ear mites in cats are one of the types of cat mange. They are microscopic organisms that appear in the form of small white dots. They are also difficult to see with the naked eye, so they must be examined under a microscope to confirm their presence. cats and ear mites live on the skin of the ear canal, as they feed on Its wax and skin oils.
Adult moths usually only live for about two months, but they can reproduce quickly when the eggs hatch, which takes only four days. After that, the moths become adults and ready to reproduce within only three weeks of their lifespan
What are ear mites in cats
Ear mange in cats (ear mites in cats) is an infection that occurs inside your cat's ear by a small insect that you rarely see with the naked eye. This insect feeds on cat ear wax as well as the secretions secreted by cat ears.
When a cat's ear is infected with this insect, it begins to feel intense itching in the ear, and the cat may also shake its head violently many times during the day. You may also notice that your cat tilts its head to the right or left. All of these indicators indicate that the cat is infected with an ear bug, or what is known as ear mange in cats.
A distinction must be made between ear mites in cats that occurs inside the cat’s ear, and cat fungus that requires treatment and which may appear in the form of hair loss in certain areas of the cat’s head and behind the ears.
What Are the Stages of Ear Mites in Cats?
ear mites in cats can occur for several reasons, and the following are the most common:
1-Ear mites of the external ear
ear mites in cats are small, spider-like insects that are a common cause of otitis externa in cats, and are often the first thing your veterinarian looks for if ear problems develop. These small parasites multiply in the ear canal and cause severe itching. So the cat constantly scratches his ears, which may lead to infection. ear mites in cats are very difficult to detect without the proper equipment, as they cannot be seen with the naked eye, and the only way to rule out an infestation is to visit a vet.
2-Ear mites of the middle ear
Middle ear problems in cats can occur if the disease moves from the outer ear deeper into the ear canal, and it can also be caused by:
- Foreign body such as weeds.
- Inflammation of the adenoids inside the ear.
- cancer.
- Inflammatory nasal polyps, also known as nasopharyngeal polyps, are abnormal cell growths that are usually benign and often affect cats between three months and five years of age. Although these growths are often noncancerous, they can cause discomfort and pain in your cat's ear.
3-Inner Ear mites
ear mites in cats usually arises from bacterial and fungal infections caused by inflammatory growths, ear mites, and foreign bodies inside the ear. Some cats are more susceptible to ear infections than others due to age and breed. And certain diseases, such as allergies and diabetes, can increase the likelihood of ear mites in cats because they weaken the immune system, which increases the chances of bacterial and fungal infections occurring.
Signs & Symptoms of ear mites in cats
When a cat is infested with ear mites, some symptoms appear that indicate the presence of the problem.
Ear itching
Ear itching is one of the most prominent symptoms that appear when a cat is infected with ear mites. The cat feels excessive and annoying itching in the affected ear, which prompts it to scratch or scratch its ears vigorously.
You may notice strange movements of the cat, such as bobbing its head and moving continuously to get rid of the itch. You should intervene when you see these symptoms and begin treating them to relieve the itching and enhance your cat's comfort.
Abnormal secretions
A cat may develop abnormal discharge from an ear infested with ear mites. These secretions are usually sticky and sometimes have an unpleasant odor. You may find that an ear that has been scratched a lot is swollen, and when the cat moves. These secretions can spread into the ear and descend into the external auditory canal. If you see these abnormal secretions, they indicate the presence of ear mites and require immediate treatment.
Ear swelling
Ear swelling is one of the symptoms of ear mites in cats. When mites are present in a cat, the affected ear can become abnormally swollen and swollen. This may be accompanied by pain and redness in the affected area. If you notice a change in the size and shape of the ear, this may indicate swelling and you should visually inspect to confirm the presence of ear mites and begin appropriate treatment to relieve the pain and restore the ear to its normal state.
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What Causes ear mites in cats?
There are many causes of ear mites in cats, the most important of which are the following:
- A cat picks up ear mites from almost anywhere, including other cats infected with this disease.
- Upon contact with another cat carrying this disease, the mites may be transmitted from the infected cat to the fur of the other cat, and then the mites crawl into the ears.
- ear mites in cats also live in the environment for a limited period of time during which they can spread to any passing cat, making outdoor cats more susceptible to this parasitic infection than indoor cats.
How can I tell if my cat has ear mites?
Symptoms and signs of ear mites in cats vary depending on which part is affected.
1-Signs of external ear mites in cats
ear mites in cats affect the outer part of a cat's ear, which includes the pinna and ear canal. Ear mites are the most common type of ear infection in cats. It can affect one or both ears. This type of infection can appear suddenly and last a few weeks or turn into a chronic problem. The 7 most prominent signs of the disease include:
- redness.
