Ear mites in cats: signs and treatment

Features of the structure and development of the parasite

Ear mites in cats are an arthropod parasite whose length reaches 0.5 mm. Its body looks elongated, has an oval shape, and a yellow tint. The tick goes through a development cycle of 20 days, then lays new eggs and dies. Itching and discomfort in the animal occur during the period of activation of the eggs.

Ear mite

Important! A cat's ears are a favorable environment for the parasite to survive. They accumulate a sufficient amount of moisture and heat. Earwax does not prevent the pathogen from colonizing; it survives and feeds on it.

The pathogen spreads through the tissues of the ears, laying eggs in them. At this moment, acute itching begins, due to which the cat scratches its ears, until blood appears. An adult tick damages the skin and mucous membranes and sucks blood. In the process of life, it releases waste and toxins. Their accumulation leads to activation of the immune system, which results in an acute inflammatory process. Excessive amounts of sulfur and swelling appear, which reduces hearing.

The parasite develops from eggs. This usually happens in the spring. Young individuals appear, which increase in size as they grow older and consume blood and lymph. When they reach the adult stage, they begin laying eggs again. The mite does this in the outer layers of the epidermis.

What is it and what does it look like

Ear scabies are caused by small insects. Ticks have a small round body of light yellow color, on which there are six pairs of legs and two short front legs. Females reach a length of approximately 0.5 mm, and males - 0.3-0.4 mm.

Photo: the ear mite has a round body of light yellow color

Before reaching sexual maturity, the tick molts several times, shedding its old shell. After this, the male fertilizes several nymphs, which will lay eggs in a few days.

Once in the cat's ear, the tick swells and turns white. The parasite's chelicerae stick very tightly into the skin. With its jaws, the tick bites into the animal's inner ear and feeds on the secreted intercellular fluid.

It is quite easy to notice that your pet is affected by these parasites. In the course of their life, ticks produce black secretions that look like dry lumps of earth.

How can an animal become infected with ear mites?

The source of the disease is infectious animals. Close contact is required for the parasites to penetrate the cat's fur. Along it they spread to the outer ear area, where the reproduction cycle begins. Without a host organism, the tick quickly dies in environmental conditions. He needs no more than 2 months for this.

Scabies in cats: mite, treatment at home

Examination of a cat with ear mites

Both an adult and a kitten can become infected. In addition to close contact, ear mites in cats can be transmitted through contact with the following objects:

• combs;
• animal houses;
• toys;
• not sterile instruments from veterinarians;
• carrying;
• a person who has carried the parasite on clothes, hands, shoes;
• an insect that carries microscopic eggs or young.

The reproduction and life cycle of ticks begins in the spring. It is during this period of time that it is dangerous to take a cat outside, as it comes into contact with other individuals. Ticks can even spread through grass after an infected animal passes through it.

Attention! Ear scabies are more common in young individuals.
Cats do not always become infected. This is preceded by a decrease in the function of the immune system and the presence of a recent illness.

How to withdraw

The method of treating a cat for ear mites is determined depending on the age, breed and stage of parasite infestation. At the beginning of the disease, getting rid of harmful insects is quite simple (you can cope with them at home).

However, if you miss the onset of damage to your pet's ears, you will need to see a doctor.

Photo: try to detect ticks as early as possible

If you want to get rid of parasitic insects as quickly as possible, you should adhere to the following rules:

• Hygiene is the main enemy of ticks! After handling your pet, wash your hands well with soap. The animal itself should be isolated from other household members and pets to avoid the spread of ticks.
• Regardless of the chosen treatment method, the auricle should be constantly cleaned of plaque and mite waste products. To do this, moisten a cotton swab or disk with hydrogen peroxide or a disinfectant solution and carefully wipe the affected area.
• Along with prescribed medications, you can give your pet antihistamines, which reduce itching.
• The animal should be wearing a special collar that does not allow the ears to be combed.
• Provide your cat with peace, good nutrition and proper rest, as a tick attack causes serious damage to the body’s immunity.

Next, we will look at different ways to treat cats for ear mite infestation.

Treatment from a veterinarian

Treatment at a veterinary clinic is rightfully considered the most reliable way to remove ticks. Only specialists can accurately determine which medicine is suitable.

Using any product without diagnosis can only cause harm to the animal.

Photo: The veterinarian will be able to prescribe the appropriate medication for your cat and help remove ticks

Drops

Most often, special drops are prescribed to treat cats. Such a remedy easily penetrates deep into the ear and affects a large number of adults, larvae and eggs.

