Why do cats have ear mites? - briefly
Ear mites are obligate parasites that colonize the warm, humid ear canal of felines, feeding on skin debris and secretions. They spread through direct contact with other infested animals or contaminated environments.
Why do cats have ear mites? - in detail
Ear mites, primarily Otodectes cynotis, are obligate parasites that thrive in the warm, moist environment of a cat’s external ear canal. The mite feeds on skin debris and earwax, which provides both nutrition and a suitable habitat. Infestation occurs when an uninfected cat contacts a carrier—through grooming, shared bedding, or close contact with other infested animals. The parasites move quickly, crawling across the skin and entering the ear canal within minutes of exposure.
The life cycle supports rapid population growth. Adult females lay 10–15 eggs daily; eggs hatch in 3–4 days into larvae, which develop into nymphs after another 3–4 days. Mature mites appear within 2 weeks, at which point the cat shows clinical signs such as intense scratching, head shaking, and a dark, waxy discharge. Without treatment, the mite burden can reach several hundred individuals per ear, leading to inflammation, secondary bacterial infections, and potential hearing loss.
Factors that increase susceptibility include:
- Overcrowded shelters or multi‑cat households where close contact is frequent.
- Lack of regular veterinary examinations and preventive ear care.
- Young kittens and immunocompromised cats, whose defenses are less effective against infestation.
- Outdoor access, exposing cats to stray or feral populations that commonly carry mites.
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection of the ear canal and microscopic examination of the debris. Characteristic oval, translucent mites are easily identified. Treatment protocols typically combine topical acaricides—such as selamectin, moxidectin, or lime sulfur dips—with thorough cleaning of the ear canal to remove debris and reduce irritation. Re‑treatment after 7–10 days eliminates newly hatched mites that escaped the initial dose.
Prevention focuses on minimizing exposure and maintaining ear hygiene. Regular cleaning with a veterinarian‑approved solution, routine health checks, and isolation of newly introduced cats until they are examined reduce the risk of introduction. In environments where infestations have occurred, thorough cleaning of bedding, toys, and surrounding areas with an appropriate disinfectant eliminates residual mites and eggs.
Understanding the parasite’s biology, transmission routes, and effective control measures explains why cats become hosts and provides a clear strategy for eliminating and preventing ear‑mite problems.