What You Should Know About Ear Mites in Cats!
Ear mites are parasites that typically live in the ear canal but can also live on the skin’s surface,. They can be challenging to see with the naked eye, but you may see little white specks moving in the ear. These mitesy are transferred from cat to cat by direct contact and are considered highly contagious.
Signs
Ear mites are a common cause of ear problems in cats. Although all cats in a household may be affected, ear mites usually are seen in kittens and outdoor pets.
Signs to watch for:
- Reddish-black material in the ear canal(s)
- Rubbing and scratching the affected ear
- Ear twitching and head shaking
- 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 they examine your cat’s ear canals with a special magnifying instrument called an otoscope. Ear mites can be found during the examination or may also be found by examining your cat’s earwax under a microscope.
Tasty Tips
Treatment and Home Care
Your veterinarian will likely need to clean your cat's ears before treatment will be effective. Debris in the ear canal may block medications from reaching the ear mites.There are different medications to treat ear mites and your veterinarian will be able to recommend the one that will be best for your cat. Make sure to follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions for ear cleaning or medications your cat needs at home.
Because ear mites are highly contagious, your veterinarian may want to examine and possibly treat the other pets living in your house. A follow-up visit with your veterinarian in 2-3 weeks will help ensure the ear mites are gone.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Liver & Chicken Entrée
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Brown Rice, and Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Vegetables Stew Cat Food
Related articles
Helping Your Cat Recover from Serious Illness or Accidents
Illnesses, accidents and surgeries are an unfortunate consequence of life, even for cats. Understand how nutrition can play a role in your cat's recovery.
Male Cat Urinary Blockages: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
While male cat urinary blockages are common, they can be life-threatening. Learn how to spot symptoms and info on prevention, treatments & stress factors.
Want to Foster Cats? Here's What You Should Know
Want to foster cats or kittens in your home? Learn the steps to take to become a cat foster parent, as well as helpful advice from a long-time foster mom.
All About Your Cat's Sleeping Habits
Learn all about your cat's sleep schedule, why she seems to be most active during twilight hours and what it means to be a crepuscular kitty.
Choosing a Vet for Your Cat? Consider These Factors
Choosing the right veterinary for your cat is very important to its health. Read through our list of things to consider when looking for a new vet.
Important Information on Food Allergies & Intolerance in Your Cat
Understand how food allergies and intolerances present themselves in cats, and what you can do to prevent and care for cats with allergies.
Cat Intestinal Blockages: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Intestinal blockages in cats can be a life-threatening condition. Learn information about how they happen, common symptoms, treatment & prevention options.
Tips for Managing Your Cat's Kidney Disease
Understand the importance that kidneys play in your cat's health, and know how to spot the warning signs of kidney disease.
Stress and Feline Urinary Problems: How to Deal With It
Learn how to identify and reduce the chances of feline urinary issues by helping alleviate stress in her life.
Caring for a Sick Kitten
Learn about common illnesses and health concerns among kittens, how you can spot their symptoms and steps you can take to prevent them from happening.
Top 5 Tips For You After Adopting a New Cat
Adopting a cat feels like an easy choice, but ensuring their comfort takes preparation. Follow these tips for a lifetime of love with your new cat.
Cats and Mice: What to Do If Your Cat Catches a Mouse Trophy
Discover why your cat likes to catch mice and leave them as presents for you, as well as how you should respond to this natural behavior.
Choosing the Best Cats for Apartments
Learn important tips for choosing cats best suited for apartment living, including what types of living spaces are best for certain breeds of cats.
Your Cat in Heat: What You Need to Know
Puppy, kitten and pet dieting, cat nutrition and dog nutrition information from Hill's Pet
What to Expect at Your Kitten's 6-Month Health Check
We advise a 6-month health check up for any new kitten to ensure it's in good health condition. Read more about what to expect at your visit.
Important Information About Kidney Disease in Cats
Kidney disease and renal failure can kill your cat. Know these 4 facts about feline kidney disease, the symptoms to look for, and when to call your vet.
What are the visible signs of aging in cats?
When is a cat considered a senior? Learn how to recognize signs of aging in cats and tips to support your cat's age through better nutrition and care.
Unlock Cat Genetics for Purrfect Health
Learn about the influence of cat genetics on various aspects such as coat color, personality, and susceptibility to certain diseases and the nutrition they may need.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn about feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), which causes lower urinary tract problems in cats, including risk factors, symptoms & treatment options.
IBD in Cats: What You Need to Know
Learn about IBD in cats, including differences between IBD vs. IBS, symptoms & how it's related to colitis, and steps your vet might recommend to treat it.
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.