How can an ear mite be identified on a cat? - briefly
Inspect the ear for dark, grainy debris and note excessive scratching or head shaking; these signs often indicate mite infestation. A veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis with an otoscopic examination that reveals live parasites.
How can an ear mite be identified on a cat? - in detail
Ear mites in felines produce distinct clinical signs that can be observed without specialized equipment. Affected cats often exhibit frequent head shaking, pawing at the ears, and a noticeable odor emanating from the ear canal. The external ear may appear reddened or inflamed, and the skin around the opening can be irritated.
Visible debris is a reliable indicator. When the ear flap is gently lifted, a dark, crumbly substance resembling coffee grounds may be seen coating the ear canal and surrounding hair. This material consists of mite feces, dead organisms, and wax. In advanced cases, the ear canal may be filled with a thick, blackish exudate that obscures the tympanic membrane.
A definitive diagnosis requires microscopic examination. A small sample of the debris is placed on a glass slide, mixed with a drop of saline, and examined under low magnification. Live, moving mites appear as elongated, translucent bodies with eight legs. The presence of both adult mites and their eggs confirms infestation.
Veterinary assessment often includes otoscopic inspection. An otoscope provides a magnified view of the canal, allowing the practitioner to see live mites crawling on the ear walls. This method also helps evaluate the condition of the ear tissue and identify secondary bacterial or fungal infections.
Behavioral cues support the physical findings. Cats with ear mite infestations may display increased irritability, reduced appetite, or signs of discomfort when the ears are touched. These observations, combined with the visual and microscopic evidence, enable accurate identification of the parasite.