Introduction
Have you noticed your cat scratching excessively or constantly rubbing its head against furniture? Does it seem more restless or irritable than usual? Have you spotted new bald patches, particularly around the ears?
While these signs may sometimes be harmless, they can also indicate a common but troublesome parasite: ear mites.
Ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis¹, are among the most common external parasites affecting cats, affecting up to 30.6%9 of domesticated felines. These tiny arachnids live within the ear canal, where they survive by feeding on skin oils, ear wax, debris, and tissue fluids. Although ear mites are rarely life-threatening, they can cause significant irritation, inflammation, and intense itching within the ear canal.²
Ear mites are also highly contagious and commonly spread between animals, which is why multi-pet households often face an increased risk of infestation.
The Effects of Ear Mite Infestation
Ear mite infestations can be extremely uncomfortable for cats. As the mites move through the ear canal and feed on skin secretions and debris, they irritate the delicate tissues of the ear, causing inflammation and intense itching.
In addition, because ear mites are both microscopic and hidden deep within the ear canal, infestations can sometimes go unnoticed. Their symptoms are also often mistaken for normal grooming behaviour. The good news is, pet owners can stay vigilant by watching for the following tell-tale signs:
- Dark, coffee-ground-like discharge in the ears, consisting of earwax, blood, and dead skin cells that accumulate in response to irritation caused by the mites.
- Frequent scratching and persistent head shaking as the cat attempts to relieve discomfort and dislodge the ear mites.
- Red, swollen, or inflamed ear canals due to irritation and tissue damage caused by the mites biting surfaces of the skin during feeding.
- Rubbing the face or ears against furniture or other surfaces in an effort to relieve itching and discomfort caused by the mites.
- Holding the ears flat against the head to ease discomfort triggered by mites feeding on skin secretions and debris.
- Increased sensitivity when the ears are touched resulting from ear canal irritation and inflammation, which can cause pain.
- Irritability or restlessness caused by constant itching and discomfort due to ear canal irritation and inflammation.
- Hair loss around the ears resulting from frequent scratching caused by intense itching and discomfort from the irritation and inflammation.
Unfortunately, the consequences of ear mite infestations can extend beyond severe discomfort. If left untreated, ear mites may lead to serious complications, including severe damage to the skin and ear canal, ruptured eardrums, long-term hearing loss, and even aural hematomas (blood-filled swellings within the ear flap).
Ear mite infestations can also create opportunities for secondary bacterial or fungal infections to develop, and due to being highly contagious, untreated infestations may quickly spread to other pets in the household.
How Ear Mites in Cats Are Diagnosed and Treated
Because ear mite infestations can progress to more serious health issues, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of infection.
While it may be tempting to clean or treat your cat's ears at home, this is generally not recommended. Cotton buds can push debris deeper into the ear canal and potentially damage the eardrum, while some ear medications may not be suitable for cats.
Consulting a veterinarian ensures that your cat receives an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment. If your veterinarian suspects an ear mite infestation, they will typically begin by reviewing your cat's symptoms, living environment, and contact with other animals.
To confirm the diagnosis, the veterinarian may examine the ear canal for signs of live mites, mite eggs, inflammation, or abnormal discharge. A sample of ear debris may also be collected using a cotton swab and examined under a microscope to identify the presence of mites.⁷
Once an ear mite infestation has been confirmed, your veterinarian may recommend a topical parasiticide such as NexGard® COMBO. Featuring the active ingredients eprinomectin and esafoxolaner, NexGard® COMBO helps control ear mite infestations by disrupting the parasites' nervous system, leading to paralysis and death.
Beyond ear mites, NexGard® COMBO provides the most complete protection against a wide range of common parasites, including fleas, ticks, mange mites, and intestinal worms.
Stay on Schedule with PetCare Reminders®
While parasite preventives play a crucial role in protecting your cat from ear mites and other parasites, consistent monthly administration is essential for year-round protection.
However, keeping up with regular treatments is not always easy. Between work, family commitments, and busy schedules, it's understandable that monthly doses can occasionally be forgotten.
That's why we created PetCare Reminders®.
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So don't wait. Take your pet care to the next level by signing up for PetCare Reminders® today and make regular parasite protection one less thing to worry about.
References:
1. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/ear-mites-tiny-critters-can-pose-major-threat
2. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/otodectic-mite/
3. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X211007072
4. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12340
5. https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2021022
6. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/parasitology/ear-mites-uncovering-treating-and-preventing-infestations/
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3039897/
8. https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2021013
9. http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/70178/1/FPV%202011%2032%20-%20IR.pdf