Ear Mites in Cats

"Ear mites" refers to an infestation caused by the mite Otodectes cynotis. It's one of the most common ear parasites in cats, and while it's usually mild, complications can develop if a cat's immune system is compromised in some way. In those cases, the mites can trigger a hypersensitivity reaction that irritates the external and middle ear.

Ear mites can affect cats of any age, but they're especially common in kittens. The infestation is highly contagious and is often passed from a mother to her kittens shortly after birth. It can also spread between different animal species, though it doesn't typically affect humans - there have been very rare reports of transient skin reactions in people who've had close, prolonged contact with heavily infested pets. The mite can also spread from the ears to other areas of the body.

Watch for both behavioral and physical signs:

• Itching and scratching

  Itching and scratching, usually focused on the ears, head, and neck.

• Generalized itching

  Itching that spreads beyond the ears.

• Frequent head shaking

  Frequent head shaking.

• Ear crusts

  Thick, red-brown or black crusts inside the ear.

• Coffee-ground debris

  Debris in the ear canal resembling coffee grounds.

• Outer ear injury

  Scratches or abrasions on the outer ear.

• Scaly skin elsewhere

  Crusty, scaly skin on other areas of the body, including the neck, rump, and tail.

• Complications from scratching

  Cats that scratch and shake their heads excessively can injure themselves, creating bald patches and, in more serious cases, damaging the ear canal or eardrum. Prolonged vigorous head shaking can also cause an ear hematoma - a pocket of blood within the tissue of the outer ear from a ruptured blood vessel.

Your veterinarian will start with a detailed history - when symptoms began, and whether your cat has regular contact with other animals. A full physical exam typically follows, and if needed, standard bloodwork, urinalysis, and other tests to rule out other conditions.

Skin scrapings may be taken for analysis, and ear swabs placed in mineral oil can help confirm the presence of mites under a microscope. Your vet will also use an otoscope to examine the ear canal and gauge how severe the infestation is. If a cat is especially sensitive or in pain, a thorough ear exam can be difficult. In these cases, your vet may base the diagnosis on how well your cat responds to treatment instead.

Most cats recover well with treatment. Your veterinarian will typically schedule a follow-up around 30 days after starting therapy, which usually includes an ear swab and physical exam to confirm the mites are gone.