The Effects of Ear Mites on Cats

Ear mites are a common problem for cats and dogs alike. Ear mites are tiny infectious organisms that look like ticks. To the naked eye they only appear as white dots. Infection produces a black, coffee ground material build up in the ears. This material is composed of ear wax, blood, inflammatory biochemicals and ear mites themselves. Ear mites should be treated immediately. They have some quite nasty effects that can scar your cat̵7;s ears and hearing for life if they are not treated.

  1. Itching and Scratching

    • Itching and scratching around the ear area excessively are pretty good signs that your cat may have ear mites. Cats also will shake their heads quite a bit to try to get rid of some of the mites. If not treated, your cat̵7;s itching and scratching can become very dangerous. Often the animals will scratch until the point that the skin breaks and they begin to bleed. They will also will lose mild to moderate amounts of hair in the area that they scratch the most. If they manage to scratch open an infected area, puss leakage and a putrid smell may follow.

    Damage to the Ear

    • If ear mites go untreated in a cat, other problems will arise such as puncturing or damage of the eardrums and ear canals, deformity of the ear and deafness. Ear canal and drum damage can occur from the force of the sharp claws repetitively puncturing the fragile inner ear. Deformity can occur when the cat loses hair to scratching and begins to tear out pieces of flesh and tufts of fur while scratching, leaving a permanent nick on the sides of the ear. Deafness can occur in serious cases where the cat has done permanent damage to the inner ear canal while scratching.

    Yeast Infection

    • Yeast infection in the ear is caused by excessive damage due to scratching and wax buildup in the ear. It is also caused by excessive moisture in the ear. It is a secondary infection caused by ear mites. This usually occurs when ear mites have become an out of control problem for your pet. Telltale signs of yeast infection in the ear are tilting of the head, a ̶0;sweet̶1; smell coming from inside the animals ear and flattening of the ears against the head. Cats will perform these behaviors in attempts to knock the yeast infection out of their ears. Yeast infection should be examined and treated immediately along with the ear mites.