Ear mites are generally found in the ears of dogs and cats. They can be transmitted between animals, but they cannot live in the human ear. They are small, white, spider-like parasites that live off the dead skin and wax in the ear and cause pain and itching in your pet. They should be treated immediately to avoid long-term problems such as hearing loss.
-
Symptoms
-
Your first sign that your cat has ear mites will likely be his scratching his ears incessantly. He will probably shake his head from side to side, too. It is not unusual for a cat to rub its head along the carpet trying to relieve the itching. Because of the scratching he does, he will likely cause sores to develop inside the ear which will be red and sometimes contain lesions. These spots will cause the cat to be sensitive to touch and he may cry out in pain when you touch his ears. The inside of the ear will also have dark red or black spots that are bits of dried blood. You will also be able to see the ear mites themselves as little white dots moving about the blood spots.
Risks
-
Ear mites cause more than discomfort to your cat. They can also cause long-term or permanent damage to your pet. Left untreated, they can affect the ear drum itself and cause complete hearing loss. Mites compromise the immune system of their host, which can lead to other problems such as yeast or bacterial infections.
Treatments
-
It is best to see your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has ear mites. She will likely prescribe an antibiotic. Along with medications, there are home cleaning treatments you can use. With any of the home remedies, you will apply three to five drops of the treatment to the cat's ear and rub the base of his ear. After 20 to 30 seconds of massaging the treatment in, use a cotton ball to wipe away any excess fluid or debris that comes out. Repeat this every day for a month.
Home Remedies
-
Start by cleaning out the ear using green tea. Green tea has natural antiseptic properties which will help kill germs and remove excess wax and debris. Once you have cleaned your pet's ear, it is time to use oils. You can use mineral oils or olive oils, anything but tea tree oil is safe. For extreme cases, soak a few crushed garlic cloves in the oil over night before treating your cat. No matter what oil you use, you will be removing the mite's food source and suffocating them at the same time.
Preventing Future Outbreaks
-
Once you have successfully cured your cat of its ear mite infestation, you will want to make sure you help prevent future outbreaks. Your cat's immune system will be lowered by the first infestation, so it is important to help her boost it back up. Time will naturally raise it, but you can help the process along by providing your cat with healthier pet food. If you are unsure of the right food for your cat, check with veterinarian for recommendations for a higher quality food or more natural diets.
-