What happens if ear mites are not treated in cats? - briefly
If ear mites are left untreated, they provoke intense itching, inflammation, and secondary bacterial or yeast infections that can damage the ear canal and impair hearing. Prolonged irritation may cause scarring and permanent loss of auditory function.
What happens if ear mites are not treated in cats? - in detail
Untreated ear mites in cats lead to progressive inflammation of the ear canal. The parasites feed on wax and skin debris, causing intense itching that results in frequent head shaking and ear scratching. Continuous trauma damages the delicate epidermis, producing thickened, crusty debris and a foul odor.
Key complications include:
- Secondary bacterial or fungal infections that arise from disrupted skin barriers; these infections can spread to surrounding tissues.
- Otitis externa advancing to otitis media, where inflammation reaches the middle ear, potentially impairing hearing and balance.
- Formation of ear canal polyps or scar tissue that narrows the passage, making future cleaning and medication delivery difficult.
- Systemic effects such as stress‑induced weight loss, reduced grooming, and behavioral changes like aggression or withdrawal.
- Increased risk of deafness if the inner ear structures become involved.
Early veterinary intervention prevents these outcomes and restores ear health.