How Can I See If a Black Cat Has Ear Mites?

Ear mites are highly contagious and extremely common in cats. Typically seen in cats or kittens who have been in contact with other infected felines or who have recently been adopted, ear mites are generally very uncomfortable yet easy to treat. If you have a black cat, it can be tricky to see if your kitty has mites, as the discharge they create is the same color as the hair coat and they sometimes leave the ears and venture to other parts of the body.

  1. Identification

    • Ear mites are crab-like creatures that live on the surface of a cat's ear canal, feeding off of tissue debris and fluids, according to the veterinary website PetPlace.com. If your black cat is shaking its head or pawing at its ears, it may have an ear mite infection. If it excessively scratches at its body, this could be a sign that the mites have spread. Peek inside your cat's ear canals and look for thick, black, crusty discharge or excessive earwax. Also take notice of any scratches or irritation around the ears, which is indicative of your cat vigorously scratching its ears. Furthermore, if you see a substance that looks like coffee grounds, it is probably dried blood--another symptom of ear mites.

      Look on your black cat's skin for signs of ear mites. Move its hair to get access to the skin. Note any sores or dried blood your cat may have produced when scratching itself. Use a flea comb on your cat's body hair to catch any scabs or dried blood if you cannot look directly at its skin. The teeth of the comb will catch anything sitting on the skin. This is likely the easiest method if your cat's hair is thick.

      If you suspect your cat has ear mites, take it to the veterinarian. The doctor will look at the discharge under the microscope. If your cat has mites, the vet will generally see them while looking through the scope. Sometimes, a mite isn't occupying the collected sample and, therefore, is not detected under the scope. If this is the case, the vet will probably treat your kitty for mites anyway if she is suspicious of their presence.

    Treatment

    • Products containing insecticides are generally used to eliminate ear mites, states the animal information website PetEducation.com. First, the cat's ears must be cleaned before applying the medication. The meds will not reach the ear if there are debris in the way; therefore, debris must be removed. Milbemycin and ivermectin are often used to treat the mites, as well as fipronil and selamectin. If your cat has mites on its body, it will need to receive treatment either in the form of shampoo, spray or dip. Your veterinarian will prescribe the medication that best suits your cat. Separate your other animals from the infected cat, as it can pass the mites onto them. If left untreated, the mites can severely damage the ear canal and drum, which can lead to permanent hearing damage.

      Ear mites often wreak much havoc on your kitty and should be treated as soon as possible. Quick resolution of the problem will alleviate any concern of their transmission to your other pets and will improve your black cat's quality of life.