Pet Herbal Info Blog

posted by Tess on Mar 17

Ear mites are a constant problem for all pets. The presence of ear mites can cause considerable anguish to the pet and the owner alike. Cat ear mites are contagious and pass on to other pets in the household. They can spread to other cats, dogs or other animals too.

The manner in which a cat reacts to ear mites can vary among cats. Some cats do not react or exhibit external symptoms even when they are infected with a large number of mites. But some cats may show extreme symptoms at the presence of a small number of ear mites. It is therefore, hypothesized that different breeds of cats show different levels of sensitivity towards this condition.

The first symptom that surfaces among cats when they have ear mites is the presence of excessive wax in the ears. Mites often stimulate wax producing glands in the ear and this in turn can lead to inflammation and further complications. Other symptoms that your feline friend can exhibit if she is infected with ear mites is itching and scratching. Excessive scratching can tear open tiny blood vessels in the outer ear and cause the ear to swell causing a condition that is known as hematoma.

Cats with ear mites also seem to have the ability to develop immunity towards this condition as against dogs with ear mites. This is believed to be the case since older cats seem to suffer less than kittens and younger cats. It is not uncommon to see kittens showing restlessness and other external symptoms even when they are infested with a small number of ear mites whereas some adult cats may not exhibit any signs of discomfort despite having a plethora of mites in the ears.

Other than itching and scratching, build up of dark wax and unpleasant odor can also be tell-tale signs of the presence of cat ear mites. The presence of ear mites in a cat can be confirmed by a simple physical examination of the ear or the wax taken from the ear. The large mites can sometimes be observed by the naked eye. If the physical examination does not yield any confirmatory results and symptoms like itching, scratching and excessive wax continue, a visit to the veterinarian becomes mandatory. A medical examination is generally warranted that involves the use of a magnifying otoscope to detect the presence of ear mites.

Post diagnosis, medical treatment becomes a must since the mites are not likely to vanish on their own. They need to be killed or removed. Timely treatment of the condition is a must to prevent further complications like bacterial or yeast infections that can lead to seizures, deafness or a rupture of the ear drum. The options that the cat owner has in such a condition are similar to those that are present for dogs. The choice between conventional remedies and home remedies for dog ear mites needs to be made before embarking on a treatment plan.

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