What does an ear mite in cats look like? - briefly
Ear mites are microscopic, translucent, cigar‑shaped parasites that gather in the ear canal, leaving dark, crumbly debris resembling coffee grounds. The infestation usually causes intense itching and a strong, foul odor.
What does an ear mite in cats look like? - in detail
Ear mites that infest felines are microscopic arachnids, typically 0.2–0.3 mm in length. Adults possess a rounded, oval body covered with short, fine setae that give a slightly fuzzy appearance under magnification. Their coloration ranges from pale yellow to light brown, often appearing translucent when viewed through a light microscope.
The most recognizable sign in the external ear is a dark, coffee‑ground‑like debris. This material consists of the mites’ excrement, dead organisms, and excess wax. It adheres to the inner surface of the pinna and can accumulate in the ear canal, creating a crusty layer that may be visible without magnification.
In addition to the adult stage, eggs measure about 0.1 mm and appear white or pale yellow. They are deposited in clusters on the waxy debris and hatch within 3–4 days. Larvae are legless, worm‑like, and almost invisible to the naked eye, becoming motile after the first molt. Nymphal stages resemble miniature adults but are slightly smaller and paler.
When examined with a otoscope, the canal often shows erythema and swelling. The lining may be inflamed, producing a watery or serous discharge that mixes with the characteristic dark debris. The presence of live mites can be confirmed by gently flushing the ear with a saline solution and collecting the expelled material for microscopic evaluation.
Key visual indicators include:
- Tiny, oval bodies 0.2–0.3 mm long, pale yellow‑brown.
- Dark, gritty cerumen resembling coffee grounds.
- White egg clusters embedded in the debris.
- Legless larvae and slightly smaller nymphs.
- Inflamed, reddened ear canal walls with possible serous fluid.
These features together provide a comprehensive picture of the parasite’s appearance and the surrounding ear pathology in cats.