Ear Mites in Cats: Signs, Treatment & Prevention
Ear mites are a common cause of itchy ears in cats—especially kittens and multi-pet households.
This guide helps cat parents recognise the signs early, understand what treatment usually involves,
and reduce the chance of repeat infestations with simple prevention habits.
Ear Mites in Cats: Signs, Treatment & Prevention
A calm, practical guide for cat parents: how to recognise ear mites early, what treatment usually involves,
and how to prevent repeat infestations—without panic.
What are ear mites?
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in a cat’s ear canal and feed on ear wax and oils.
They’re especially common in kittens, outdoor cats, shelters, and multi-pet homes because they spread through close contact.
The irritation can trigger intense itching, which leads to scratching and head shaking. If the skin becomes damaged,
bacteria or yeast may overgrow and cause a secondary ear infection.
Common signs your cat may have ear mites
- Frequent scratching around the ears or face
- Head shaking or a head tilt
- Dark, crumbly debris that looks like coffee grounds
- Redness, irritation, or sensitivity when touched
- Crusting, scabs, or hair loss around the ear area from over-scratching
It’s best to confirm the cause with a veterinarian before treating.
How ear mites are diagnosed
A vet usually checks the ear canal with an otoscope and may collect a small sample of ear debris to examine under a microscope.
This confirms mites (or rules them out) so your cat receives the correct treatment.
What your vet may also check
- Signs of secondary infection (yeast/bacteria)
- Whether the eardrum is intact (important for choosing safe ear drops)
- Whether other pets at home should be treated to prevent reinfestation
Treatment (what usually works)
1) Vet-recommended anti-mite medication
Treatment commonly includes prescription ear drops or spot-on medication that kills mites and reduces inflammation.
Some products also cover fleas and other parasites, depending on your vet’s recommendations.
2) Ear cleaning (when advised)
If debris build-up is heavy, your vet may clean the ears first so medication can work better.
Avoid deep ear cleaning at home unless you’ve been taught the correct method—incorrect cleaning can irritate the ear canal.
3) Treat all pets in the household (when needed)
Ear mites can spread between pets. In multi-pet homes, treating only one pet may lead to reinfestation.
Your vet may advise treating other cats/dogs too.
because mite eggs can survive if treatment is stopped too soon.
Prevention tips (simple & effective)
balance issues, or nonstop distress scratching.
猫咪耳螨是什么？
耳螨是一种微小寄生虫，寄生在猫咪耳道内，以耳垢与油脂为食。
幼猫、户外猫、多宠家庭更常见，因为耳螨可通过密切接触传播。
耳道发炎会造成强烈瘙痒，猫咪可能不停抓耳、甩头；若抓破皮肤，
还可能引发细菌或酵母菌增生，形成继发性耳炎。
常见症状
- 频繁抓耳或抓脸
- 甩头、歪头
- 耳内出现黑褐色像咖啡渣的分泌物
- 耳朵红肿、敏感
- 因过度抓挠导致结痂、掉毛
治疗与预防
常见治疗包括兽医建议的滴耳药或体外滴剂；若耳垢堆积较多，
可能需要先做温和清洁让药物更有效。多宠家庭有时也需同步处理其他宠物，降低复发机会。
- 定期检查耳朵（尤其幼猫或多宠家庭）
- 保持寝具、毯子、玩具清洁
- 清洁共用梳具
- 依兽医建议进行驱虫防护
Frequently Asked Questions｜常见问答
Quick answers for cat parents. If your cat has severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or strong odor—please see a vet promptly.
给猫爸猫妈的快速解答：若出现剧痛、肿胀、出血或明显臭味，请尽快就医。
How do I know if my cat has ear mites?｜如何判断猫咪有没有耳螨？
so a vet check is the best way to confirm.
Are ear mites contagious?｜耳螨会传染吗？
Can indoor cats get ear mites?｜室内猫也会有耳螨吗？
How long does treatment take?｜治疗一般需要多久？
When should I see a vet urgently?｜什么时候需要尽快就医？
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