What is an ear mite in cats and how is it treated? - briefly
Ear mites are microscopic parasites that live in a cat’s ear canal, producing inflammation, itching, and a characteristic dark debris. Effective management requires thorough ear cleaning followed by a veterinarian‑prescribed acaricide, such as selamectin, ivermectin, or a topical ear solution.
What is an ear mite in cats and how is it treated? - in detail
Ear mites, primarily Otodectes cynotis, are microscopic arthropods that colonize the external ear canal of domestic cats. Adult mites measure 0.2–0.3 mm, possess clawed legs for gripping ear hairs, and feed on skin debris and ear wax. Their life cycle spans about three weeks: eggs hatch into larvae within 3–4 days, develop into protonymphs, then deutonymphs, and finally mature adults. All stages remain on the host, allowing rapid population growth and intense irritation.
Typical clinical signs include dark, coffee‑ground–type debris in the ear, frequent scratching or head shaking, erythema of the pinna, and a strong odor. In severe cases, secondary bacterial or yeast infections may develop, producing purulent discharge and thickened ear canals.
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection and microscopic examination of ear swabs. A cotton tip placed in the canal can collect debris; a slide preparation stained with mineral oil reveals the characteristic oval, crab‑like mites and their eggs.
Effective therapeutic measures fall into three categories:
- Topical acaricides – products containing selamectin, milbemycin oxime, or pyrethrins applied directly to the ear canal; usually administered once or twice, with repeat dosing after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched mites.
- Systemic medications – oral or injectable formulations of ivermectin, sarolaner, or fluralaner that target mites throughout the body; dosing intervals range from a single administration to monthly maintenance.
- Supportive care – thorough cleaning of the ear with a veterinarian‑approved solution to remove debris before drug application; in cases of secondary infection, concurrent antibacterial or antifungal therapy is required.
Preventive strategies include regular ear examinations, maintaining a clean environment, and administering monthly parasite preventatives that contain acaricidal agents. Cats living with other infested animals should be treated simultaneously to avoid reinfestation.
Monitoring after treatment involves re‑checking the ear canal after two weeks; absence of debris and mites confirms resolution. Persistent signs warrant a repeat course or alternative medication.