How do ear mites appear in cats? - briefly
Ear mites are introduced to cats mainly via direct contact with infested animals or contaminated environments such as shared bedding or grooming tools. The parasites migrate to the ear canal, where they reproduce and cause irritation.
How do ear mites appear in cats? - in detail
Ear mites, primarily Otodectes cynotis, colonize the external auditory canal of domestic cats after a series of biological steps. Adult females deposit thousands of eggs onto the ear canal skin. Eggs hatch within three to four days, releasing six-legged larvae that feed on cerumen and epithelial debris. After 3‑4 days, larvae molt into eight‑legged nymphs, which continue feeding and mature into reproductive adults after an additional 3‑4 days. The complete life cycle therefore spans roughly 10‑14 days under optimal temperature and humidity.
Transmission occurs through direct contact and environmental exposure. Key pathways include:
- Cat‑to‑cat contact – grooming, fighting, or shared bedding.
- Maternal transfer – kittens acquire mites from the dam during nursing or close contact.
- Fomite transmission – contaminated grooming tools, collars, or litter boxes.
- Cross‑species spread – dogs, rabbits, and wild rodents can serve as temporary hosts, facilitating indirect infection.
Factors that increase susceptibility are:
- Overcrowded shelters or multi‑cat households.
- Poor hygiene or infrequent ear cleaning.
- Immunocompromised status due to disease or stress.
- Young age, because immature immune responses allow rapid colonization.
Clinical signs appear shortly after the infestation reaches sufficient density. Typical manifestations comprise intense pruritus, dark brown to black ceruminous debris, inflammation of the ear canal, and secondary bacterial or yeast infection if left untreated. Diagnosis relies on otoscopic examination and microscopic identification of mites, eggs, or fecal pellets.
Effective control combines immediate therapeutic intervention and environmental management. Topical acaricides (e.g., selamectin, ivermectin) eradicate active stages, while thorough cleaning of all bedding, toys, and grooming accessories eliminates residual eggs and larvae. Re‑treatment after two weeks addresses any newly emerged mites from surviving eggs, preventing recurrence. Regular ear inspections in multi‑cat environments detect early infestations, reducing spread and minimizing tissue damage.