kittens from shelters, or social cats).
Careful with new additions
When bringing a new cat or kitten into your home, ensure they are vet-checked and their ears examined. It’s also a good idea to keep them separate for a week or two until any potential health issues are addressed.
Environmental cleanliness
During and after an ear mite issue, thoroughly clean your cat’s environment – wash bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water. Vacuum carpets and furniture.
Avoid contact with unknown animals
For outdoor cats, or if you take your cat to public places like grooming salons or boarding kennels, be mindful. If you know another cat has ear mites, avoid letting your cat interact with them until they’ve been treated.
Routine Vet Check-ups
During your cat’s regular vet exams, ensure their ears are checked. Regular check-ups allow your vet to spot any developing issues early on.
Shared item hygiene
In multi-pet households, regularly wash shared items like bedding, toys, and even cat carriers.
Avoid over-the-counter mite meds
Be cautious with OTC ear mite treatments. Some may be ineffective or harmful to cats. Always consult your vet before using any treatment, and never use products intended for dogs on cats, as some ingredients are toxic to felines.
Even with the best prevention, ear mites can still sneak into your cat’s life. If it happens, don’t feel discouraged – it’s a common issue that can be resolved with the right care. Prevention is about minimizing risk and catching problems early.
If you would like more detailed information on ear mite prevention, please check out our full article on this topic, which also covers post-treatment care for cats with ear mites. We will guide you through all the necessary steps to ensure a smooth recovery for your cat.
Let’s touch on the recovery process: once you’ve treated your cat, what should you expect in the days and weeks that follow? How do you ensure your kitty is comfortable and healing well? We’ll cover that next.
Conclusion
Dealing with ear mites in your cat can be an emotional journey – from the moment you notice something’s wrong, to the vet visits and treatments, to finally seeing your beloved furball comfortable again.
Through it all, remember that you are not alone. Ear mites are a hurdle many cat parents cross, and it does not make you a bad pet owner. In fact, by reading this article and seeking knowledge, you’re showing exactly how much you care.
So if you’re in the thick of it right now, hang in there. Give your cat an extra dose of love (even if they’re annoyed at the ear drops – they’ll forgive you later).
Take a deep breath and take it one step at a time: identify, treat, follow up, prevent. Before long, this will be just another chapter in your journey of cat parenthood – one that you conquered with compassion and care.
From the entire SnuggleSouls team, thank you for being the amazing, caring pet parent that you are. You’re not alone – we’re here for you and your cat, every step of the way.
Mite trouble comes and goes, but the bond you share with your feline friend will only grow stronger as you care for them. Here’s to ear scratches that don’t make your cat scratch, and many purr-filled days ahead!
FAQ
Can humans get ear mites from cats?
No, ear mites are not zoonotic and cannot be passed from cats to humans. While they may cause minor skin irritation in rare cases, humans cannot develop an infestation from ear mites.
How do I know if my cat has ear mites?
Common signs include head shaking, excessive scratching of the ears, black or brown ear discharge resembling coffee grounds, and ear redness or inflammation. A veterinarian can confirm with an ear swab and microscope exam.
Can indoor cats get ear mites?
Yes, even indoor cats can get ear mites, usually through contact with other animals, including newly adopted cats or pets from veterinary clinics, grooming sessions, or boarding facilities.
Should I treat all pets in the house if one has ear mites?
Yes, it’s recommended to treat all pets in a multi-pet household to prevent re-infestation, as ear mites spread easily among animals through direct contact or shared bedding.
Can I use baby oil to treat ear mites in my cat?
While baby oil may smother some ear mites, it doesn’t kill mite eggs or prevent reinfestation. Professional veterinary treatments are more effective and provide long-term relief.
References
Barnes, C., Weir, M., & Ward, E. (2024). Ear Mites in Cats and Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-mites-otodectes-in-cats-and-dogs
Dryden, M. W. (2018). Mite Infestation (Otodectic Mange) of Cats. In Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner ed.). Merck & Co. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/skin-disorders-of-cats/mite-infestation-mange-acariasis-scabies-of-cats
Hinsperger, B. (2024). Ear Mites in Cats: What Cat Owners Need to Know. Kingsdale Animal Hospital. Retrieved from https://www.kingsdale.com/ear-mites-in-cats-what-cat-owners-need-to-know
Small Door Veterinary. (n.d.). Ear Mites in Cats. Retrieved from https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/ear-mites-in-cats/
Cornell Feline Health Center. (n.d.). Ear Mites: Tiny Critters That Can Pose a Major Threat. Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/ear-mites-tiny-critters-can-pose-major-threat
Furkin Pet Insurance. (2023). How to Check for Ear Mites in Cats (+ Treatment Options). Retrieved from https://www.furkin.com/blog/treat-ear-mites-cats
Weese, S. (2010, Feb 26). Ear mites and the strange pursuit of knowledge. Worms & Germs Blog. Retrieved from https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2010/02/articles/animals/cats/ear-mites-and-the-strange-pursuit-of-knowledge/
Zumalka. (2021). Vet Insights: 4 Easy Ways to Detect Cat Ear Mites at Home. Retrieved from https://www.zumalka.com/blogs/blog-pet-health/vet-insights-detect-cat-ear-mites-at-home