Cat Walking on Green Grass (16:9 Aspect Ratio)
Ear Health

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Cat Ear Mites (Otodectes cynotis)

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Ear mites are parasites, barely visible to the human eye, that live on the surface of the skin, usually in the ear canal. They are a common cause of disease and infection and are responsible for more than half of all cases of an ear infection called otitis externa in cats. Ear mites can cause the cat to scratch the ears and develop a dark discharge from the ears. This discharge can be associated with redness and swelling of the skin surrounding the opening of the ear canal.

How common are ear mites and how are they transmitted?

Ear mites are common in cats, particularly in kittens, and are highly contagious to cats and dogs. They can easily spread from the ear of an infected cat to other pets during social interaction, including grooming, sleeping, or playing together.

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Cat_health_infection_vet_exam.jpgWhen to see your veterinarian

If you suspect your cat has ear mites, it’s important to make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. During your cat’s appointment, your veterinarian will use an otoscope to examine the ear. Usually, mites can be seen with an otoscope or on swabs of the ear canal observed under a microscope.

 

cat_health_mite.jpgHow are ear mites treated?

Ear mites are treated with medications applied directly to the ear canal. When mites are present in one cat or dog in the household, it is important to treat all pets in the household at the same time because ear mites are so contagious. Mite infestation often leads to a secondary bacterial or yeast (fungal) infection, which may need to be addressed with topical medications and ear cleansers.

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