Basic Facts About Ear Mites In Cats

Ear mites are small parasites that are found in the ears of cats. They feed on the wax and dirt present on the inner lining of the ear. They give a very irritating and itchy feeling as they keep moving on the inner skin of the ear. Sometimes they may spread to other parts of the cat like the head and the whole body.

Young Cats Are Easy Prey Due To Reduced Immunity

Presence of mites on any part of the body causes a lot of itching and is extremely irritating for your pet. However, they only feed on the dirt present on the skins surface and do not pierce the skin to suck blood like fleas. Ear mites are very infectious and easily spread from one cat to another. These parasites can live outside the cats body for many weeks till they find another body to live on.

If you have other pets in your house mites can spread to them too. Mites particularly affect kittens and young cats because of their reduced immunity. If you find your cat scratching its ear incessantly which might even cause the skin to break, then you must consider the presence of ear mites. You will also find your pet vigorously shaking its head to get rid of the irritation. Other symptoms include the formation of excessive ear wax, and also a black crust like secretion from the ear. This kind of black secretion also happens if your cat has a yeast or fungal infection and so it is important to determine the nature and cause of your cats ear problem by a vet. It is advisable not to apply any anti mite medicine in your cats ear on your own because if it is some other infection, then the problem will aggravate further.

Treatment By A Vet Is Essential

It is best to take your pet to the vet as he would have special equipments to easily detect if the infection has been caused by ear mites. The vet uses an instrument called an otoscope which has a light. When this is directed into the cats ear, the mites get attracted to it and become visible on the surface of the inner skin. If this system fails, then the vet takes a bit of the ear secretion and views it under a microscope for the presence of mites. Once the cause of the infection is determined, the vet can prescribe the necessary treatment. Sometimes he may clean the cats ear before applying the anti mite medicine. Some medicines can be added directly without having to clean the ears. These can be applied at home by you also. If ear mites have spread to the head and body of the cat, then you have to apply topical anti mite medicines on your pets body. After applying the medicines for the prescribed period of time, you should visit the vet to ensure that your cat is completely free from mites. As part of your daily care for your cat, you should dry your cats ears well after bathing it. Also regularly check your pets ears to see if there is excess wax formation or any crusty substance.

Ear mites need to be treated immediately so that your cat can stay in good spirits and health.