Ear Mites in Cats: How to Treat and Prevent Infestations

This article on ear mites treatment options was written by veterinarians, Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD, and Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Elliott and was last updated on September 12, 2024

Where Do Ear Mites in Cats Come From?

Ear mites in cats are more than just a nuisance—they’ve been around for millions of years. These tiny arachnids, similar to spiders, have been causing discomfort for small mammals for over 100 million years.

• Ear mites are part of the arachnid family, which includes spiders that evolved around 380 million years ago.
• While spiders have existed for longer, ear mites have still managed to outlast ice ages and even dinosaurs.
• Eradicating them completely isn’t realistic because they’ve been evolving alongside animals for so long.

Though they are survivors, we can help our cats live comfortably by keeping these pests out of their ears.

How Cats Contract Ear Mites

Cats typically contract ear mites through direct contact with an infected animal. These parasites are highly contagious, which means your cat can easily pick them up from other pets or animals they encounter.

• Ear mites in cats often spread when they come into close contact with infected animals, such as other cats, dogs, or even wild animals.
• Kittens and outdoor cats are more likely to contract ear mites due to their exposure to environments where mites are present.
• In multi-pet households, ear mites can easily spread from one infected pet to others, making it important to treat all pets if one shows symptoms.

To reduce the risk of ear mites in cats, it’s crucial to maintain regular ear cleaning and checkups, especially if your cat interacts with other animals frequently.

Kipper’s Story

Kipper, a friendly rescued cat, had ear mites — thousands of them.

Poor Kipper had so much wax plugging his ears that it was surprising he could hear at all. When we cleaned those ears, we stood open-mouthed at the quantity of thick black lumps.

These days, ear mites treatment is easier than ever.

But medication for ear mites goes only so far when you realize you need to battle all of these things, too:

• Ear mites lurking in bedding
• Ear mites shared with other pets
• Ear mites that aren’t in the ear but on the coat

Preventing Ear Mites in Cats

Preventing ear mites in cats requires regular care and attention, especially for those that spend time outdoors or interact with other animals.

• Routine ear cleaning: Keeping your cat’s ears clean reduces the chances of ear mite infestations.
• Limit exposure to infected animals: If your cat comes into contact with other animals, especially outdoor or stray cats, inspect their ears regularly.
• Regular vet checkups: Routine visits to the vet can help catch ear mites early before they become a larger issue.
• Use preventive treatments: Some flea and tick preventatives also help protect cats from ear mites.

By staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of ear mites in your cat.

Symptoms of Ear Mites in a Cat

Ear mites in cats can cause significant discomfort, and recognizing the symptoms early is key to getting proper treatment.

• Frequent scratching at the ears: Cats with ear mites often scratch at their ears or shake their heads in an attempt to relieve the irritation.
• Brown or black debris in the ears: One of the most visible signs of ear mites in cats is the buildup of dark, waxy debris inside the ear canal.
• Redness and inflammation: The constant scratching and presence of mites can lead to red, inflamed ears.
• Head tilting or imbalance: In more severe cases, cats may tilt their head or display signs of imbalance due to the discomfort caused by the mites.
• Restlessness or irritability: Cats suffering from ear mites may become more irritable or restless due to the constant itching and discomfort.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your cat to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Complications from Untreated Ear Mites

If ear mites in cats are left untreated, they can lead to serious complications that affect your cat’s health.

• Chronic ear infections: Persistent ear mites can result in secondary bacterial or yeast infections.
• Ear hematomas: Constant scratching can cause blood vessels in the ear to burst, leading to painful swelling.
• Hearing loss: Severe infestations can damage the ear canal and even cause partial or total hearing loss.
• Ruptured eardrum: Without proper treatment, ear mites can damage the eardrum, leading to long-term ear problems.

Treating ear mites in cats promptly can prevent these complications from developing.

Ear Mites Treatment in Cats

If you suspect your cat has ear mites, the first step is to get a definitive diagnosis from your veterinarian. Other ear infections can present similar symptoms, such as:

• Itchiness
• Head shaking
• Thick, dark wax buildup

A quick examination using an otoscope will allow the vet to spot the tiny white mites amidst the waxy debris in your cat’s ear canal. The mites are often found moving slowly over the clumps of dark wax and debris caused by the infestation.

Ear mites in cats are easily treated with prescription medication, such as Ivermectin. Before administering the treatment, it’s essential for a vet to clean out the ear canal to remove the debris, alleviate discomfort, and ensure the treatment can work effectively.

• Ivermectin is usually applied directly to the ear, given orally, or used in a topical solution like Revolution (in the U.S.) or Stronghold (in the U.K.).
• Typically, two treatments are needed to fully eliminate the mites.

Many cat owners are surprised by how much debris can be removed from a tiny kitten’s ear. After treatment, your cat will feel a significant relief once their ears are free from mites and wax buildup.

Home Care After Ear Mite Treatment

Once ear mites in cats have been treated, follow-up care is essential to ensure the infestation doesn’t return.

• Clean the environment: Wash your cat’s bedding and vacuum carpets to remove any mites in the surrounding area.
• Monitor other pets: If you have other pets, check them for signs of ear mites and treat them if necessary.
• Continue ear cleaning: Regular ear cleaning after treatment helps prevent future infestations and keeps your cat’s ears healthy.
• Follow vet instructions: Ensure you follow the vet’s prescribed treatment plan, including follow-up appointments, if needed.

Proper home care after treating ear mites in cats will ensure a full recovery and minimize the risk of reinfestation.

Here’s some advice from a vet on how to clean a cat’s ears:

How Veterinarians Diagnose Ear Mites

Veterinarians have several ways to diagnose ear mites in cats, ensuring they receive the correct treatment.

• Otoscope examination: A vet uses an otoscope to look inside your cat’s ear canal, where they can spot the mites or evidence of their presence.
• Microscopic examination: Ear debris is often collected and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of ear mites.
• Skin scrapings: In some cases, a vet may take a skin scraping from around the ears to check for mites living on the surface.

Getting a proper diagnosis from the vet ensures that your cat receives the most effective treatment for ear mites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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