Symptoms of Ear Mites in Kittens

Ear mites are parasites that live in the ear canal and feed on the tissues and fluids there. Kittens with ear mites are extremely contagious, and ear mites are easily spread from one cat to another, especially in a litter. If your kitten experiences any of the signs of ear mites, take her to a vet for treatment. Ear mites aren't just unpleasant and itchy for her--they can also cause an infection or damage your kitten's hearing. A veterinarian can clean the debris from your kitten's ear canal and prescribe a topical treatment to kill the mites.

  1. Worrying the Ear

    • One of the most common signs of ear mites is worrying the ear. A kitten with ear mites will scratch at the infected ear frequently because of her exposure to mites' salivary antigen. Other related ear mite symptoms include frequent shaking of the head and rubbing at the ears.

    Dark Residue

    • Kittens with ear mites typically have a grainy discharge in the ear canal. The tiny dark particles resemble coffee grounds and are created when ear mites feed on the tissues and fluids in your kitten's ears. A veterinarian can look at this discharge with an otoscope or microscope to confirm a diagnosis of ear mites.

    Swelling

    • When kittens with ear mites rub or scratch at their infected ears, they can cause scratches or blood blisters to form, especially at the ear tip. The ear may become red or swollen if the kitten worries it too often or if your kitten acquires a bacterial or fungal infection of the ear canal. Ear mites increase the likelihood of such infections.