Ear mites. A compendium of knowledge about this feline ear parasite

Although we associate scabies with a skin disease, one of its species only likes the ear canals as a place of existence. In others…

What is scabies?

Scabies are tiny arachnids they feed on exfoliated epidermis and exudate formed during the inflammatory reaction. They tunnel, reproduce and metamorphose on a single host.

What kind of mites can we find on cats?

Cats may suffer from skin or ear mite infestations. First - Notoedres cati - it likes the skin of cats and is unlikely to be found in other animal species. Infections can be transmitted fairly easily between cats, but transmission to dogs or humans is rare and is usually associated with decreased immunity.

The situation is completely different with ear mites (Otodectes cynotis). This species lives and develops only in the ear canals. Ear mites can attack not only cats, but also dogs or, for example, ferrets. We ourselves, on the other hand, can feel safe because he does not attack people.

When can ear mites infect a cat?

They are the most vulnerable cats in contact with other sick individuals. This usually occurs in large groups of animals. In such situations, close contact and sometimes the use of shared beds are sufficient factors for infection to occur. This is why ear mites are such a common condition in feral cats.

The parasite is most easily transmitted among kittens. However, it is possible that the disease will also occur in other age groups, including well-groomed cats that leave the house only for walks. We don't always know the paths of our pets - Sometimes accidental contact with an infected person or place of rest is enough to transmit the parasite.

How to recognize an ear mite infestation?

Cats suffering from ear mites scratch their ears intensely. However, this is not the only symptom. Cats show that they feel discomfort in the head area because of it frequent scratching, unusual positioning of the ears, or rubbing them against various objects.

After a longer duration of infestation, you can notice minor or major sores on the head around the ears. These are cuts caused by constant and persistent scratching. Hair thinning and sometimes even baldness very often occur in these places.

Looking into the ear canal, it will attract attention first. presence of a dark secret. Sometimes you can see small white dots on it. However, this is not an easy task, so if your cat's ears are itchy or have unusual discharge, you should contact your veterinarian.

In the office, the doctor will carefully examine the animal, paying attention to details, so that he can make a reliable diagnosis. Sometimes the presence of an ear-foot reflex can be a clue. It depends on the an immediate need to scratch the ear, even if it is slightly irritated.

However, the final diagnosis is made by preparation of the specimen and its microscopic evaluation. Only under a microscope will a doctor notice scabies, and sometimes their eggs. Many of them move very well even on a microscope slide.

Are there any complications?

Since a cat's ear itches, this may lead to the development of additional infections. Constant scratching, wound formation, and damage to the epidermis by parasites opens the gates of entry for other microbes. For this reason, in some cases, in addition to diagnosing the presence of parasites, the doctor also pays attention to the inflammatory processes of the ear canals. Their presence makes it necessary to treat several problems at the same time in order to completely restore comfort to the pet.

We often encounter painful cuts in the skin around the ears. These are also places that can succumb secondary bacterial or fungal infection and must be eliminated during the treatment process.

Ear mites in cats - treatment

We have many drugs that effectively fight the parasite. The decision about the type of drug used depends, among other things, on what treatment the cat will tolerate. Contrary to appearances Not every cat will agree to the daily use of ear ointment. Additionally, not everyone can be placed in a carrier at regular intervals to visit the veterinary clinic for continued therapy.

The presence or absence of additional ear canal infections is also important when choosing a drug.

The doctor, after talking with the cat’s guardian, selects the most beneficial method of therapy. This could be, for example, targeted preparation, which should be applied to the skin around the cat's neck, or a medicine in the form of an ointment applied directly to the ear canals.

Any sores and hair loss around the ears caused by constant scratching of the area will no doubt help greatly if it does not irritate them further. Nevertheless the doctor will, if necessary, give out the medications used, to keep the area clean and help the skin recover.

Antiparasitic drugs act quickly enough, so the cat should stop itching after a short time. However, we must not forget that these few days do not mean the end of therapy. Many medications affect adult scabies but do not harm the eggs. For this reason, therapy should be repeated at the time indicated by the doctor, ensure the destruction of all forms of parasite development.

Is it possible to clean cat ears?

Very often, the amount of secretion in the ear canals of cats causes dizziness. He asks to be removed from there. Of course, this needs to be done, but in a certain way. Under no circumstances should you remove it with cotton swabs. Such an action could push part of the secret even deeper, which would complicate its subsequent evacuation. Rubbing with a stick can also lead to irritation and abrasions of the delicate skin of the auricle and ear canals.

Special liquids are used to properly clean the ear canals. Thanks to them, earwax and any discharge from they are easily separated from the walls of the ear canal and “knocked out” by the animal. Many liquids contain ingredients that further regulate the pH of the ear canal, disinfect it, moisturize it, or facilitate the penetration of antibiotics and the fight against germs.

Not only the method of preparation is important, but also the amount we put in the ear, how we do it and, of course, the frequency. The veterinarian always selects the liquid for the specific needs of the animal, and also instructs how to properly clean cat ears at home.

Ear mites - what about other animals?

When a doctor discovers itchy ears in a cat that has been in contact with other animals, we should check them as well. If this is not possible, it is worth protecting the animals, for example, with spot treatments. make sure scabies is not spreading in this group from individual to individual.

What else should you remember?

Cats that go for walks like to travel the same roads every day. If they come into contact with other animals, then this is usually fairly regular contact. Let's remember that if our pet brings back scabies from one of our walks, we may not always be able to get to the source of the problem. All it takes is for one cat in a group to go untreated and the infection can spread again.

For this reason, It is worth remembering to regularly insure traveling animals, so they don't have to deal with the repeated presence of the parasite.

Although an infestation of ear mites only affects the ear canals, it can make a cat's life much more difficult. The pet feels constant itching, and pain develops over time caused by cuts in the skin around the ears. A sick cat can easily pass the parasite to other animals. When caring for a cat, especially a stray, you should make sure its ears are healthy. Such a small detail can significantly improve his well-being and comfort.