Ear Mites in Cats, Symptoms, Causes, Pictures, Home Remedies, Treatment & Prevention

What are the signs and symptoms of ear mites in cats? Learn how to tell whether your cat has ear mites. Find out the causes of these mites and how to get rid of them. Read on to discover the best treatments and home remedies for ear mites on cats. We have included illustrative pictures for better understanding.

Table of Contents

Ear Mites in Cats Symptoms

The general symptoms of ear mites in cats are as below:

1. Look for excess wax.

The ear mites usually provoke the lining of an ear canal so as to produce excessive amounts of wax.
This particular wax is a black color, and might sometimes appear like waxy dirt in the ear.
A cat that has healthy ears will have a minimal amount of earwax. If you see something that appears like coffee grounds or black dirt in the ear, this is an indication of a possible ear health problem.
The cat’s ear normally produces the wax as a defense against the infestation.
You can notice a foul smell that comes from ears.

2. Watch for scratching or shaking.

Ear mites lead to irritation, and so the cat scratches repeatedly at an ear using a back paw or frequently shaking off its head.
The cat’s claws can break the skin surface, causing additional soreness and thus bacterial infections.
A cat which suffers from ear mites for a long period of time develops inflammatory polyps (i.e. lumps) in ear canals, and blood blisters on ear flaps because of constant rubbing and scratching.
In addition, the external ear can be inflamed and thus produce pus, or the cat’s eardrum can be torn, leading to balance issues and other problems which need professional veterinary assistance.

3. Observe the cat’s posture.

A cat that has ear mites will hold its head on one side. This is a general indication of ear discomfort and is therefore not limited to the ear mites.
Regardless of the cause, if your cat holds its head to one side, you should make sure that is checked by a vet.

4. Check your other animals.

If you have more than one pet and you, therefore, suspect that one of them has ear mites, then you should ensure that you check all of their ears.
This is due to the fact that ear mites spread easily between the animals if they sleep together or even groom each other.
If you only treat the affected animal, then it can be that other pets are harboring the parasite but don’t indicate any signs, and might thus act as a reservoir for a re-infection.
If one pet is having ear mites, then it is likely that you are required to treat all the pets in the house so as to do away with an infection.

5. Take your cat to vet.

If you see any of the signs, you are required to get the cat being checked by a veterinarian.
The vet can use several methods so as to diagnose the cat’s problem.
The vet can inspect the ear canal using an auroscope, which is similar to a flashlight that has a magnification that looks deep down into ear canal. The veterinarian might directly observe the small white mites as they scurry away from the light.
Some of the veterinarians can collect earwax sample on a cotton ball, and then smear it on a microscope slide. The mites are normally plainly visible under a microscope.
The veterinarian can check so as to make sure that the eardrum is still intact before treatment. This is due to the fact that the eardrum can stop ear drops that are entering the middle ear, which could then affect the cats balancing.

Causes of Ear Mites in Cats

Before you can see the signs of ear mites, it’s very crucial to know some of the possible causes.

Most times a cat can get ear mites from another one, either within the home or even outside. Due to this, outdoor cats are more likely to get ear mites.

This also implies that if you have many cats and one of them is having ear mites, then you should get everyone being checked by the vet. The cause of ear mites in cats is coming into contact with other cats that have the mites.

Whether your cats are always indoor cats or outdoor, you might also notice head shaking or even an excessive ear scratching.

Although might can be brought about by more than a single problem, ear mites are a very common culprit.

There are some types of ear mites which the cats can get, but the one which is most common is Otodectes cynotis, which is a tiny parasite having 8 legs. This ear mite usually lives off the oils and the wax in the ear canal.

Each ear mite lives for 3 weeks, but they may reproduce — so it is still possible for your cat to have several symptoms for a longer period of time than this.

Although you might not see ear mites with the naked eye, there are some ways which can be used to determine if the cat has them (which includes a trip to the vet).

Ear Mites in Cats Pictures

What do ear mite in cats look like

How to Get Rid of Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites are microscopic parasites which infect the ears of a cat. They also like to live in warm, dark environment of the ear canal, where they then feed on the skin debris. These particular mites then create irritation and itchiness, which leads to the cat scratching its ears.

This scratching may lead to problems like skin infections or even a swollen ear flap, which requires veterinary attention. Catching and treating of the ear mites in cats quickly might avoid later problems and ensure a healthy cat.

Home Remedies for Ear Mites in Cats

1. Cleaning Bedding and Cages

One of the things that are supposed to be done is cleaning the cages that your cats have access to. You will be required to wash and dry any bedding that your cats sleep on since the ear mites in cats were discovered.

Additionally, you might as well make sure to bleach so as to sanitize the hard surfaces that the cat has access to.

Vacuuming a home every other day while your cat has ear mites is also important. This is true if you have the carpet, drapes, and soft furniture.

