What You Should Know About Ear Mites in Cats!
Ear mites are contagious. Ear mites are parasites that live on the skin’s surface, especially on the skin lining of the ear canal. They are transferred from cat to cat by direct contact. Ear mites and eggs can persist in the environment for several months. They can then return to re-infest your cat.
Signs
Ear mites account for most ear problems in cats. Although all cats in a household may be affected, most serious problems occur in kittens.
Signs to watch for:
- Reddish-black in the ear canal(s)
- Rubbing and scratching the affected ear
- Ear twitching and head shaking are common
- Occasionally, ear mites infest other parts of a cat’s body. Hair loss in a particular area and reddened, scratched skin suggest such an infestation.
Diagnosis by your veterinarian
The diagnosis will be confirmed by your veterinarian when he or she examines your cat’s ear canals with a special magnifying instrument called an otoscope. Ear mites or eggs may be found during the examination or may also be found by examining your cat’s earwax under a microscope.
Treatment and Home Care
Ear issues must be treated persistently and specifically, depending on the diagnosis. In some cases, treatment may need to be continued for several weeks.
Tasty Tips
In most cases your veterinarian will need to clean your cat's ears before treatment will be effective. Because ear mites readily infest other pets, all cats and dogs in the home should be treated.
Home care usually includes administering medications so be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely. The household itself may be treated with flea-control foggers or sprays to lessen the chances of re-infestation.
Nutrition
If your cat has ear mites, your veterinarian may suggest a change in her cat food. For kittens, nutrition is especially important for optimal growth and proper development of her immune system. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic hypoallergenic cat food to help limit exposure to potential allergens. Ask your veterinarian about which Hill’s® cat food is appropriate for her condition.
Unless recommended otherwise by your veterinarian, gradually switch your cat to a new cat food over a seven-day period. Learn how to transition your cat gradually to a new cat food.
Related products
Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fibre comfortably reduces hairballs
Related articles
Belly Upset: Soothing Your Cat's Sensitive Stomach
Understand the symptoms of a chronic upset stomach in your cat, and learn how to help sooth their discomfort.
Weight Management
Obesity affects more than 30 percent of cats in America. Learn how you can properly feed and exercise your cat to improve its weight management.
Cats with Sensitive Skin: Looking Beneath the Fur
Provide the best possible treatment for cats with sensitive skin by spotting the signs, knowing the causes, and understanding the remedies. Learn more now.
Weight Gain in Your Cat & How You Can Help
Being overweight puts a cat at risk for developing many serious health issues. Weight gain indicates an increase in body fat and usually results when your cat eats too much and exercises too little.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.