Understanding, Treating & Preventing Feline Ear Mites

Cats are known for their fastidious grooming habits, but even the cleanest kitties can get tiny parasites called ear mites.  Left untreated, ear mites can cause severe discomfort, an ear infection and even hearing loss. In fact, ear mites are a common cause of cat ear infections. Identifying the symptoms of ear mites, along with early treatment can prevent ear problems.  Holistic care with diet and natural supplements can support your cat's immune system helping to create an environment less welcoming to these troublesome critters.

What Are Ear Mites?

Ear mites, scientifically known as Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasites that infest the ears of cats. They belong to the arachnid family and are barely visible to the naked eye. These minuscule intruders thrive in the warm, dark environment of a cat's ear canal, where they feed on ear wax, oils, and skin debris. The life cycle of ear mites typically lasts three weeks, during which they go through several developmental stages.

Symptoms Of Ear Mites In Cats

The symptoms of ear mites in cats include:

Ear Scratching: Cats with ear mites often exhibit increased scratching or pawing at their ears. The mites cause irritation, leading to this typical behavior.

Head Shaking: Continuous head shaking is a common sign of ear mite infestation. Cats may vigorously shake their heads in an attempt to relieve the discomfort in their ears.

Dark, Crumbly Discharge: Ear mites produce a characteristic dark, crumbly discharge that resembles coffee grounds. This discharge is a combination of earwax, blood, and dead mites.

Redness and Swelling: The presence of ear mites can cause redness and swelling in the ear canal. Inflammation is a response to the mites' feeding and movement within the ear.

Foul Odor: Ear mite infestations can result in a foul odor emanating from the cat's ears. The odor may be noticeable even before other symptoms become apparent.

Scratches or Sores Around the Ears: Due to persistent scratching, cats may develop scratches or sores around the ears. This can lead to further discomfort and the risk of secondary infections.

Diagnosing and Treatments for Ear Mites in Cats

If you suspect your cat has ear mites, a visit to the veterinarian is essential. A thorough examination, including a microscopic ear swab analysis, will help confirm the presence of these microscopic invaders. Once diagnosed, prompt treatment is crucial to alleviate your cat's discomfort and prevent further complications. Your veterinarian may prescribe ear drops, ointments, or oral medications. Additionally, cleaning the ears and treating the cat's environment are important steps in the eradication process.

Consequences of Untreated Feline Ear Mites

Leaving ear mites untreated can have severe consequences for your cat.  Persistent scratching and head shaking can result in self-inflicted injuries, leading to secondary bacterial infections. Prolonged infestations may cause inflammation, discomfort, and even hearing loss. In extreme cases, untreated ear mites can contribute to more serious health issues, affecting not only the ears but the overall well-being of your cat.

Preventive Measures For Feline Ear Mites

Prevention is key when it comes to feline ear mites. Regular ear cleaning, maintaining good hygiene practices, grooming your cat, and managing the environment can significantly reduce the risk of infestation. A proactive approach is the best defense against these silent intruders and supporting your cat's immune system can be an important part of your prevention plan. 

Natural Ways to Support Your Cat's Immune System

Apart from conventional treatments, supporting your cat's immune system naturally can play a role in preventing ear mites. Feeding a low carbohydrate, novel protein food and incorporating omega-3 fatty acids along with probiotics into your cat's regimen can help prevent reinfection.  Immune support supplements like NOT Drops can support your cat's immune system to recover from ear irritation, redness and potential ear infection.  Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential to monitor your cat's well-being.

Power Probiotic -  Power Probiotic is a multi-strain pet probiotic supplement that promotes the growth of friendly bacteria.  These beneficial bacteria help fight off pathogens, bad bacteria and viruses to keep your pet healthy.  Contains 6 powerful strains along with prebiotics to increase absorption and survival of the bacteria. 

NOT Drops-  This natural homeopathic remedy fights bacterial infections and supports your pet's immune system. It controls harmful bacteria and acts like a natural antibiotic for your cat. Gentle, easy to administer, and safe for long-term use. 

PureOcean Wild Omegas contains omega-3 fatty acids from sardines, anchovies and mackerel wild-caught from the ocean. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and can support overall skin and coat health in cats.  

