What It Is:
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live inside a cat’s ear canal, feeding on skin debris, wax, and oils. The most common species in cats is Otodectes cynotis. These mites cause intense itching, inflammation, and a buildup of dark debris in the ears.
Ear mites are highly contagious and commonly affect kittens, outdoor cats, and those in multi pet households.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Ear mite infestations can be very uncomfortable. Signs include:
- Intense scratching at the ears or head
- Head shaking
- Brown or black debris that looks like coffee grounds
- Red, inflamed, or crusty ear canals
- Ear odor
- Scabs or sores around the ears or face
- Sensitivity to touch around the head
- Secondary ear infections if left untreated
In severe cases, excessive scratching can cause hematomas, or blood filled swellings in the ear flap.
🦠 Causes and Transmission
Ear mites spread through direct contact with an infected animal. They can be passed between:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Ferrets
- Other animals that share living space
They are most often spread between mother cats and kittens, or between cats who groom each other or share bedding. Ear mites are not contagious to humans.
🔍 Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made during a veterinary exam. Your vet may use:
- Otoscope to visually inspect the ear canal
- Microscope to confirm mites by examining debris
- Ear swab for sample collection
- Fluorescent dye or magnification to detect related inflammation
Sometimes mites are visible crawling in the ear with magnification, but a microscopic exam provides the clearest diagnosis.
💊 Treatment
Ear mite treatment is usually simple and highly effective. It often includes:
- Topical or spot on medication that kills mites
- Ear cleaning to remove debris and allow medication to work
- Anti inflammatory medication if the ears are swollen or painful
- Antibiotics if a secondary infection is present
- Repeat treatment if needed to kill all life stages of the mites
Common treatments include selamectin, moxidectin, or ivermectin, often applied to the skin behind the neck.
All pets in the home should be treated, even if they show no symptoms.
🩺 Prognosis
With prompt treatment, the outlook is excellent:
- Most cats improve within a few days
- Full resolution usually occurs within two to three weeks
- Untreated ear mites can lead to chronic discomfort and infections
- Reinfection is common without proper environmental cleaning and household treatment
Follow up exams may be needed to confirm the mites are gone.
💡 Cat Owner Note
If your cat is scratching their ears like crazy or has dark gunk building up inside, it is probably not just dirty ears. Ear mites are more common than you think, especially in kittens and rescues, but they are easy to treat once identified. The sooner you act, the sooner your cat can stop scratching and start relaxing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Mites in Cats
Are ear mites visible to the naked eye?
No. They are microscopic. You can usually only see the dark debris they leave behind, not the mites themselves.
Can indoor cats get ear mites?
Yes. Indoor cats can get ear mites from other pets, visits to grooming facilities, or brief outdoor exposure.
How long does it take to get rid of ear mites?
With effective treatment, most infestations resolve within two to three weeks.
Can I use over the counter ear mite medication?
Some products are available, but veterinary prescribed treatments are more effective and safer.
Can I get ear mites from my cat?
No. Ear mites are not contagious to humans.
Do all pets in the household need treatment?
Yes. Treating all cats and dogs in the home is essential to prevent reinfection.