How to Take Away Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites cause intense itching and discomfort in cats, which causes them to shake their heads or scratch at their ears. Ear mites also typically cause a black or brown waxy buildup of residue in the cat's ears. The most common cat ear mite is Otodectes cynotis, which is highly contagious among cats and can also infect dogs. Cat ear mites do not infect humans. Treating indoor cats that have ear mites is easier than treating outdoor cats, because outdoor cats are more likely to become reinfected.

Instructions

1

Remove a small amount of discharge from your cat's ear with a cotton swab. Place the cotton swab against the black paper and look for tiny white specks moving on the paper. These specks are ear mites.

2

Visit a veterinarian for an official diagnosis and a prescription for ear mite medication. Apply the medication to your cat's ears according to the veterinarian's directions. Most ear mite medications will need repeat applications, but one-time ear mite medications are available, which are convenient for cats and their owners.

3

Examine your cat's ears on a regular basis and keep them clean. If you see a recurrence of ear mites, follow up with your veterinarian for treatment.

Ear mites cause intense itching and discomfort in cats, which causes them to shake their heads or scratch at their ears. Ear mites also typically cause a black or brown waxy buildup of residue in the cat's ears. The most common cat ear mite is Otodectes cynotis, which is highly contagious among cats and can also infect dogs. Cat ear mites do not infect humans. Treating indoor cats that have ear mites is easier than treating outdoor cats, because outdoor cats are more likely to become reinfected.

Instructions

1

Remove a small amount of discharge from your cat's ear with a cotton swab. Place the cotton swab against the black paper and look for tiny white specks moving on the paper. These specks are ear mites.

2

Visit a veterinarian for an official diagnosis and a prescription for ear mite medication. Apply the medication to your cat's ears according to the veterinarian's directions. Most ear mite medications will need repeat applications, but one-time ear mite medications are available, which are convenient for cats and their owners.

3

Examine your cat's ears on a regular basis and keep them clean. If you see a recurrence of ear mites, follow up with your veterinarian for treatment.