Ear mites are a common problem with cats, but
it's also a treatable problem. Here's what you should know about
treating your feline friend for this condition.
Ear mites are especially common in kittens, as well as any cat that is
kept outdoors. In fact, a cat can pick up all kinds of pests from
living outdoors (ticks, fleas, etc.), but ear mites are particularly
common.
But what exactly are they, and how do you get rid of them? Let's start
with a definition of the pest and the problems they create, and then
move on to treatment...
What Are Ear Mites?
They are little parasites that live in the ear canal of certain
animals. The parasites are like little crabs, and if you do not treat
them they can cause many more serious problems in your cat's ears. For
instance, the cat may become more likely to develop bacteria and yeast
infections in the ears. In more serious cases, it's even possible for
the eardrum to rupture. One of the most important things to understand
about ear mites is that they are highly contagious. They can pass from
cats to dogs with ease (and vice versa), and even to humans. They live
on the skin inside the ear canal and feed on the tissue and fluids
found there.
Cats with ear mites will react to the condition in different ways. Some
can tolerate a large population of the parasites, while others will
experience severe itching with only a small population in the ears.
Another area of concern is the saliva produced by the mites, to which
many cats are hypersensitive. In such cases, the cat will feel the urge
to scratch frequently.
How to Detect Them
One way to detect the presence of mites is to inspect your cat's ears
for any dark-brown debris around the ear canal. If your pet appears to
have dark-brown crud around the shell of the ear, it could be a sign of
mites. This is often combined with other symptoms, such as the cat
scratching its ears and shaking its head persistently.
How to Treat Them
Depending on how severe an infestation is, the cat may need one of
several different types of treatment. The most common treatment is the
use of eardrops, which are typically administered twice a day until the
problem is resolved.
Most cats dislike this treatment quite a bit, so they must be
restrained during the process. One technique is to wrap a towel around
the cat when restraining it, with only the head sticking out from the
towel. This helps you avoid being scratched or bitten during the
process. Yes, it can be a somewhat traumatic experience for both
parties, but it is still necessary to treat the problem at hand.