At an early stage, broad-spectrum drops to combat fungi and bacteria are suitable, and at a later stage, only narrow-spectrum drops designed to kill ticks.

Pet stores offer a wide range of drops to combat biting parasites. You need to buy exactly the drug that the doctor prescribed for your pet.

Most often they recommend “Otoferonol Gold” or “Otoferonol Premium” - these drops are suitable for almost all animals and quickly destroy insects.

Cheaper options, for example, “Bars”, “Amit” or “Anandin”, do not always cope with ticks. In addition, they often cause an allergic reaction.

If it is necessary to treat a pregnant, sick, old cat or kitten, it is recommended to take proven drops. However, most veterinarians do not recommend this type of medication.

It is very important to follow the instructions included with the drops exactly. An overdose may cause intoxication, burns or hearing damage.

Ointments

Tick ​​ointment is most often used only as an adjuvant, since this medicine cannot be applied very deeply. Before using the drug, you should clean the skin in the cavity so that the product is well absorbed into the epithelium.

The range of ointments is not as large as that of drops. The product contains sulfur compounds. Ointments fight bacteria and infections well. Unfortunately, it is not possible to select special products for pregnant cats and babies.

To use the gel or ointment, apply it to cotton pads or swabs and carefully spread it over the skin of the ear. Next, gently rub in the product using massaging movements.

Sprays

Sprays against ear mites have become popular recently. They are quite easy to apply, and the price for one bottle will please the owner.

While holding the pet, the spray is carefully sprayed onto the inner surface of the ear so that the entire skin is evenly moistened.

However, this remedy is contraindicated for kittens under 1.5 months and pregnant cats.

At home using folk remedies

In the early stages of ear mite infestation, you can try to get rid of them on your own. Currently, there are several ways to combat biting insects.

Photo: folk remedies can only help at the early stages of infection

Green tea

Healthy green tea not only calms the nerves, but is also considered an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. Preparing the decoction is quite simple.

Brew one tablespoon of loose leaf green tea per glass of boiling water. Then the resulting mixture should be allowed to brew overnight.

Brewed tea should be carefully instilled into the animal's ear. The full course of such treatment is one month. Be careful: green tea can cause allergies in your pet.

Almond oil

After daily cleaning of the ears, you can lubricate the skin with almond oil. This product is known for its beneficial properties in both food and medicine. The product should be instilled carefully, simultaneously rubbing it into the skin with massaging movements.

To enhance the healing properties of almond oil, you can mix it in equal proportions with lavender, peppermint and tea tree, and also add a little water.

You should not use this method if your pet is allergic to any component.

It is very important not to get oil on the cat’s fur, eyes or nose during the procedure. It may cause irritation of the mucous membranes and cornea. The smell of oil is also very disturbing to the cat, so do not delay the procedure.

Garlic

Garlic is not only an effective and affordable weapon against vampires, but also against ticks. This plant has excellent antiseptic properties.

At home, everyone can prepare an effective ointment against ticks:

1. Grate half a clove of garlic on a fine grater and mix the resulting pulp with oil (preferably olive or almond).
2. Place the ointment in a towel.
3. Then strain the mixture through cheesecloth.
4. You need to lubricate your pet's ear canals with this product once a day.

Symptoms of infection

Scabies in the ears of cats is accompanied by characteristic clinical symptoms. Most often found:

• anxiety of the animal, it begins to twitch, rub its ears, behave aggressively, rub against people’s legs, household objects;
• within 1-2 weeks, a brown or yellow discharge appears from the ears;
• a putrid smell appears;
• if there is no treatment within 2 weeks, the pet becomes lethargic, tired, sleeps a lot in between itching;
• at week 3, hearing begins to gradually decrease, after 1 month it may be completely absent;
• a sharp increase in the amount of sulfur, which forms traffic jams;
• Bloody wounds covered with yellow crusts appear in the ears from constant scratching.

Ear mites in cats: drops, treatment, effective drugs

Important! Sometimes pus, crusts and wax plugs so close the ear canal that a person cannot eliminate the pathological process on his own. Therefore, ear mites in cats cannot be cured without the intervention of a veterinarian.

Questions and answers

Next, you will find out the answers to the most common and troubling questions about ear mites that worry owners of beautiful pets.

Is it dangerous for humans?

Photo: ear mites are not dangerous to humans

Ear mites are not dangerous for humans (even children). These insects cannot take a liking to the ears of people because of their inconvenient shape.

