Ear Mite Symptoms In Cats

There was a recent news story about a situation in Canada where more than 100 cats were found living in a barn: one of the largest uncontrolled cat populations to be discovered in one place lately. The man who owned the barn was elderly and could not control them or care for them.

The cats were in pretty bad shape for a lot of reasons, but ear mites were among the biggest problems they faced. The cats have been transferred to a clinic where they'll receive care, but the cost will probably be in the $125 range per cat to nurse them back to health. Local authorities are asking for donations, and also asking for people to take some of the cats into their homes.

They also warned that anyone adopting an ill cat should be careful not to let one with ear mites near any other pets. Ear mites are very contagious: so contagious in fact that it's estimated 9 of every 10 cats get ear mites at least once during their lives.

If you've recently taken a cat into your home, here are some signs that he or she may have ear mites:

• an unusual amount of ear wax,
• scratching and signs of irritation in the ears,
• shaking his or her head a lot,
• skin lesions around or on the ears. This is usually the result of excessive scratching.
• thick, black crusty ear discharge.

Ear mites are extremely small crab-like creatures. There could be thousands of them in a pet's ears, and they're hard to see with a naked eye. They feed on debris and tissue fluids. They do not, however, suck blood or bite into the skin like fleas.

Ear mites can be prevented in cats who already live in your home. It's very important to keep your cat's ears clean and dry. Also inspect the cat's ears for foreign matter and see your vet right away if you notice any symptoms of ear mites.