How to Check Cats for Ear Mites

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References Approved

Ear mites are parasites and, if ignored, they can result in a cat's ear becoming infected and inflamed. Serious cases can lead to hearing loss, eardrum rupture and even infestation to other parts of the body. Indoor and outdoor cats are candidates for ear mites. Households with multiple pets are the most susceptible for ear mites, because they can be spread from one pet to the next. Prevention and treatment begins with learning how to check cats for ear mites.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking Preliminary Action

1
Know the risk factors for ear mites. As ear mites can mimic the symptom of other veterinary issues, it's important to recognize the risk factors. This way, you'll know if your cat is at increased risk for ear mites.
- Ear mites are crablike parasites that can live inside the ears of cats. They are very common, and usually the most likely culprit when a cat's ear is inflamed or irritated.^{[1]
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- Ear mites are highly contagious. Most cats get ear mites from another cat. If you have an outdoor cat or recently introduced a new cat to your home, ear mites are far more likely. Your cat could also come across ear mites while being boarded, but this is rare. Most animal boarding businesses check for ear mites before taking in cats.^{[2]
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- Ear mites can happen to cats at any age but are more likely in kittens and younger cats. Their immunity is generally weaker so ear mites will choose them out over older, healthier cats.^{[3]
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2
Watch for symptoms of ear mites. Know what symptoms could be indicative of an ear mite issue.
- Your cat might appear irritated with his ears, scratching and pawing at them. Your cat might also shake his head frequently, causing hair loss.^{[4]
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- An increase in ear wax or any thick and black crusty discharge from the ear is a sign of ear mites.^{[5]
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- Skin lesions or sores may develop around the ear from excess scratching.^{[6]
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3
Be aware of other conditions similar to ear mites. Ear mites mimic a variety of other ear conditions in cat's. Know the other possibilities and discuss them with your vet when you take your cat into a clinic for a visit.
- Yeast infections can sometimes produce black discharge in a cat's ear.^{[7]
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- Hypothyroidism can cause inflammation and discharge around the ear.^{[8]
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- Allergies, particularly food allergies, can cause symptoms similar to ear mites.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Confirming the Presence of Ear Mites

1
Check your cat's ears. Before making a trip to the vet's, check your cat's ears at home. The more information you can provide in the vet's office, the better. Self-diagnosis is not recommended, but doing a preliminary check to examine symptoms is a good idea.
- The wax from a cat with ear mites is excessive and dark in color.
- There will often be scratches of scabs near the base of the ear from excessive scratching.^{[10]
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- Cats may be sensitive about having their ear's touched if they're experiencing discomfort. Try having a friend or family member help you by holding the cat while you push back their ears to look inside.
2
Make a trip to your vet's. To get a firm diagnosis, a vet trip is necessary. This prevents a misdiagnosis of ear mites, which is common as other conditions mimic the same symptoms, and the vet can also provide you with treatment options.
- Diagnosis ear mites is very easy for veterinarians and it can usually be done via a routine and non-invasive physical exam.^{[11]
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- Your vet will use an otoscope, an instrument used for examining the ear, to magnify the ear and look at its internal structures under light. Usually, if ear mites are causing the symptoms, the vet will see them.^{[12]
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- If your vet does not see ear mites, this does not necessarily mean your cat does not have ear mites. They will probably request a swab of the ear and examine it under a microscope to confirm ear mites.^{[13]
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3
Be aware of complications. Ear mites are usually a benign condition but can sometimes cause complications if not treated properly or promptly. Be aware of the various complications of ear mites.
- Ear mites can lead to infection if not treated promptly. Your cat's ear canal can be affected, which can permanently damage hearing.^{[14]
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- If your cat scratches excessively around their ear, this could lead to ruptures blood vessels that require surgery.^{[15]
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- For these reasons, home diagnosis and treatment is not recommended for ear mites. After watching for symptoms and checking your cat's ears, make a vet appointment immediately.^{[16]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Future Outbreaks

1
Treat your cat's ear mites. Following the vet's instructions, treat your cat's ear mites to eliminate the problem.
- Never treat ear mites without having them diagnosed by a vet. Anti-mite solutions could easily irritate or worsen problems with similar symptoms to ear mites.^{[17]
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- Regular and thorough ear-cleaning is required to cure ear mites. Commercial cleaner is usually used to clear the ear of debris, followed by cleaning with prescription ointments.^{[18]
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- A cat's tail should be cleaned as well, as they frequently wrap themselves in their tails to sleep. This means eggs and mites can spread to the surrounding fur.^{[19]
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- Ointments and pesticides prescribed by your doctor should be used for 7 to 10 days following an outbreak. If you have any other pets in your home, clean their ears as well as ear mites have likely spread.^{[20]
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- Cats can be stubborn about taking medication. Have a friend help you if your cat is particularly resistant to treatment.
2
Avoid past mistakes. Try to limit your cat's interactions with places and situations that expose him to ear mites.
- If you have an outdoor cat, you might consider keeping him inside if he is prone to frequent ear mite outbreaks. However, outdoor cats can be difficult to keep inside if they're accustom to coming and going as they please.
- If your cat suffers from Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) he should not go outside. Not only does his weakened immune system make him more susceptible to ear mites, the spread of FIV can be prevented by limiting his exposure to strange cats.
- Be wary of animal shelters and pet stores where ear mite outbreaks are common. Check all incoming kittens and cats for signs of ear mites before releasing them into your home.
3
Wash a cat's bedding and toys. Items cats use frequently should be washed after an outbreak.

Expert Q&A
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Question

My cat has always had dark stuff in his ears and not a lot of hair there, but now there are crusts. Could this be ear mites?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Ear mites are one possibility, while another is a yeast infection. Both of types of infection stimulate the ear to produce thick black wax.

Warnings

Your other cats and even dogs can get ear mites from 1 infected animal. Check all of your pets if you suspect that 1 has ear mites.

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Some cats do not show obvious signs of ear mites. Investigate any suspicion of ear mites that exists, even if your cat does not appear to have a problem.

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Do NOT put peroxide or any insect killers in or on your cats ear.

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