However, ticks will be very happy to use a person as a vehicle, so veterinarians do not advise communicating with stray animals. Practice good hygiene to remove eggs and larvae from your hands.

How long does an ear mite live outside a cat?

Photo: outside the cat at suitable humidity and temperature, the tick lives quite a long time

The full life cycle of an ear mite is 18-25 days. Isolated from their usual environment, the carpet beetle parasite lives for less than 20 days. While waiting for a new host, these insects can fall into a state of semi-hibernation.

The lifespan of a tick directly depends on temperature and humidity. Observational studies were carried out. The ear is very warm (about 37 degrees) and humid (80-93%).

In such conditions, the tick lives the longest (24-25 days). At low temperatures from -5 to -20 degrees, the insect dies within 1-5 days. And in boiling water - instantly.

How to clean a cat's ears if there are ear mites

Photo: you need to carefully clean your pet’s ears

You need to clean the ears of a cat affected by otodectosis very carefully, trying not to damage the weakened and scratched skin. You need to take a cotton pad or swab moistened with hydrogen peroxide or a strong decoction of tea (preferably green).

Using gentle movements, carefully remove pus, waste products of mites, the insects themselves, and their eggs. Don't let them get inside your ear!

Can it lead to death?

Photo: if you start otodectosis, the animal may die

Unfortunately, long-term infection with otodectosis can lead to the death of a cat. The growing colony of parasites gradually goes deeper and deeper into the ear until it reaches the cerebral cortex.

Ticks, causing incredible pain to the animal, bite into it. This causes the cat to have seizures and then die.

Is it contagious for cats?

Photo: kittens are very vulnerable to tick attacks

Ear mites are highly contagious to cats. Animals can become infected with these parasites simply by interacting with other pets.

Vaccination against ear mites for cats, which many owners hope for, is still a fiction. Children aged 1 to 12 months are most often infected.

Ear mites are very dangerous parasites that attack unexpectedly. Colonies of these insects multiply quickly, so it is necessary to detect pests and begin treatment for your cat as early as possible.

Diagnostics

Rhinotracheitis in cats: symptoms and treatment at home

You can recognize the presence of ear mites in a cat yourself. To do this, take a sterile cotton swab, but a cotton swab is better. Wear gloves so as not to subsequently transfer the pathogen with your own hands. A cotton swab is inserted deep into the animal's ear. You should take a smear containing earwax, pus, and microorganisms.

Examination by a veterinarian

The contents of the cotton swab are shaken onto paper. A bright light is directed at it, examined through a magnifying glass. The parasite should be separated from the earwax. If yellow dots appear on the paper and move around, this is a clear sign of mites.

The veterinarian does the same diagnostic process. But unlike at home, he will be able to examine the pathogen under a microscope, accurately determining its classification.

Ticks under a microscope

If pus appears in the ears, this is a sign of a microflora disorder. Due to the presence of mites, pathogenic microflora multiplies in the cat's ears. Therefore, they take a smear and send it for bacteriological culture. Identify the exact bacteria and the antibiotic to which they are sensitive.

Signs

Not only cats suffer from cat ear mites; the correct name for this disease is otodectosis; dogs, foxes, ferrets and other animals can become infected with it, but it is not dangerous for humans. But for some reason, cat ear mites are more common in cats, especially at a young age.

The most common symptoms of cat ear mites are:

1. Dirty ears. If you look into the ear of a sick cat, you might think that he deliberately poured earth into his ear. You can also see dry black crusts. And another important point is when you cleaned your ear, and it shines and shines, and after a few days dirt appears again - this may indicate otodectosis.

2. Scratching. An animal with cat ear mites is constantly worried, shaking its head, scratching and scratching its ear. You can often find sores on the back of the ear.

3. Sometimes the cat experiences such severe itching that it can injure the vessels of the ear with its paw and there will be a hematoma.

Then you will need to get rid of not only the tick, but also treat the hematoma, which is not very easy.

4. It happens that pathogenic microflora attaches to the tick. In this case, pus may flow out of the ear, and we will also detect a not very pleasant smell and a squelching sound when the base of the auricle is squeezed.

5. In some cases, you see that the ear is completely covered, and the cat doesn’t even itch; it’s rare, but it can happen. Perhaps the animal adapts to the parasite and some kind of balance is established.

6. The most accurate sign that an animal has a cat ear mite is the detection of the pathogen. Many people imagine this parasite to be large, confusing it with the ixodid tick, which is often found on dogs. By the way, spring has already arrived, so it would not be superfluous to remember about piroplasmosis.