- Shaking head.
- Foul odor from the ear.
- swelling.
- scratches on the ear.
- Ear discharge.
- Peeling of the skin in the affected area.
It is important to treat ear mites in cats externa quickly, because it may spread to the middle or inner ear and lead to tissue damage and permanent hearing damage.
2-Signs of middle ear mites in cats
Middle cats and ear mites infect deep in the auditory canal, and can reach the eardrum. They often occur as a result of untreated ear mites, and their symptoms include:
- Shaking head.
- Cat scratching the ear.
- The cat tilts its head.
- The cat turns its head toward the affected side.
- You may also notice a change in the appearance of your cat's face because some nerves pass through the middle ear and can be affected by inflammation. This includes facial nerve paralysis, as well as unilateral pupils, sunken eyeballs, protrusion of the third eyelid, and finally ptosis.
If left untreated, ear mites in cats may spread to the inner ear and lead to more serious symptoms and problems.
3-Symptoms of inner ear mites in cats
Inner ear mites are one of the most serious types of ear infections in cats. An inner ear infection can cause irreparable damage to the cochlea and vestibular system, which are the two organs responsible for maintaining cats’ balance. Its symptoms include the following:
- loss of balance.
- Difficulty moving.
- Involuntarily shifting eyes from side to side.
- Excessive drooling.
- dry eyes.
- vomiting.
- nausea.
Symptoms of inner cats and ear mites can appear alongside symptoms of outer and middle otitis, such as head shaking and tilting, as well as redness and the emission of foul-smelling secretions from the ears.
Are Ear Mites Common in Senior Cats?
Of course yes, so veterinarians note the need to pay attention to the hygiene of cats in general in order to avoid catching any infection that may lead to infection or ear mites.
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Diagnosing ear mites in cats
There are many methods that contribute to the treatment of ear mites in cats, the most important of which are the following:
- Treatment generally begins with a thorough cleaning of the cat's ear to remove any wax or scales that protect the mites from topical medications that help get rid of them.
- The vet gently rubs mineral oil into the ears to soften the crusts, then washes the cat’s ears with warm water.
- This medication is usually drops containing an insecticide that must be placed in the cat’s ear.
- Prepare a simple spray solution containing 50% water and 50% apple cider vinegar. This treatment is considered one of the natural methods that contribute to treating ear mites in cats. It is also recommended to use the spray at least twice a day for a week in and around the cat’s ears to cover all areas.
Treatment Options for Ear Mites
Treating ear mites in cats includes several important steps to get rid of the infection and relieve symptoms.
Gently clean the ear
- Gently cleaning the ears is an essential part of ear mite treatment for cats.
- A special sterile solution for cats should be used on a soft cotton swab to clean the ear.
- Clean the ear with gentle and precise movements without pushing the mites deep into the ear to avoid infection of the ear and exacerbation of the problem.
- Avoid applying any strong pressure or moving quickly when cleaning the ear to maintain the integrity of the ear.
- Repeat the process several times as directed by the specialist veterinarian until the infection is completely gone and the mites disappear.
- Patience and sensitive treatment of the cat while cleaning the ear, because the ear is very sensitive and you must make sure not to cause any pain or discomfort.
- Your veterinarian can provide some other advice regarding ear care and mite prevention in the future.
- Always remember to use a special disinfectant serum for cats and work with a soothing and precise motion to clean the ear and protect the health of your beloved cat.
Visit the vet
If ear mites in cats get worse or do not improve after using home remedies, you should visit your veterinarian. Your veterinarian has the knowledge and experience necessary to properly diagnose the condition and determine the appropriate treatment.
The doctor may conduct a comprehensive examination of the ear and confirm the infection, then prescribe the necessary treatment. Visiting the vet is an important step to ensure that your cat recovers properly and gets rid of ear mites permanently.
How to Clean Your Cat’s Ears Properly
Speaking about cats and ear mites. If there is not a lot of debris in the ears and your vet cleaned the ears initially, you can start cleaning your cat's ears in the following way:
- Warm the ear cleaner to body temperature by placing it in a bowl of warm (not hot) water.
- Place the cat on your lap lined with a soft towel or blanket.
- Place one or two drops of cleaner into the round opening of the ear canal.
- Gently massage the base of the ear for at least a minute, to move the fluid around.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the other ear.
- You can put the drops in both ears and then massage your cat's double ears.
- Leave your cat alone for five minutes.
- Your pet cat will likely shake her head a lot, which helps dislodge dirt and debris from deep within the ear canal and move it to the outer surface.
- After five minutes, approach your cat (you may need to bring him out of hiding with treats) and use clean cotton balls to wipe the oil and dirt from inside and outside the ear.