2. Directly Applying a Garlic and Olive Oil Mixture

The anti-bacterial properties of garlic, when combined with moisturizing effects of olive oil, can provide a gentle healing agent for scabby ears. Also, the olive oil can smother any available ear mites in cats.

Required Ingredients:

A Small dish
7 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Dropper

Procedure:

Peel and then chop the cloves of the garlic.
Add them to a small dish and cover using warmed olive oil.
Let the mixture sit for about 12 hours
After the 12 hours, take the dropper and then collect several drops for use in cat’s ears.
Directly apply 5 of the drops into ears and massage the base of the ear so as to allow the mixture spread to each area of the ear.
Repeat once a day for a period of 24 days.

3. Directly Applying Honey

The naturally occurring properties of honey are very wonderful for the healing of any tears brought about by the scratching due to ear mites in cats.

This is because of the high levels of anti-microbial and anti-bacterial agents that are present in honey. Directly using honey can also smother present adult ear mites and also prevent any larvae from further developing.

Required Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of the organic honey
Cotton Swab
Warm wet cloth

Procedure:

Dip cotton swab into honey.
Gently wipe the swab throughout the ear and the canals.
Leave the honey in place for 15 minutes at a time.
After the honey has set in ears, take the warm wet cloth and then gently wipe and dab throughout the ears.
Repeat the treatment 2 times per day until there are no more ear mites or even wounds brought about by the scratching present.

Notes

Using organic source honey is indicated to be more potent, but it is not important.

4. Directly Applying Vaseline

Vaseline is a perfect way that can be used to smother any given adult ear mites in cats, and take away the food source. Vaseline can provide moisture to ears thus also promoting healing.

Required Ingredients:

Vaseline
Cotton swab

Procedure:

Take a small amount of Vaseline on the cotton
Gently wipe the swab throughout the ears.
Leave the Vaseline to fully absorb.
Repeat the procedure at least once per day throughout the infestation ear mites in cats.

5. Directly Applying Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a perfect way that can be used to dry out your cat’s ears while eliminating any present ear mites.

Required Ingredients:

Any hand sanitizer

Procedure:

Gather some amount of hand sanitizer and then place directly in the ear.
Massage the ear at the base so as to allow it to fully come in contact with entire ear area.
Repeat the procedure twice per day until you observe some results.

Notes

Many times cat owners who make use of the remedy will observe results within three days.

6. Directly Applying Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can provide your cat with the moisture and heal its ear requires. Whether you are using fresh or bottled Aloe Vera, this particular potent plant prevents ear mites in cats from returning.

Required Ingredients:

One leaf of fresh Aloe Vera or 1 tablespoon of bottled Aloe Vera

Procedure:

Directly apply the gel to cat’s ears.

Massage the ears mostly at the base.
Repeat the procedure once per day for at least four days so as to see results.

7. Directly Applying Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is a powerful agent that can be used to combat ear mites in cats. The food grade Diatomaceous Earth can get rid of any adult or the newly hatched ear mites present, but not eggs. This is the reason why it is crucial to continue with the treatment for at least 1 month so that you break the mite’s cycle.

Required Ingredients:

One pinch of the Diatomaceous Earth
Warm water and
Eye dropper

Procedure:

Add the Diatomaceous Earth to the warm water.
Take some drops and then place them into your cat’s ears.
Massage your cat’s ears at the base.
Repeat the procedure once daily for at least 1 month for better results.

8. Directly Applying Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide can assist to prevent further infection because of scratching brought about by ear mites in cats. In addition, the hydrogen peroxide can break up build-up of wax or debris in ears.

Required Ingredients:

Cotton balls
1 bottle hydrogen peroxide

Procedure:

Soak a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide.
Gently wipe the cotton ball inside the ears.
Repeat the procedure at least twice per day until ear mites in cats have ceased.

Notes

Do not use an eye dropper to administer hydrogen peroxide as this can lead to hydrogen peroxide dripping into your cat’s eyes which will lead to severe pain.

9. Directly Applying White Vinegar

The acidity in white vinegar can assist to get rid of the dirt and the debris that is left behind from ear mites in cats, and maintaining a healthy equilibrium in ears. Any adult ear mites in cats can be killed once they are in contact with vinegar.

Required Ingredients:

1 tablespoon white vinegar
Cotton balls
1 tablespoon warm water
Small dish

Procedure:

Add the white vinegar to a small dish and add warm water so as to dilute.
Take the cotton ball and then soak with the mixture.
Gently wipe the cotton ball in ears and then massage at the base.
Repeat the procedure once each day for at least 10 days.

Notes

It is crucial to avoid the use of the remedy on the cats who have open sores or scabs present in ears as the white vinegar can cause a painful effect.

10. Directly Applying Almond Oil Combined with Vitamin E

The combination of the almond oil and vitamin E provides a moisturizing and a healing effect for ears. Using the mixture can soothe your cat of symptoms and suffocate adult ear mites in cats.

