Ear mites are tiny, crab-like parasites that invade the outer ears and ear canals of cats. There are many different types, but the most common is otodectes cynotis, which is found in approximately 90 percent of all feline ear mite infestations. So, what are the signs of ear mites in cats and how do you go about treating ear mites in cats?

How can I tell if my cat has ear mites?

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s possible that your cat may have ear mites. A trip to the vet will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. If untreated, ears mites in cats can become severe and lead to partial or complete hearing loss for your cat. Ear mites in cats are also terribly uncomfortable for your kitty. The sooner you can get this situation treated, the happier and healthier your cat will be.

Signs of ear mites on cats:

1. Excessive scratching of the ears
2. Fresh or dried blood inside of the ear canal which may resemble coffee grounds. Small white dots might also be noticed: these are the actual mites.
3. Excessive shaking of the head
4. Dizziness and loss of balance
5. A lopsided appearance with your cat favoring one ear
6. Flattened ears and/or unpleasant odor

What does a cat ear mite infection look like?

Ear mites in cats are not just found in the ears. Mites on cats can travel all over the cat’s body. Ear mites think other species are tasty too, and they are very contagious. Without treatment, ear mites in cats can spread to the family dog, rabbit or hamsters. All family pets have to be treated if mites are found on just one animal. That’s just one more reason why a trip to your local veterinarian or pet health care clinic should be scheduled if you suspect ear mites. Parasites are just one cause of cat otitis (inflammation of the ear). Other causes include allergies, endocrine diseases and tumors. Only a trip to the vet will provide you with a proper diagnosis.

Two-step treatments for ear mites in cats:

First, you must treat the ears. Clean your cat’s ears, then apply ear mite drops to the ear canal for seven days. Ear mite medications are safe and can even be applied to kittens. Your vet will probably begin the treatment after diagnosis and then have you continue applying the drops from home over the next week.

Because mites can be located outside the ear area, the entire body of the cat should also be treated. The cat must be bathed with a pyrethrin (anti-parasite) shampoo. These products are available everywhere — pet stores, supermarkets or from your animal health care provider.

Can you prevent ear mites in cats?

One of the most effective treatments for ear mites in cats is prevention. A monthly topical dose of Revolution (applied to the skin) prevents an ear mite infestation from ever happening. In addition, Revolution protects against fleas, hookworm, roundworm, and the extremely serious and deadly heartworm. The only infestation is does not prevent is “ringworm,” which is a fungus and not actually a worm. There are other medications to treat this syndrome in cats. Another product that protects against ear mites is Advantage Multi. It is also applied on a monthly basis, directly to your pet’s skin.

Fast facts about ear mites in cats:

1. Ear mites are extremely tiny and not always visible to the naked eye, so a vet will have to examine your cat’s ears with a special instrument known as an otoscope to confirm their presence.
2. A secondary infection can result if the ear mite infestation is not treated. The sooner you bring your cat to the vet, the better. Your family pet health provider will check the cat’s ears and may examine the discharge from the ears under a microscope.
3. Other animals can catch ear mites from a cat, but humans cannot.
4. The ear mite life cycle from eggs to adult takes about 21 days. From the time your cat becomes infected to the time the ear mites reach maturity, your kitty might be infested with hundreds or thousands of mites. A quick visit to the vet and prompt treatment is the best solution.

Tell us: Have you ever battled ear mites in cats? What worked in treating them?

This piece was originally published in 2009. 

Thumbnail: Photography by Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock.

About the authors

Catster is a cat magazine and cat website where cat lovers come together and learn about everything from weird cat sounds to serious feline health concerns. Subscribe to Catster magazine at catster.com/subscribe. Reach out here. Or, connect with us on Catster’s online community.

Read more about cat ears on Catster.com:

• My Cat’s Ears Are Hot — Is This Normal?
• 6 Things I Do With My Cats’ Ears
• How Cats’ Ears Help Them Communicate and Survive