So, Otodectes cynotis - this is the clever name for the cat ear mite, not large in size on average 0.5 mm, females are much larger than males. These beauties live in the ear of a sick animal.

Ticks under a microscope

To detect the parasite, a scraping is made and examined under a microscope.

If you have good eyesight, you can look closely and detect the pathogen with the naked eye. To do this, you need to carefully remove a little “dirt” from your ear and rub it over a piece of paper. And then watch carefully and look for small white grains that move slowly. But I think it’s better not to strain your eyes, but to take a microscope or, as a last resort, a magnifying glass to look at everything carefully.

How do they get infected?

Most often, young animals become infected with cat ear mites from their mother or from peers during direct contact. Among adult cats, the incidence is much lower, but they also get sick.

An adult tick is not very durable; if it gets outside the cozy ear, it dies, but can still survive for several weeks at a temperature of 4-7 C0. Therefore, the likelihood of re-infection without direct contact is quite real.

For example, if you borrow a slicker or toy from someone, you can give your cat a parasite as a gift.

Some literature says that ticks or their eggs can be carried by flies and fleas. So, don’t be surprised if your cat is sitting at home and has been diagnosed with cat ear mites.

Treatment

I think it makes no sense to give you the names of specific drugs, because they often change, new, more effective ones appear, or people simply decided to make extra money and came up with a new name for an old drug.

And what’s most dangerous is that you can do harm by starting treatment yourself. For example, if the ear is simply parasitized by a tick, then acaricidal drugs (killing ticks) are needed, and if a bacterial complication has already begun, then we add antibiotics. If the complication is caused by protozoan fungi, then treatment according to the third scheme.

Even a doctor will not be able to establish an accurate diagnosis without special studies, only tentatively. And it happens that no one lives in the ear, and the owner stubbornly tries to eradicate the cat’s ear mites.

I’d rather tell you about the principles of treatment. When the diagnosis is made, the auricle is cleaned of contamination; it is better if a veterinarian does this for the first time or at least tells you in detail how to do this. With otodectosis, the ear becomes very dirty and there is a risk of creating a plug if you do not clean it properly.

Then the auricle is treated with acaricidal agents, which are released in the form of drops, suspension or aerosol. The treatment is repeated at intervals according to the instructions.

Also, in parallel or instead of local treatment of the ear, you can use drops on the withers. Then the substances penetrate the ear and kill the parasites. But in this case, be sure to consult a specialist so as not to poison your cat. In some cases, when purulent otitis media develops, antibiotics must be used.

Conclusion

So, we talked about why cat ear mites are dangerous, and now we can draw conclusions. Firstly, it itches a lot, imagine you have a terrible itching in your ear and there are no fingers, so it’s normal not to scratch it. During itching, the animal injures itself, as I said, this leads to extensive wounds and hematomas.

The second danger is that the tick opens the gate to other guests, bacteria, viruses and fungi. In a complicated form of otodectosis, when pus flows from the ear, the inflammatory process can spread to the middle, inner ear, go further and catch the meninges. This sad scenario usually ends badly.

Ear mites in cats: stages of the disease

During the development process from egg to adult, the parasite develops several stages of damage.

1. Microcracks or major trauma to the skin and mucous membranes form in the ears. The parasite penetrates this area, damaging the epidermis. Through the hole it has access to blood and lymph, which it feeds on. During their life, mites secrete toxic products, which cause severe itching and other immunological reactions.
2. Damage to the walls of blood vessels with the formation of swelling and redness of the affected area.
3. Purulent discharge may form on the skin due to the development of an immune reaction.
4. Exudate together with waste products of the mite form brown scabs. Pathogenic microflora begins to multiply, resulting in increased inflammation and suppuration.
5. A crust accumulates in the animal's ears. It blocks the passage, which causes decreased or absent hearing.

Attention! If the infection is not treated in a timely manner, the pathological process spreads all the way to the eardrum and inner ear.

Medicines against ear mites in cats

To completely remove mites from cats' ears, it is recommended to use a medication. If they are not used, the pathogen may remain inside the ear canals. Since the parasite goes through several stages of development, a single use of medication may not help. Therefore, they are used repeatedly to destroy new individuals that have developed from eggs.

Ear drops

Treatment is carried out in several stages.

