Ear Mites in Cats

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If your cat's been scratching their ears like crazy lately, ear mites might be the culprit. These tiny parasites are one of the most common ear problems in cats, and trust me, they're as annoying as they sound.

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What Are Ear Mites, Anyway?

Ear mites are microscopic parasites that live in your cat's ear canal, feeding on wax and oils. Think of them as unwanted houseguests that make your cat absolutely miserable. They're highly contagious between pets, so if you've got multiple cats, they can spread like wildfire.

The scientific name is Otodectes cynotis, but all you need to know is they're tiny, white, and barely visible to the naked eye. Proper diagnostic services from your vet can confirm their presence, since other ear problems can look similar.

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Signs Your Cat Has Ear Mites

Here's what to watch for:

• Intense scratching at the ears (way more than normal)
• Dark, coffee-ground-like discharge in the ears
• Head shaking like they're trying to get water out
• Red, irritated skin around the ears
• Strong, unpleasant odor from the ears
• Scratches or scabs near the ears from all that scratching

I've seen cats scratch so hard they create wounds around their ears. It's heartbreaking to watch.

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Are Ear Mites Serious?

While ear mites themselves aren't life-threatening, they can lead to bigger problems if ignored. Constant scratching can cause infections, burst blood vessels (leading to a swollen ear flap), or even hearing damage.

Plus, your cat is miserable. Imagine having an itch deep in your ear that you can never quite reach. That's their reality with ear mites.

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Treatment That Actually Works

First things first: Don't try to treat this with home remedies. Those online solutions about olive oil or essential oils? They won't kill the mites and might make things worse.

Your vet will:

1. Clean your cat's ears thoroughly (this is surprisingly satisfying to watch)
2. Prescribe medication, usually drops or a spot-on treatment
3. Treat all pets in your home, even if they're not showing symptoms

Modern treatments are much easier than they used to be. Some are single-dose applications that work for a month. No more wrestling your cat twice daily for ear drops! Many clinics now offer virtual care follow-ups to check on your cat's progress without the stress of another car ride.

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Preventing Future Infestations

• Regular ear checks: Make it part of your routine
• Keep indoor cats indoors: Outdoor cats are more likely to pick up mites
• Clean bedding regularly: Mites can survive briefly off the host
• Treat all pets simultaneously: This prevents ping-ponging between animals

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When to See the Vet

Don't wait weeks hoping it'll get better. If you notice any signs of ear mites, schedule a vet visit. The longer you wait, the more uncomfortable your cat becomes and the higher the risk of secondary infections.

If your pet ever needs an experienced animal doctor in Somerville, Tandem Vet is always here to help.