Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ears of cats. They can cause a lot of discomfort, and in some cases, they can lead to permanent damage to the ears.
Mites can be a problem for cats, particularly those with weak immune systems. If left untreated, they can lead to secondary bacterial and yeast infections. Over time, some cats seem to develop immunity to mites, so younger cats with developing immune systems are more likely to be afflicted. Cats with weakened immune systems are at higher risk as well.
What are Ear Mites?
Outer ear mites are small, crab-like parasites that typically live on the head, and in the ears. In more extreme cases, they can cause a rupture of the ear drum, and may lead to deafness and even seizures. Mites are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats. Some cats are more bothered by mite infestations than others. Cats that are younger or more sensitive to the pests may be more affected.
If your cat has signs of an inner or outer ear infection (such as discharge from their ears or difficulty hearing), it is important to take them to a veterinarian for evaluation.
What are the Signs of Ear Mites?
The signs of ear mites in a Ragdoll cat can include:
- Head shaking and excessive scratching of the ears.
- Ear discharge that is yellow, green, or brown
- A build-up of dry, black wax that often resembles coffee grounds.
- Dry skin and/or a loss of hair around the ears
In more severe cases, excessive scratching may cause ulceration at the back of the ear. This may lead to permanent disfigurement.
How Do You Treat Ear Mites?
To avoid damage to the ear, treatment for ear mites in cats should be done by a veterinarian and begins with cleaning out the ears.
The wax may be softened with mineral oil prior to flushing out the ears. This breaks up the wax and removes a large number of mites.
Following the ear cleaning, an ear mite treatment can be administered. In order to prevent the recurrence of infestation by mites that have migrated away from the ear, flea control medication may be used. Over-the-counter remedies may work, but treatment will typically take longer than preparations from your veterinarian.
Since ear mites in cats can also be spread to humans and dogs, it is necessary to take some precautions. Physical contact with affected cats should be limited. This is a very treatable condition, although treatment may take some time in more severe instances.
Being an indoor cat, ear mites in Ragdoll cats are not a common occurrence. However, be sure to watch for signs of ear mites and take steps to treat them if you notice them.