Required Ingredients:

½ an ounce of Almond Oil
Vitamin E
Eye dropper
Small bowl
Cotton balls

Procedure:

Combine some amount of Almond Oil and vitamin E in a bowl.
Fill the eye dropper halfway and then administer the amount in each of the cat’s ear.
Massage the ears at the base so as to ensure the mixture reaches all areas of the ears.
Remove excess debris or wax using a cotton ball.
Repeat the procedure every other day for at least 1 week for best results.
Monitor the condition of the cat’s ears and then repeat for one more week as needed.

11. Directly Applying Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a perfect way that can be used to smother any present ear mites in cats and soothe the inflamed ears. Mineral oil gives moisture and promotes healing from ear mites in cats.

According to a study done by Otomax, a mineral-oil based otic ointment has been indicated to have some effect against the ear mites in cats.

As part of testing the efficacy of mineral-oil based compound, one of the researchers used about 2 ml of mineral oil and 45 seconds of external massage of base of ear in control cats, and found that after two treatments that were given 1 week apart, there were no mites found in any of control cats four weeks after the second treatment.

Required Ingredients:

Cotton swabs
Eye dropper
14 ounces of mineral oil

Procedure:

Fill the eye dropper halfway using the mineral oil.
Directly use the drops into the ear
Massage the ear at the base.
Take a cotton swab and spread the mineral oil throughout the ears.
Repeat the procedure twice per week for one month.

12. Directly Applying Psorinum or Sulfur

Although Psorinum and Sulfur are indicated to be very odorous, both of them are very much effective in treating of the ear mites in cats quickly.

Using the two compounds will assist to ease any irritation and itching brought about by the ear mites in cats and promotes healing within the ears.

Required Ingredients:

½ teaspoon of Psorinum or even Sulfur
Cotton swab

Procedure:

Take some amount of Sulfur or Psorinum and place directly into cat’s ears.
Use the cotton swab so as to gently spread the Sulfur or Psorinum throughout the ears.
Leave in ears so as to fully absorb.
Repeat the procedure after every three days as required until the ear mites in cats are no longer present.

When your cat has the dreaded ear mites, then you can easily heal and soothe the cat’s irritated ears with the assistance of home remedies that are indicated for ear mites in cats.

You will also find use any of the above home remedies to be not only allowing you to avoid the use of harsh chemicals but can as well be gentle on cat’s delicate ears.

Ear Mites in Cats Treatment

When a cat is infected with ear mites, the ear mites in cats can then quickly start to reproduce and increase in number within the cat’s ears.

The entire life cycle of ear mites in cats, from hatching out of eggs to maturing to a reproducing adult, takes only about three weeks. Prompt treatment is required so as to prevent permanent damage from happening and to relieve the cat from intense itching which the mites cause.

While there are several over-the-counter treatments that are available which are can be used so as to treat ear mites in cats, a prescription treatment that is given by your veterinarian is the best.

Over-the-counter treatments often take a few weeks to get rid of the ear mite population, and the cats do not like to have medication applied to their ears on a daily basis.

Additionally, a veterinarian can confirm if a cat is suffering from ear mites, or if another medical condition is leading to the symptoms.

Two medicinal products, Acarexx and Milbemite, are the prescription that is given for ear mite in cats treatments which are directly applied to cat’s ears. In most of this cases, the treatments only require being applied once to get rid of the ear mites.

Prescription products which are applied to the skin to get rid of ear mites in cats include Revolution and Advantage Multi.

Revolution is also used to get rid of the intestinal worm infestations in cats, and Advantage Multi is used to get rid of the flea infestations; both of the products have an added ingredient so as to address the ear mite infections.

Ear mite infections are spread between several other pets in the household. For people with multi-pet households, all animals are required to be treated for ear mites even if only one animal is indicating to be having symptoms. Otherwise, the mites might continue to re-infect treated pets.

Are Ear Mites in Cats Contagious?

Ear mites in cats are not just found in ears. This parasite may travel all over the cat’s body. Ear mites they are very contagious. Without treatment, your cat’s ear mite infestation might spread to family dog or hamsters. All the family pets can be treated if the mites are found on just one animal.

That’s just another reason why a trip to the local veterinarian or even a pet health care clinic is supposed to be scheduled if you suspect ear mites in cats.

Parasites are just one cause of cat otitis. Other causes are allergies, endocrine diseases and tumors. Only a trip to your vet will give you with a proper diagnosis.

How to Prevent Ear Mites in Cats

The best way that can be used to prevent ear mites in cats is regular cleaning using a veterinary ear cleanser from veterinary surgery.

Unfortunately, even clean ears can pick up mites and in those particular cases, a mite killing ear preparation from your vet can be needed. These preparations are normally prescription only and are only used to get rid of the mites once, rather than preventing them.

Ear mites are more common in puppies and the kittens.

Bear in mind that if you have some dogs and cats it is wiser to treat them all otherwise one can act as a reservoir of an infection.

Mites normally cause cats to have a lot of earwax discharge and thus they encourage secondary fungal and bacterial ear infections, which might require additional treatment by use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

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