How is ear mite transmitted from cats? - briefly
Ear mites spread mainly through direct contact between an infested cat and a healthy cat, such as during grooming or fighting. Indirect transmission can occur via contaminated bedding, grooming tools, or shared environments.
How is ear mite transmitted from cats? - in detail
Ear mites, primarily Otodectes cynotis, inhabit the external ear canal of felines, feeding on skin debris and secretions. Adult females lay eggs on the ear surface; larvae hatch within 24 hours, mature to nymphs, and become reproductive adults after 5‑7 days. This rapid lifecycle enables swift population expansion on a single host.
Direct physical interaction constitutes the principal transmission route. Grooming, play fighting, mating, and maternal care expose uninfested individuals to contaminated ear flaps or fur. Kittens acquire mites from the queen during nursing or close contact within the litter.
Indirect exposure occurs through shared objects and environments. Bedding, blankets, grooming brushes, and carrier cages retain viable stages for 2‑3 days under moderate humidity and temperature. Contact with these contaminated surfaces can introduce mites to a new host.
Survival outside a host depends on ambient conditions. High humidity and temperatures between 20‑25 °C prolong viability, whereas low humidity and extreme temperatures reduce mite longevity. Nevertheless, short‑term persistence suffices for transmission in densely populated settings.
Risk escalates in multi‑cat households, shelters, and breeding facilities where close quarters and frequent contact prevail. Outdoor cats encountering stray or feral populations also face heightened exposure.
Preventive actions include routine ear examinations, isolation of affected animals, regular laundering of bedding at 60 °C, and disinfection of grooming tools with acaricidal solutions. Prompt veterinary treatment with topical or systemic acaricides eliminates infestations and curtails further spread.