What You Should Know About Ear Mites in Cats!
Ear mites are parasites that typically live in the ear canal but can also live on the skin’s surface,. They can be challenging to see with the naked eye, but you may see little white specks moving in the ear. These mitesy are transferred from cat to cat by direct contact and are considered highly contagious.
Signs
Ear mites are a common cause of ear problems in cats. Although all cats in a household may be affected, ear mites usually are seen in kittens and outdoor pets.
Signs to watch for:
- Reddish-black material in the ear canal(s)
- Rubbing and scratching the affected ear
- Ear twitching and head shaking
- Occasionally, ear mites infest other parts of a cat’s body. Hair loss in a particular area and reddened, scratched skin suggest such an infestation.
Diagnosis by your veterinarian
The diagnosis will be confirmed by your veterinarian when they examine your cat’s ear canals with a special magnifying instrument called an otoscope. Ear mites can be found during the examination or may also be found by examining your cat’s earwax under a microscope.
Tasty Tips
Treatment and Home Care
Your veterinarian will likely need to clean your cat's ears before treatment will be effective. Debris in the ear canal may block medications from reaching the ear mites.There are different medications to treat ear mites and your veterinarian will be able to recommend the one that will be best for your cat. Make sure to follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions for ear cleaning or medications your cat needs at home.
Because ear mites are highly contagious, your veterinarian may want to examine and possibly treat the other pets living in your house. A follow-up visit with your veterinarian in 2-3 weeks will help ensure the ear mites are gone.
Related products
Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in indoor cats
Kitten Chicken Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Related articles
Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin
Discover how to identify cat sensitive skin and what you can do to help your cat thrive from head to paw.
Weight Gain in Your Cat & How You Can Help
Learn the different factors that might be contributing to your cat's weight gain, and how bigger doesn't always mean better.
Helping Your Overweight Cat Lose Weight
What is the best food for an overweight cat? Learn all about weight control food for cats, including what's in it and how it works.
Brushing & Food: Keys to Maintaining Your Cat's Oral Health
Brushing your cat's teeth is just as important as brushing your own. Learn signs or oral health problems in your cat and how to avoid them.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.