Ear Mites in Cats: Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment That Works

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

If your cat shakes its head and scratches at its ears, ear mites may be the cause. They are especially common in kittens and outdoor cats, and they make life miserable, but with proper treatment they are easy to clear.

What are ear mites?

The ear mite, Otodectes cynotis, is a microscopic parasite that lives in the ear canal and on the surface of the skin nearby. It feeds on wax and skin debris. The mites are barely visible, but their presence causes inflammation, which leads to itching and the typical dark discharge. Ear mites can also live on the head, neck and tail, and can spread to dogs and rabbits.

How cats catch them

Ear mites pass from animal to animal through close contact. Kittens often get them from their mother. Cats that go outdoors, strays and cats in shelters or multi-pet homes are at higher risk. The mites can survive a short time off the host, so bedding can play a part.

Signs

• Intense scratching at the ears.
• Frequent head shaking.
• Dark brown or black crumbly discharge, often described as coffee grounds.
• Redness and inflammation in the ear.
• Scabs or scratches around the ears and head from scratching.
• A bad smell, if infection develops.
• Hematoma, a blood-filled swelling in the ear flap, from violent shaking.
• Rarely, head tilt or loss of balance if the problem is severe.

Other causes of dirty ears

Not every dirty ear has mites. Bacteria and yeast infections, allergies, foreign bodies and polyps can cause similar signs. See cat ear infections and cat skin allergies. Cleaning the ear at home without a diagnosis may hide the signs, and delay proper treatment.

Diagnosis

Your vet will look into the ears with an otoscope, where mites may sometimes be seen as tiny white moving specks. They also take a sample of the debris and examine it under a microscope, to find mites or eggs. They may check for infection at the same time.

Treatment

• Prescription anti-parasite products. Many topical medicines, applied to the skin or ears, treat ear mites. Some products kill mites with one dose, and others need repeated treatment. Your vet will choose the right one and tell you the dose for your cat's weight. Do not use dog products, which can be toxic to cats. See fleas on cats.
• Ear cleaning, by the vet or at home, with a cleaner approved for cats. See how to clean a cat's ears.
• Treatment of infection, if present.
• Treat all pets in the household, even without signs.
• Follow-up. The vet may recheck the ears, to ensure the mites are gone.

Home remedies

Oils, such as olive or mineral oil, are sometimes suggested to smother mites, but they are not reliable, and can leave the ear messy and prone to infection. Avoid hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil and other essential oils, which can harm cats. See essential oils and cats.

Preventing reinfection

• Wash bedding in hot water.
• Vacuum floors and furniture.
• Treat every pet at the same time.
• Keep new animals separate until checked.
• Use regular parasite prevention recommended by your vet.
• Keep cats indoors, or monitor outdoor cats.

Mites and people

Ear mites rarely affect people, and any itching is usually mild and short-lived. See a doctor if you have a rash.

Kittens

Check kittens' ears at the first vet visit. See kitten first vet visit.

Life cycle and why treatment takes weeks

An ear mite's life cycle lasts about three weeks, from egg to adult. Many medicines kill adult mites but not eggs, so a second dose or a longer treatment period is needed to catch each new generation. This is why vets stress following the full course, even when the cat seems better. Stopping early is the main reason for recurrence.

Strays, fosters and new kittens

When you adopt a stray or foster kitten, check the ears right away and keep the animal separate from your pets until your vet has examined it. Ask about a broad-spectrum parasite preventive that covers fleas, ear mites and some worms. Many of these products treat several parasites at once and are safe for kittens of a certain age and weight, so ask your vet which is right. See what to do if you find a stray kitten.

Complications

Severe or untreated infestations can lead to bacterial infection, hematomas, scarring and, rarely, hearing loss. A swollen ear flap needs a vet visit. If your cat shows a head tilt, circling or loss of balance, seek help right away.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat shakes its head, scratches its ears or has dark discharge. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.