Understanding ear mites, recognizing their signs, and taking prompt action is vital for your cat's well-being. By combining conventional treatments with natural immune system support and preventive measures, you can create a resilient defense against these microscopic invaders. Keep your cat happy, healthy, and free from the discomfort of ear mites with proactive care and regular veterinary attention. Remember, the key is early intervention – don't delay in seeking professional help for your cat's ear health. 

Author:  Susan Blake Davis

Published: 2/18/2024

Revised:  2/20/2024

Ear Infections in Cats

Although, ear infections are much more common in dogs than in cats, cats can get them too.  (If you have a dog that is getting chronic ear infections, yeast and allergies are typically the cause.)  Some of the signs that could indicate your cat has an ear infection include:

• Scratching or pawing at their ear 
• Shaking or tilting of the head in the direction of the painful ear
• Black or yellowish discharge
• Redness or swelling of the ear flap or ear canal
• Waxy buildup on or near the ear canal
• Discharge from the ear that resembles coffee grounds (a symptom of ear mites)
• Strong odor
• Hearing loss
• Loss of balance or disorientation 

Natural Treatments For Cats with Ear Infections

The first step is to determine the underlying cause of the ear infection.   If your vet determines that your cat has ear mites or a yeast or bacterial infection, these can be treated with anti-parasitic, anti-fungals or antibiotics, as appropriate. These all come in ointment or ear drop form. However, since ear infections can frequently return, it's important to use a natural, holistic approach to support your cat's immune system.  Using a few natural remedies along with diet changes can help prevent ear infections from returning and build a strong immune system.

         Home Remedies For Cats With Ear Infections

• Power Probiotic- essential for your pet's good health. Supports digestion, helps fight infection and enhances overall immunity.  Very important if your cat has taken any antibiotics.

                                                     

                                                                   Immune Support Kit

Immune Support Kit - Contains three tasteless liquid formulas:  Silver Immune Support, NotaSAN and QuentaSAN drops.  These three remedies can provide fast relief for your cat's stomatitis and are easy to administer.  Save on the package price when you buy all three natural remedies together.  

• Silver Immune Support For Pets--  Silver Immune Support is an all-natural, easy to use remedy to help your pet recover from a bacterial infection or viral flare-up.
• NotaSAN Drops Natural homeopathic formula that fights infections. First line of defense for infections in cats. Can be used safely long-term to prevent recurrences. 
• QuentaSAN Drops- Excellent for fighting infections, viruses, and immune support.  Use along with the NotaSAN on alternating nights for best results.

Diet Changes Can Help
A change in diet can also make a big difference as allergies and yeast can weaken a cat's immune system. Avoid dry food as the high carbohydrate content can contribute to yeast overgrowth.  Please include your cat's diet on the order form at checkout.  The AskAriel nutritionist will include a diet suggestion on the packing slip that comes with the product directions.

What causes ear infections in cats?

Parasites: The ear mite, Otodectes cynotis, is a common cause of ear problems, especially in kittens. 
Allergies: Allergies, either to food or environmental, may have ear problems.  It actually can be one of the first signs of a pet's allergies.  Allergies can also lead to secondary infections with bacteria or yeast. Treating the allergies is key to ending a cycle of allergy induced ear infections.
Bacteria and Yeast:  Under normal conditions, your cat has a good defense system to keep the ear healthy. However, if the ear environment changes due to allergies, hormone abnormalities, or moisture, the bacteria and yeast  can grow quickly, bacteria and yeast love to grow in warm, dark places.  
Ear Conditions: Wax buildup in the ear canal and thick hair in the ear canal
Foreign Bodies:  Especially if you have a cat who goes outside, be sure to routinely check their ears for foreign objects.
Trauma: Injury or self-inflicted trauma to the ear (from scratching ) can lead to infections.
Hormonal Abnormalities and Other Health Conditions: Deficiencies or excesses of various hormones can result in skin and ear problems, as will immune system disorders.

There are many reasons cats can get ear infections. A holistic approach using a few immune support supplements along with a diet change can help your cat feel much better.