1. Cleaning the external auditory canals from crusts, pus, scabs, and earwax. A veterinarian can help with this. In his office, he completely cleans the ear canal using special tools.
2. Cleaning with antiseptics. A solution of furatsilin, chlorhexidine, and hydrogen peroxide will help get rid of bacteria and toxins. They not only destroy pathogenic microflora, but also wash out a certain proportion of parasites. The product is applied to a cotton swab. Directly pouring the solution into the ear is prohibited.
3. Use of anti-tick medications. They are used in the form of ointments, drops, and gels. It is recommended to use drops during the daytime. They are applied strictly according to the instructions, up to three times a day. It is recommended to apply ointment or gel at night so that the drug has a long-lasting effect. They use Amitrazine, Tactic, Otoferonol.
4. When the pathogen spreads strongly in the eardrum or inner ear, injectable drugs are used. One of them is Ivermectin. It is used only in extreme cases, since the active substance penetrates the liver and causes the destruction of some hepatocytes. Therefore, during therapy, biochemical blood tests are periodically taken to determine liver enzymes. You should follow the step-by-step instructions to avoid adverse reactions.
5. Antimicrobial drugs with anti-inflammatory effects. One of them is Otonazole. The ointment not only has a bactericidal effect, but also treats fungal infections. It is used for active reproduction of pathogenic microflora.
6. To relieve itching and eliminate the possibility of mites actively reproducing, oils and creams are used. They soften the skin and crusts formed on wounds. After their application, it is easier to remove foreign objects from the ear canal.
7. Immunotherapy. They use Gamavit, Gamapren. They stimulate the synthesis of the cat’s own immune cells, thereby enhancing the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms. The animal is able to fight the infection on its own.

In addition to medications, diet is used during treatment. The pet's diet at this time should be varied. It should include all the beneficial substances, microelements, vitamins, and minerals necessary to strengthen the immune system.

Important! Cat ear mites can spread indoors. Therefore, from the moment parasites are identified, all household items are thoroughly disinfected. This eliminates the risk of re-infection.

Folk remedies for cleaning ears

To clean the outer ear, folk remedies are used in the form of extracts and plant decoctions.

• Aloe, Kalanchoe is an effective anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, wound healing agent. Take fresh leaves of the plant and squeeze the juice out of them. It is instilled into the animal's ear canal. If there is a lot of juice, you can lubricate the epidermis with it. But before using the product, the outer ear must be completely cleansed of crusts and suppuration.
• A decoction of chamomile, calendula, coltsfoot. The plants are mixed in equal proportions to make 1 tablespoon. Pour boiling water over it and leave for 1 hour. The liquid is filtered and used after cooling. Apply a cotton swab to the affected areas. Using liquid, you can clean the external auditory canal of mites and various contaminants. The liquid has an anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, soothing effect. It significantly reduces itching.
• Soda solution. Add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 teaspoon of baking soda. The liquid has antimicrobial properties. They wipe their ears with it.
• Decoction of oak bark, black tea. The product is prepared according to the same scheme, by adding boiling water and straining. Plants have tanning properties. That is, in addition to disinfection, they relieve pain and itching. This makes the animal feel better and becomes less agitated.

Ear swab

To prevent the development of adverse reactions, you should consult a veterinarian before using folk remedies.

Treatment of a kitten and a pregnant cat

The kitten’s internal organs are exposed to toxic substances and serious medications. The same applies to a pregnant cat. Drugs can cross the placenta, affecting the growth and development of the fetus. This can result in the birth of seriously ill kittens.

Therefore, it is recommended to use only local preparations in the form of ointments, aerosols, drops, creams, masks. The use of injections is unacceptable.

If the cat is pregnant, you should wait for the process of delivery and breastfeeding. Only then administer the drug.

Are cat ear mites dangerous for humans?

If a pet has ear mites, many owners worry about infecting a person. This is especially true for families with small children. However, people should not worry.

Important! The pathogen is dangerous only for the cat family, causing infection of their auditory canals.

Humans have their own species of ear mites, which are transmitted mainly from tropical countries. These pathogens are characteristic of humans. They are called scabies mites and spread not only to the ears, but also to other areas of the body.

Disease prevention

If you take special measures, you can minimize the chance of your cat becoming infected with ear mites.

Photo: the main source of infection with otodectosis is communication with stray cats

Veterinarians advise owners of purring pets to follow these tips:

• limit your pet’s contact with stray animals;
• try not to touch stray cats yourself;
• regularly inspect your pet’s ears for otodecosis;
• clean the ears and treat them with lotions;

It should be remembered that hygiene is the main enemy of any parasites. Regular ear cleaning procedures will reduce the risk of mite infection several times!