How do ear mites look on a cat? - briefly
Ear mites appear as tiny, white, cookie‑crumb‑shaped organisms that may be seen crawling in the ear canal, often accompanied by dark, coffee‑ground‑like debris. The infestation typically causes redness, inflammation, and a strong, foul odor from the affected ear.
How do ear mites look on a cat? - in detail
Ear mites that infest feline ear canals are microscopic arachnids measuring approximately 0.2–0.4 mm in length. Their bodies are elongated, oval‑shaped, and translucent to pale gray, allowing internal structures to be faintly visible under magnification. Legs are short and jointed, giving the organism a compact appearance.
Visible signs within the ear include a thick, waxy buildup that often turns dark brown or black due to mite excrement and dead skin cells. This debris adheres to the ear walls and may be seen as a crusty film when the ear is examined. The surface of the wax can appear gritty, reflecting the presence of numerous mites moving through the canal.
External indicators on the cat’s head and ears are:
- Frequent head shaking or tilting toward the affected side
- Intense scratching at the base of the ear or behind the head
- Redness or inflammation of the ear flap and surrounding skin
- A foul, musky odor emanating from the ear opening
When an ear swab is examined under a microscope, the mites appear as tiny, pear‑shaped organisms with four pairs of legs. Their bodies are segmented, and the abdomen often contains visible fecal pellets, which contribute to the characteristic dark debris observed in the ear canal.