You may be asking yourself, “How do cats get ear mites?” The fact is, these insects are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye. They may simply appear as fine dirt in the ear. But if the ear mite colony is large, your cat may actually have a soiled appearance. In some cases, you may not even recognize that your cat has an ear mite infestation until you’ve noticed other symptoms.
Symptoms
If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably heard about the symptoms of cat ear mites. Although this condition is very small, it can be very serious, resulting in deafness and secondary skin infections. As mites are extremely small, you won’t be able to see them on your cat’s skin, but your veterinarian will be able to examine your cat’s ears and find if your cat has ear mites.
Cats with white-tipped ears may shake their heads for no apparent reason. Shaking their heads can also be indicative of dental problems or ear mites. Your cat may shake its head a lot or tilt its head while eating. In severe cases, it may even scratch itself so badly that it loses its hair. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your cat to a vet immediately.
Diagnosis
There are several different methods of treating your cat’s ear mites. Often, treating ear mites at home is enough to prevent them from returning, but if you have concerns, you can seek the advice of a veterinarian. Often, an over-the-counter medication is ineffective and will not work as well as a veterinarian-prescribed medicine. Your veterinarian may also recommend an Elizabethan collar.
Although the ear mites are hard to spot, your veterinarian can look for them using a microscope or magnifying scope. They can also examine a sample of the affected ear on a dark background. You can also look for white, moving specks that move in the ear. You’ll know you have an ear mite problem if your cat is scratching and licking its ears.
Treatment
The first step to removing ear mites in cats is to identify the location of the infestation. Ear mites in cats can be spread by direct contact or via other animals. Cats are common carriers of the disease, and they can infest both domestic and wild animals. The mites are highly contagious, and cats can pick up the infection from other pets. The mites may also be transferred to humans if the cat comes into contact with contaminated surfaces or environments.
It’s always best to check with your veterinarian first to make sure that the mites are actually affecting your cat. Prescription medications are more effective and easy to administer, but you’ll have to be sure to follow the directions on the label. If you have tried ear mite prevention products without any success, you may want to try something else. Prescription medications like Advantage Multi, Revolution Plus, and Bravecto Plus may help.
Prevention
Regardless of your cat’s lifestyle, you can prevent ear mites by making sure your home is clean and free of feces and droppings. Regular veterinarian visits and hygiene are key to preventing ear mites in cats. Check your cat’s ears regularly, and be sure to take it to the veterinarian if you have recently adopted a new pet. For ear mites, consider the topical treatment Revolution or Advantage-Multi. These products work by killing the mites and controlling the infection, as well as preventing future infections.
To prevent a recurrence, use an over-the-counter medication. You can purchase these over-the-counter products at any pet store, and they are inexpensive and effective. Follow the instructions on the container to ensure your cat doesn’t get the mites again. Medications can take up to a month to kill the mites, and if you’re unsure, try a vet visit to find out if your cat’s mite problem has returned.
