Cat Ear Mites vs Ear Wax?
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 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.
Can you buy ear mite medicine for cats over the counter?
Yes, but it’s best to see your vet for treatment because your vet can diagnose the problem properly and prescribe an effective medication.
The treatment for cat ear mites is usually a combination of ear drops and cleaning. The drops will kill the mites, while cleaning helps to get rid of the debris that they produce.
Best over the counter ear mite treatment for cats
It’s best to use over-the-counter creams or drops that can be applied directly into the ear canal.
- 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
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
If the black stuff in cat ears is not mites, then it could be a sign of 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 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
