It isn’t common for cats to get ear infections, but when they do they can

be serious. Otodectes cynotis is the most common type of ear infection

that occurs cats and it’s commonly seen in nearly 90% of cats. The small

size of the mites makes them

impossible to see with the

human eye. When left

untreated, ear mites can cause

internal and external damage to the ear canal.

Vets prefer to rule out the possibility of ear infections by testing for ear

mites. Ear mites are small, eight-legged creatures that live inside the ear

canals of both pets and humans. The creatures feed on the wax and oil

build up inside a cat’s ears. Ear mites have a life span of about three

weeks. During the mites’ life cycle, a cat’s ears are subject to

inflammation, and irritability.

In the most severe cases, an infection will cause the ears to produce

dark coffee-like debris. This substance indicates the seriousness of the

condition, as well as the

progression of the infection. Pet

owners should be aware of the

highly contagious nature of ear

mites, as they are transmittable

from pet to pet.

Nine Signs that Indicate the

Presence of Ear Mites

Very few illnesses or diseases

show up without displaying or

leaving behind one or more symptoms. Like most animals that

experience ear irritation, cats will show one or more of the following

signs.

Ear inflammation or irritability

Strong odor from ear

Shaking head

Skin irritation and hair loss

Ear rubbing and excessive scratching

Coffee-like grinds which obstruct the ear canal

Ear wax secretion, brown or black in color

Signs of scratching and scabs around the ears

Imbalance or disorientation

Diagnosis and Treatment

Before the vet makes a final diagnosis,

the vet will likely order one or more

tests. Making a proper diagnosis

requires taking X-rays and potentially

administering sedatives. The most

common types of treatment the vet uses

to treat ear infections in cats are corticosteroids, anti-parasitics,

antibiotics, and anti-fungals.

While prevention might not be possible in most cases, quick response to

treatment creates effective results. The sooner ear infections are noticed

and brought to the attention of a vet, the sooner a pet can get help, and

the spread of ear mites and associated infections can be prevented.

Untreated Cat ear infections can become chronic and possibly lead to

facial paralysis and loss of hearing. Ear infections can create a mixture of

underlying secondary illnesses as well including allergies. Getting pets

into the vet is a top priority, if there are any suspicions of ear mites or ear

infections. Infections tend to get worse over time. Visit http://www.vet-

organics.com/