Mary Allen
Does your cat scratch its ears noticeably often or keep shaking its head? Then ear mites could be the cause. This particular type of mite causes severe itching in your cat, among other things. Read everything you need to know about ear mites in cats in the following article.
How Dangerous are Ear Mites in Cats?
Ear mites are usually not really dangerous for your cat. In very rare cases, inflammation can spread from the outer ear to the middle or inner ear. But this is rather the exception.
Nevertheless, ear mites cause an almost unbearable itch in cats. A quick and effective treatment against the mites is, therefore, a must.
Symptoms: What Are the Main Signs of the Disease?
Ear mites cause so-called ear mange (otitis externa parasitemia) in cats. Depending on the extent of the infestation, cats with ear mite infestation have different symptoms:
- Itching (increased scratching of the ear, shaking of the head)
- dark, coffee grounds-like deposits in the ears (consisting of blood, ear secretions, cell secretions, and excretions from mites)
- Flaking
- Redness, hair loss, pustules
- Crust formation and secondary bacterial infections in the ears
in rare cases: inflammation of the middle or inner ear (otitis media / internal) up to encephalitis (encephalitis)
However, not every cat exhibits the full range of symptoms. In some cases, the typical plaque in the ears is the only sign of ear mites in cats.
Diagnosis: How Can Ear Mites be Detected in Cats?
Since ear mites are difficult to see with the naked eye in cats, the diagnosis must be confirmed by a veterinarian. During the anamnesis and the general clinical examination of the cat, he first collects all important information.
This is followed by a special examination: the vet examines the cat’s ears with the help of an otoscope. This is a funnel-shaped tool that, with the help of a lamp and a magnifying glass, simplifies the observation (inspection) of the ear canal.
Sometimes the mites can already be recognized as small, mobile dots in the ear. If the ear canal is soiled by a dark, waxy mass, the vet will take a swab. The mites can then be clearly seen under the microscope
Therapy: What Treatment Options are There?
The therapy of ear mites in cats consists of drug treatment and other accompanying measures. In order to kill every stage of the mites, therapy for at least three weeks is necessary. You must also treat all other cats in the household so that the animals do not infect each other.
Medication
Depending on the severity of the infestation, the vet will order different medications or combinations of medications for your cat. The following are used:
- Antiparasitic drugs
- anti-inflammatory ointments
- antibiotic ear drops for bacterial secondary infections
In order for the medication to work as effectively as possible, it is advisable to first carefully clean the auricles with a dampened paper towel or rinse the ears until all of the crusts are loosened.
Accompanying measures by the animal owner
In order to ensure the fastest possible recovery of your cat, you should take additional measures yourself. You must thoroughly disinfect contaminated surfaces and objects (e.g. brushes). In addition, you should clean and groom your cat’s ears daily during treatment.
Prognosis: What are the Chances of Recovery from Ear Mites?
An infestation with ear mites in cats can be cured in most cases. However, you have to carry out the therapy consistently for at least three weeks so that the stubborn parasites do not recur. The itching in cats, on the other hand, usually disappears after a few days.
Causes: How do Cats Develop Ear Mange?
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) cause ear mange in cats. The arachnids, which are around half a millimeter in size, cling to the skin of the cat’s ear canal with their long legs. With their chewing mouthparts, they pick up skin cells and cell secretions.
Meanwhile, the females of Otodectes cynotis lay their small eggs on the surface of the skin of the ear canal. After a few days, the larvae hatch. These develop over two nymph stages (protonymph and tritonymph) to the adult (adult) stages.
Prevention: How Do I Avoid Ear Mites in Cats?
Use the following prophylactic measures to prevent ear mite infestation in your cat. The most effective mite prophylaxis is in the form of collars or spot on. Regular cleaning of care products and warm beds is also important.