Where does an ear mite originate in a domestic cat? - briefly
Ear mites are acquired through direct contact with infested animals, typically transmitted from the mother to her kittens shortly after birth. The parasite resides on the surface of the ear canal and spreads by crawling onto nearby hosts.
Where does an ear mite originate in a domestic cat? - in detail
Ear mites that infest house cats belong to the species Otodectes cynotis, a microscopic ectoparasite that lives on the surface of the ear canal and surrounding skin. The parasite’s life cycle begins when a fertilized female deposits eggs in the cerumen and debris within the external auditory meatus. Each egg hatches in 3–4 days, releasing a six‑legged larva that matures into an eight‑legged nymph after another 3–4 days. The nymph molts once more before becoming an adult, completing the cycle in roughly 2 weeks. Adult mites survive up to 30 days without a host, allowing transmission beyond the immediate environment.
Primary sources of infestation include:
- Direct contact with another infested animal (cat, dog, rabbit, ferret). Grooming, fighting, or shared bedding provides a conduit for mites to move from one host to another.
- Indirect exposure through contaminated environments. Mite eggs or dead adults can remain viable in soft furnishings, grooming tools, or litter boxes for several weeks, enabling a new host to acquire the parasite during close contact.
- Maternal transmission. Kittens may acquire mites from their mother during nursing or early grooming sessions, often resulting in a colony that spreads to the litter.
Secondary factors that facilitate spread are overcrowded shelters, multi‑pet households, and inadequate hygiene practices. Because the mite does not require a blood meal, it thrives in the warm, humid conditions of the ear canal, where it feeds on skin debris and secretions, causing inflammation and secondary infection if left untreated.