Cat Ear Mites vs Ear Wax: How to Tell if Your Cat Has Ear Mites
Ear mites are common in cats and kittens, but many cat owners don’t realize their pet has them until the symptoms are much more severe. In this guide, we will be discussing the difference between dirty ear wax vs ear mites in cats and how to treat them.
How do you tell if your cat has ear mites or ear wax?
First, you can look at your cat’s ear canal. Ear mites leave black specks, which are dried blood and waste. Ear wax leaves a light brownish color on the surface of the ear flap.
If you don’t know what to look for, a veterinarian can show you or even take a sample of your cat’s earwax and examine it under a microscope.
Ear mites are a common cause of ear infections in cats. These tiny parasites can invade your cat’s ears, causing irritation and inflammation. If you notice your cat shaking her head or scratching at her ear, it’s possible that she has ear mites.
Signs your cat may have ear mites:
- Scratching at the ears
- The odor from the ears
- Dark brown or black wax at the opening of the ear canal
- Excessive head shaking
- Redness and swelling of the outer ear flap (this is not normal and may indicate an infection)
Ear mites in cats are highly contagious, so if you have multiple pets in the household, they can spread easily from one to another.
The good news is that they’re treatable with over-the-counter medications designed to kill these parasites and get rid of the symptoms associated with them.
What do ear mites look like in cats?
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal of cats. The ear mites cause no harm to your cat, but they can lead to an uncomfortable situation for your pet.
Ear mites are very small insects that look like little black specks. They are usually found on the inner side of the ears. Ear mites aren’t harmful to your pets unless they’re left untreated for a long enough period of time.
If you suspect your cat has ear mites, you should take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the easier it will be to rid your cat of this condition.
How to get rid of ear mites in cats
Home treatment for cat ear mites is usually a combination of medicated ear drops and cleaning. The drops will kill the mites, while cleaning helps to get rid of the debris that they produce.
- Sentry Hc Earmitefree Ear Miticide For Cats
- Zymox Pet King Brand Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone
- Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy
- Four Paws Aloe Ear Mite Treatment for Cats
- Hartz UltraGuard Ear Mite Treatment for Cats
- Virbac EPIOTIC Advanced Ear Cleanser, Vet-Recommended For Dogs and Cats
- NaturPet Ear Drops for Dogs & Cats
- Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanser for Cats
NOTE: It’s best to see your vet for treatment because your vet can diagnose the problem properly and prescribe an effective medication.
How long does it take to get rid of ear mites in cats?
It takes up to 3 or 4 weeks for symptoms to completely clear up after the treatment has started.
The length of time that it takes for your cat’s mites to disappear depends on the severity of the infestation and your cat’s response to treatment.
What happens if you don’t treat ear mites in cats?
If left untreated, ear mites can lead to deafness or partial deafness in cats, so it is important that you consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect that your pet has ear mites.
The vet will examine your cat’s ears and prescribe an appropriate treatment based on what he or she finds. The sooner you start treating your cat for ear mites, the better.
Do I need to take my cat to the vet for ear mites?
Yes, you should definitely take your cat to the vet. Ear mites are a common problem that can be treated with an over-the-counter solution or prescription medication.
The vet will want to check your cat’s ears and look for signs of infection or irritation. They also need to rule out any other causes of itching and scratching, including allergies, skin infections, and fleas.
Black stuff in cat ear not mites
It could be a sign of an ear infection. Ear infections can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or parasites. It is important to do a proper diagnosis and find out which organism is causing the infection.
Conclusion of cat ear mites vs dirty ear wax
While it is true that ear mites and wax can cause similar symptoms, the two conditions are not related. Ear mites are parasites that live in the ear canal and feed off of your cat’s blood.
Wax, on the other hand, is an accumulation of dead cells and debris which build up inside your cat’s ear canal over time. It is important to distinguish between these two conditions because they require different treatments.
The first step in determining your feline has ear mites would be to take a look at his ears. Look for black specks when examining his ears under a bright light.
If you find these black specks inside your cat’s ears, then he most likely has an infestation of ear mites which will require immediate medical attention from a veterinarian who specializes in treating cats with this condition.
If your cat has ear mites, you may notice symptoms such as:
- Scratching at their ears frequently
- Excessive head shaking
- Odor coming from their ears
For the past two days, I’ve seen my cat scratching its ears with its paws and shaking its head constantly. I thought he was just kidding so I didn’t pay him much attention until today I hugged him and realized his ears smelled bad, he was even showing signs of an ear infection, I was shocked and thought maybe it was. it was very annoying and I think of the ear mites it gave my cat. I immediately went to buy ear drops and cleaned my ears but still watched how it went.