Ear Mites in Cats: Signs, Causes & At-Home Treatment (Vet-Reviewed)
May 18, 2025
Ear Mites in Cats – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Ear mites, known scientifically as Otodectes cynotis, are one of the most common external parasites affecting cats. These tiny pests live in the ear canal, feeding on skin oils and earwax, and can cause intense discomfort, itching, and inflammation. Left untreated, they can lead to serious infections and long-term ear damage.
🔍 What Are Ear Mites?
Ear mites are microscopic parasites that thrive in the warm, moist environment of a cat’s ears. While any cat can get them, they’re especially common in kittens, shelter cats, and those that spend time outdoors or around other animals.
They spread quickly through direct contact or by sharing bedding, grooming tools, or furniture with an infested pet.
🐱 Symptoms of Ear Mite Infestation
Look out for the following signs:
Frequent head shaking
Intense scratching around the ears
Dark, crumbly debris in the ear (often looks like coffee grounds)
Red or inflamed ear canals
Unpleasant odor
Hair loss around the ears from scratching
🩺 How It’s Diagnosed
A vet will typically perform a visual inspection using an otoscope and take a sample of ear discharge to examine under a microscope. This confirms the presence of mites and rules out other infections.
💊 How It’s Treated
Treatment usually involves:
Topical medications applied to the skin or directly in the ear
Prescription ear drops to kill mites and soothe inflammation
Ear cleaning to remove buildup
Oral treatments in more persistent cases
All pets in the household should be treated at the same time—even if they’re not showing symptoms—to prevent reinfestation
🛡️ Prevention Tips
Clean bedding and grooming tools regularly
Keep your cat indoors or supervise outdoor time
Use monthly parasite preventatives recommended by your vet
Schedule regular ear checks during vet visits
💻 How Telekitty Can Help
Worried your cat might have ear mites? With Telekitty, you can consult a licensed vet from home. Our team can:
Review symptoms in real time
Recommend safe and effective treatments
Guide you through home care and prevention steps
😺 Concerned About Your Cat’s Ears?
Start a consult today at 👉 https://www.telekitty.com
🆓 First month of online vet consultations is FREE