What is the ear mite in kittens called? - briefly
The ear mite that infests kittens is Otodectes cynotis. It is a microscopic arachnid that colonises the external ear canal.
What is the ear mite in kittens called? - in detail
The parasite that commonly infests the external ear canal of young cats is the ear mange mite, scientifically identified as Otodectes cynotis. This arachnid belongs to the order Sarcoptiformes and is a member of the family Otodectidae. Adult mites measure 0.2–0.35 mm, possess a flattened body, and are adapted for a life on the epidermis of the ear canal.
Life cycle proceeds through egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult stages. Females lay 10–15 eggs per day on the ceruminous secretions. Eggs hatch within three days, and the entire development from egg to reproducing adult takes approximately three weeks under optimal temperature and humidity. The short generation time enables rapid population expansion, especially in kittens whose immune systems are still developing.
Typical clinical signs include intense scratching, head shaking, and a dark, crumbly debris often described as “cerumen” but actually composed of mite excrement, inflammatory cells, and wax. The debris may emit a characteristic odor. Persistent infection can lead to secondary bacterial or fungal otitis, tympanic membrane erosion, and hearing loss if untreated.
Diagnosis relies on direct visualization of mites or their fragments. Techniques include:
- Otoscopic examination: reveals live mites or moving debris.
- Microscopic evaluation of ear swab: wet mount or mineral oil preparation shows characteristic oval bodies with short legs.
- Cytology: identifies mite fragments alongside inflammatory cells.
Effective treatment options comprise:
- Topical acaricides (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin, or ivermectin formulations) applied according to label dosage, repeated after 7–10 days to interrupt the life cycle.
- Systemic therapy (e.g., oral milbemycin oxime) for multi‑site infestations or when topical application is impractical.
- Thorough cleaning of the ear canal with a veterinarian‑approved solution to remove debris before medication.
Preventive measures include routine ear inspections during veterinary visits, regular cleaning of breeding environments, and prophylactic administration of acaricidal products to all cats in multi‑cat households, especially during the kitten stage.
Understanding the taxonomy, life cycle, clinical presentation, and therapeutic protocols enables rapid control of Otodectes cynotis infestations and minimizes the risk of chronic otic disease in young felines.