- If you want to wrap your cat again, don't hesitate or try doing this step without the towel or blanket.
- Give your cat another reward for being good and cooperative with you.
- The same methods can be used to administer ear medications.
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Recovery and Management of Ear Mites
Once your veterinarian has diagnosed and verified that the eardrum is healthy, he or she will prescribe ear drops that are safe and effective in killing ear mites in cats. Many pet stores offer over-the-counter mite treatments, but these medications are usually less effective and may harm your cat. It is recommended to use the medication prescribed by the veterinarian.
Read the medical leaflet carefully for instructions and how often to apply ear drops. The number of drops and frequency of treatment depends on the specific drug. It's usually once daily for seven to ten days.
How long does it take to get rid of ear mites in cats?
ear mites in cats should continue to be treated with antifungal medications until it is completely healed, even if the symptoms disappear. Treatment may take from two weeks to two months, depending on the severity of the infection.
How To Prevent ear mites in cats
There are many preventive methods that protect from cats and ear mites, the most important of which are the following:
- To protect your cat from ear mites, experts advise performing a monthly examination and cleaning the cat’s ears so that you can prevent or repel ear mites.
- Cleaning the house, cat house, and pet bedding should be done every two weeks to reduce the risk of infection in the home.
- It is also recommended to clean your cat's toys and all tools that he frequently touches.
When to See a Vet for Ear Mites
In addition to cats and ear mites. If your cat shows one of these symptoms, you should go to the vet. The vet will begin by examining the cat's ear using various techniques. The veterinarian determines the extent of the infection through a general examination, and he may also need to examine the inner ear using a specialized examination device for that purpose.
Examination of the inner ear canal is necessary to determine the extent and severity of the injury. The doctor can easily see the ear mites with an endoscope, and he can also determine whether the infection has reached the eardrum or not. In certain cases, the doctor may take samples from the ear for analysis and examination
Tips for Maintaining Ear Hygiene to Prevent Ear Mites
ear mites in cats require some preventive measures to prevent it from happening in the first place and to prevent cats after recovering from the disease and from transmitting the infection to other cats in your home.
Vaccinating cats against insects helps greatly in protecting cats from this disease, and repeating the vaccination at the specified times (every 3-6 months) ensures great protection from various insects, especially those that cause ear mange.
Although the cat has recovered from the disease, there are chances that the disease will return again if you do not clean the cat’s place of residence, as well as the tools it uses, such as combs, brushes, etc.
Use chlorine to clean the place and tools well, but make sure that the cat stays away completely from the places where chlorine is used, as it is toxic to cats and it is possible for cats to be poisoned once they inhale it.
You must also be careful to clean the cat’s ear once a week with a disinfectant drop (a drop of Remoax, for example) to ensure that cats do not become infected with this disease again.
One or two drops of the type of drops recommended by your veterinarian are placed and left for five minutes. Then the ear is cleaned in the same manner as described, quietly and gently so as not to scratch the cat’s eardrum.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that ear mites in cats are a common problem, and cause them a lot of pain and discomfort. Cat owners must be careful and pay due attention to the cleanliness of their ears and not expose them to infection.
If you notice symptoms of cats and ear mites such as itching, abnormal discharge, and ear swelling, you should gently clean the cat's ears and use appropriate drug treatments. If there is no improvement, you should take the cat to visit a veterinarian to evaluate its condition and receive appropriate treatment.
FAQS
What are the causes of ear mites in cats?
ear mites in cats may occur due to lack of personal hygiene, as negligence in cleaning the ear may lead to the accumulation of wax and dirt and thus the appearance of mites. Exposure to infection is also a common cause of ear mites in cats. When cats mix with each other or with other cats infested with mites, the mites can be transmitted from one cat to another
What are the common symptoms of ear mites in cats?
Common symptoms include ear itching, which causes the cat to scratch this area intensely, and abnormal discharge such as pus or black can also appear in the ear. Swelling in the ear may also occur, which also indicates the presence of ear mites.
How are ear mites treated for cats?
The ear can be cleaned gently with an ear soothing solution to relieve itching and remove dirt and wax buildup. Medication treatments prescribed by your veterinarian can also be used to get rid of the mites and treat the infection. If the condition does not improve, you must visit a veterinarian to determine the appropriate treatment.
Can humans get ear mites from cats?
No, cats and ear mites cannot be transmitted to humans, but in very rare cases they may cause itching and a rash for only a temporary period in some people.
How often should cats' ears be cleaned?
A cat's ears should be cleaned as needed. Healthy, clean ears are light pink in color with minimal earwax visible, so regularly check your cat's ears to see if they need cleaning.