Ear mites also known as Otodectis cynotis are microscopic bugs that prey on the ears of cats and dogs, feeding off ear wax and dirt. Their irritation to the ear puts cats in great distress, especially kittens. In this article, we will learn about what ear mites look like and how to get them off your cats.


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Content:

  1. What Do Dog Ear Mites Look Like
  2. Cat Ear Mites vs Other Conditions
  3. How to Get Rid of Ear Mites in Cats
  4. Conclusion

What Do Dog Ear Mites Look Like

Ear mites in both cats and dogs may look similar but are difficult to see with the naked ear. One could only see the spots where these mites attach which may appear red, whitish or bluish. Under the microscope, mites have four pairs of long legs with suckers on all legs in males and only on the first and second pairs of legs in females.

“It is impossible to identify ear mites or diagnose an ear mite infection without a microscope”, - Reddit User

It is easier to identify ear mite infection with their symptoms, which include:

The Petcube camera when set up in your home, would help you keep a watch out for these symptoms in your cats even when you are away to report to the Veterinarian timely.

Cat Ear Mites vs Other Conditions

Research has it that ear mite caused by Otodectis cynotis accounts for 50% of feline otitis externa cases. To treat an ear mite infection, one needs to take into account the factors that contribute to its persistence, development and resistance such as etiology, life cycle and treatment regimen.

“Ear mites in cats if left untreated could lead to secondary bacterial infections, inflammation and pain in the ear canal”, - Dr. Brittany Kleszynski

Usually, I had experiences with clients bringing in their cats to the Vet because they suspect an ear mite infection but when examined, a different condition was discovered. Other conditions could have similar symptoms to those of ear mites and could also occur concurrently with ear mites such as:

Otitis

This is an inflammation of the ear that affects the inner, middle or outer ear also known as otitis interna, media and externa respectively. Otitis could disrupt the bacterial and fungal population in the ear leading to bacterial/fungal overgrowth, a subsequent infection and crust formation which is similar to that of ear mites.

Demodicosis

This condition predominantly affects the ear canal and mostly occurs without a visible morphological disorder in the outer ear. Unlike in ear mites which present with crust formation and spots in the outer ear.

Skin Allergy

A skin allergy could also lead to ear itching and irritation which might not necessarily be caused by ear mites. Clinical examination and cytology would reveal and most certainly ascertain the absence of ear mites in a skin allergy condition.

Otomycosis

Fungal infection caused by Malassezia spp in the ear occurs in cats with varied symptoms similar to that of ear mites. This condition is more common in adult cats and would oftentimes occur alongside chronic otitis cases due to severe inflammation and overgrowth of the fungal population in the ear.

Sebaceous gland disease

This condition could be mistaken for ear mites due to crust formation in the ear canal. This crust formation occurs due to a dysfunction with the Sebeceous gland unlike the ear mite condition caused by mites.

How to Get Rid of Ear Mites in Cats

There are numerous recommended medications for treating ear mites in cats. According to a study conducted on sixteen cats, a single topical application of a fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin has been proven to be effective against O. cynotis, the causative agent of ear mite infection in cats.

In cases of emergency treatment during an ear mite infection, you can take advantage of the Petcube Emergency Fund which offers $3000 coverage in emergency vet fees and a 27% discount if you sign up through the exclusive link.

Other recommended medications may include ivermectin and milbemycin. The Veterinarian would recommend the right medication according to the severity of the condition. Fumigating the environment against mites would also curtail its spread and prevent reinfection.

Conclusion

Ear mites in cats are contagious and could spread from one cat to another. Controlling ear mite infections in household cats starts by using preventative measures like fumigation and administering preventative medications against ectoparasites. It’s not life-threatening and would resolve in no time when taken care of by a Veterinarian.

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