Ear Mites in Cats

These are insect parasites very common in cats.

Symptoms
Persistent ear-scratching. A build-up of wax in the ears, dotted with black specks, is an indication that a cat may have ear mites; the black specks are probably spots of dried blood. The mites can move down the ear canal and infect the middle ear; such an infection will cause the affected animal to lose his sense of balance. The cat may be unable to hold his head straight or, in more serious cases, may constantly fall over.

Causes
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis), which are common in cats and also in wild rodents.
If left untreated, the irritation caused by ear mites will cause the cat to scratch, sometimes until his ears actually bleed.

What to do
Seek veterinary advice in all cases of ear mites, or if your cat suffers balance loss. All animals that have been in contact With the infected cat must also be treated, as ear mites can infect other animals that may not show any symptoms for some time.

Treatment
In mild cases, the vet will prescribe ear drops. If the cat's ears are irritated, they may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. Mites are easily treated if caught early enough. The ear mites are usually white or colourless and are not visible to the naked eye — a magnifying glass lens or otoscope is required (although otoscopes may not be able to detect them as the mites hide under pieces of wax). A special instrument called an otoscope is used to inspect the inside of a cat's ears.


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