Litter Box Training

Ear Mites

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are very small crab-like parasites found in the ears of animals. These parasites are very common in cats, especially those who go outdoors. Cats that are affected by ear mites will become uncomfortable and itchy. Since the ears are a nice warm environment, it is the perfect place for ear mites. Ear mites are so small that you can barely see them, although your pet can definitely feel them. Ear mites cause itching and scratching which can result in sores, infections, and even hearing loss. When the body’s natural defenses are weaker than they should be, the ear mites can come back even after treatment.

If you notice your cat scratching their ears or shaking their head and see dirty ears, it is likely that you cat is suffering from ear mites. It is important to treat your cat for these parasites. They are highly contagious among cats and if you have multiple cats, it can spread quickly. If one of your cats gets ear mites, carefully check all of your cats for this problem. Also, ear mites can be passed to and from other species including dogs. Ear mites can also affect humans, so treatment is essential.

Ear mites can cause inflammation in the ears. If they are left untreated, these pesky parasites can lead to bacterial and yeast infections and can rupture the eardrum. Many times, ruptured ear drums in cats can lead to seizures and eventually deafness. If you suspect that your cat has ear mites, take your cat to the vet. There are treatments that can help your cat get rid of the ear mites.

The best prevention of ear mites is to keep cats indoors and to treat your cat regularly with flea prevention. There are several types of flea prevention treatments that your vet can prescribe. These are usually given to your cat once a month and will kill fleas, eggs and prevent ear mites. Treating just the ears is usually not enough to get rid of ear mites. Because ear mites can survive off of the cat, it will be necessary to treat your home, the cats fur and the environment, such as bedding, where your cat spends a lot of time.

When you take your cat to the vet for ear mites, there is a type of eardrop that can be used to kill the ear mites. This is usually given to your cat two to three times a day for several days. Before treatment begins, it will be necessary to thoroughly clean the cats ear. It is recommended that a vet do this instead of doing it at home.

Prescription eardrops are then given to the cat. This will kill the ear mites and will also prevent a second outbreak. Because ear mites can live for three weeks, prescription drops are usually given for at least a month to prevent further outbreaks. Injections can also be given at the vet's office for treatment.

You can also treat your cat's ear mites at home with natural products. A healthy ear cleaning program should begin with regular cleaning with cotton balls and cotton swabs. Remember that cats and dogs have an L shaped ear canal so you will not hurt the ear drum. To clean your pet’s ear, you can moisten the ear with green tea or use an acidic ear cleanser that does not contain alcohol. There are many natural herbal ear cleaners and wash on the market. Place several drops of cleaner in the ears and thoroughly massage the base of the ear. You can use cotton balls or cotton swabs to remove all the debris and wax in the ear.

Green tea is a natural antiseptic that helps remove the debris left from ear mites. Make sure you let the tea cool first and then apply to the ear as described above. Do this remedy once a day for a month. A classic way to get rid of ear mites is to put 3-5 drops of oil in the ear canal after thoroughly cleaning your pet’s ears. You can use mineral oil, olive oil, or almond oil. Avoid tea tree oil which is dangerous for cats. Oil will smother and starve the mites. For extra strength you can soak a few crushed garlic cloves in the oil overnight. Garlic will help kill the bacteria that can lead to ear infections. You should do these oil treatments once a day for at least a month.

When treating your cat for ear mites, it is very important to seek the advice of your vet before beginning any treatment. Most of the time, your vet will want to examine your cat before proceeding with any course of treatment. A thorough exam can rule out more serious problems like ear infections that should be treated differently than ear mites. Most of the time, your vet will ask that you bring your cat back to the office for another exam after the treatment is complete. This is to make sure that all of the ear mites are gone and reduces the chances of re-infection.

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Ear Mites

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Letters to the Editor: Aug. 20 - State Journal-Register

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