Overview on Cat Ear Mites
Cat ear mites are tiny parasites that live inside the ear canal of a cat. The scientific name of
this organism is Otodectes cynotis. Ear mites live on the wax and thrive in warm moist areas where the
air flow is restricted. They feed on epidermal debris and ear wax. Although ear mites usually find abode
in the ear canals, they can also live on other parts of the cat's body.
More often than not, ear mites are usually the origin of ear infections identified by veterinarians.
They accumulate inside the ear, triggering inflammation and redness which the cat’s body responds to
by producing more wax. In reality, ear mites can also be found in dogs but they are more commonly found
in cats.
Ear mites have a short life cycle. The egg of an ear mite is capable of becoming an adult in just 21
days. Keep in mind that young cats are vulnerable to more serious mite infestations and suffer more
from inflammation. This is because the immunity of cats towards mites develops and builds up with age.
During most of their life span, the mites stay inside the cat’s ears. However, they can also stray and
move around the head, face, and body of the cat. Moreover, since cats have a tendency to sleep coiled
and curled up with their tails around their heads, cat owners may also find ear mites in the tails of
their cats.
If you have other pets aside from cats, be careful with them too. Ear mites in cats can spread to dogs,
rabbits, and ferrets but close contact is required for this to happen since mites walk and do not jump.
If you are worried for yourself as well you should know that its spread to humans is very rare. This
means that your cat could still stay close to you even during treatment.
Ear mites in cats are the most common cause of ear infections, quickly spreading from one cat to another
through direct contact. Thus, if there is one pet in the household that holds ear mites, close contact
with the source will trigger the other pets to catch ear mites, too.
Since ear mites live on the moist wax inside the ear, the lack of proper and adequate care from owners
could also cause ear mites to breed. It is therefore very important that you provide proper treatment
for your cat in the instance you notice this problem.
Next article: Causes Of Cat Ear Mites