How do cats get infected with ear mites? - briefly
Ear mites spread mainly via direct contact with an infested animal or through shared bedding, grooming tools, and contaminated environments. Mother cats can also transmit the parasites to their kittens during nursing.
How do cats get infected with ear mites? - in detail
Ear mites, primarily Otodectes cynotis, spread among felines through direct and indirect contact. The parasite lives on the surface of the ear canal, feeding on wax and skin debris. Transmission occurs when an infested animal shares its environment with a susceptible host.
• Close physical interaction, such as grooming, fighting, or mating, transfers mites from one cat’s ear to another’s.
• Shared bedding, blankets, or grooming tools provide a reservoir where mites survive for several days, allowing infection of other cats that come into contact.
• Contact with other species—especially dogs, rabbits, or wildlife—can introduce the parasite, as O. cynotis readily infests multiple mammals.
Mite larvae and nymphs migrate across the ear canal, attaching to the skin of the opposite ear or to other body regions. Adult females lay eggs within the canal; the eggs hatch in 3–4 days, releasing new larvae that continue the cycle. High humidity and warm temperatures accelerate development, increasing the risk of rapid spread in multi‑cat households or shelters.
Preventive measures focus on minimizing exposure: isolate newly arrived cats, disinfect shared items with appropriate acaricides, and maintain regular veterinary examinations. Early detection—characterized by dark, crumbly debris and frequent scratching—allows prompt treatment, breaking the transmission chain before the population expands.