Where do cats get ear mites from? - briefly
Ear mites are usually transmitted through direct contact with an infested animal—another cat, dog, rodent, or wildlife—or by sharing contaminated bedding or grooming tools. Kittens can also become infected from their mother during nursing.
Where do cats get ear mites from? - in detail
Ear mites, primarily Otodectes cynotis, spread to cats through direct contact with infested animals, shared environments, and contaminated objects.
Infested companions are the most common source. A cat that lives with or frequently interacts with another cat, dog, rabbit, or ferret carrying mites can acquire them within minutes of close grooming or fighting. Mites move quickly from one host’s ear canal to another’s, exploiting the warm, humid conditions that favor their survival.
Environmental reservoirs contribute to transmission. Bedding, blankets, grooming tools, and litter boxes used by an infected animal retain mites for several days. When a healthy cat rests on or handles these items, larvae and adult mites can crawl onto its ears and establish an infestation.
Transient vectors, such as humans or other mammals that have touched an infected cat, may momentarily carry mites on clothing or skin. Although these carriers do not support mite reproduction, they can introduce parasites to a new feline host during subsequent contact.
Outdoor exposure raises the risk of acquiring mites from stray or feral populations. Cats that hunt or roam in areas where untreated animals congregate encounter higher parasite pressure, increasing the likelihood of infestation.
Key points for prevention:
- Keep cats separated from untreated animals, especially during introductions.
- Regularly wash and disinfect bedding, toys, and grooming equipment.
- Limit outdoor access or supervise outdoor activities to reduce contact with stray cats.
- Perform routine ear examinations and promptly treat any signs of mite infestation.