Cat ear mites are tiny parasites that cause the animal a lot of suffering and discomfort. Ear tick has a life cycle that lasts about three weeks. They can cause irritation and inflammation and can also lead to infection of both the outer ear and inner ear canal. There are several different types of ear mites that parasitize cats, but the most common is Otodectes cynotis. These are ticks that feed on oils and wax found in the animal’s ears. Parasites cause a severe disease – otomycosis. To rid the animal of torment, it is important to react in time and start treatment.
Cat Ear Mite
The ear mite in cats is a tiny, tenacious arthropod. Before puberty, the parasite has time to shed several times (discards the rough shell). Microscopic jaws firmly dig into the skin and suck out the intercellular fluid.
What does an ear mite look like:
- length – 0.2-0.6 mm (the size of a semolina);
- body shape is oval;
- color – yellow;
- eight limbs and two pedipalps.
Many owners have a question: Are the ear mites in cats not transmitted to humans? In fact, for humans, the parasite does not pose any danger. The ear mites of cats are dangerous for dogs, hamsters, and decorative rabbits. They also settle in the ears of the animal and cause severe discomfort.
The veterinarian will prescribe medication for ear mites in cats after diagnosis. The main thing is to consult a specialist in time, as untimely treatment can lead to hearing impairment in a pet.
Symptoms of cat ear mites
Signs of cat ear mites:
- excessive combing of the affected ear;
- hair loss;
- waxy discharge appears;
- inflammation and itching;
- coffee grounds garbage
- scabs or scratches around the ears;
- disorientation.
The main symptoms of otomycosis are hard to miss. The animal becomes nervous and constantly shakes its head, while it can meow loudly and pityingly. During scabies, the head will lean towards the affected ear.
If you notice such symptoms, you need to contact a veterinarian. The ear mite in cats, whose symptoms may not immediately appear, can be dangerous for the health and life of your pet (the disease leads to inflammatory processes in the membranes of the brain, followed by a painful death). Symptoms and treatment should be constantly monitored to prevent complications.
Diagnostics
It is very difficult to recognize ear mites independently. But if you look closely, you will notice black microscopic black grains (parasite secretions). How do you determine the development of otomycosis in cats at the initial stage? In order to get an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian will take the discharge from the animal’s ear. Under the microscope, small yellowish-colored moving points will be visible. This will mean infection.
Cat ear mites treatment
How are ear mites treated in cats? This question is asked by every owner whose pet exhibits the above symptoms. Treatment of otomycosis should begin on time in order to prevent complications. In order to help your pet, it is important to know how to deal with ear mites. There are a lot of drugs. It can be ointments, injections, gels, or drops. Ear drops for cats from ticks are prescribed by specialists after a diagnosis is made.
Get rid of the ear mite:
- The ear mite of the cat is removed in complete sterility. First of all, we clean the cat’s ears – we treat the affected skin with an antiseptic.
- With the help of an ear stick (soaked in peroxide), you need to get all the dirt and dried-out secretions from the ears. This will help cleanse crusts, scabs, and waste products of parasites, pus, and other secretions. Remember, removing the ear mite from the cat in the right way will avoid any dangerous consequences.
- For the treatment of ear mites, we use anti-mite drugs. After cleansing the affected ear, you should use the acquired drugs, for example, drops from an ear tick for cats.
Home treatment involves complete sterility. The procedure should be carried out with gloves. If this happens for the first time with your pet, and you don’t know how to cure the cat and how to treat painful symptoms, then it is better to consult a specialist. Experienced veterinarians know how ear mites are treated in cats, so their treatment methods will help to avoid the consequences. The ear mite is treated for a long time due to the fact that the initial stage does not bear any signs. But if you notice the symptoms on time, the treatment will go much faster.
Prevention of cat ear mites
So, we know everything about identifying and treating ear mites, but what most people want to know is how to prevent them altogether. Is the ear tick in cats known to be life-threatening? Therefore, prevention is really the best thing you can do for your pet because these arthropods are dangerous to their life.
Prevention measures are simple:
- To prevent parasites, it is important to clean your cat’s ears regularly. This will allow you to see any problems at an early stage.
- Prevent contact with stray animals. Homeless cats should not be touched by a person either because a parasite can “come” to your house, parasitizing on human clothes or shoes.
- Strengthen the immunity of the animal. Feed foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
- In the season of parasite activity, you can use special drops or ointments, which will become a barrier to the penetration of ticks into the skin.
No need to immediately panic if you suspect Otodectosis. Modern or alternative drugs will help to overcome the problem and restore your pet to a good mood and health. The main thing to remember is that the prevention of an ear mite in cats will provide a pet with reliable protection against “uninvited guests.”
How to get rid of cat fleas in the house
Fleas make the life of domestic animals unbearable, and in humans, only with the thought of parasites itching begins. Veterinarians are often asked how to get cat fleas out of the house and what the most effective pills, drops, collars, or shampoos for cats from fleas are. According to experts, the answer to how to get rid of cat fleas in the house lies in their biology.
No single method or insecticide destroys (or at least controls) these insects. The life cycle of a flea is quite complex. Only an understanding of the various stages of development will help get rid of them.
Together, all flea species have a common scientific name – Siphonaptera. Feline fleas, Ctenocephalides felix, are the most common fleas in the US. They parasitize cats, dogs, humans, and other mammals and birds.
● Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments and temperate climates. The leading food is the blood of the host animal.
● Fleas are used as a mammalian host in 95% of cases. They can also infect birds (in 5% of cases).
● Like other blood-sucking parasites, Flea saliva contains an ingredient that softens or “digests” the host’s skin for easier penetration and feeding. Flea saliva is a strong irritant. All the signs of an allergic reaction appear precisely against the background of its effect – it begins to itch, there is a desire to scratch, skin burns, and the like.
Steps to get rid of cat fleas in the house
- We process water vapor.
Even though the expensive steam treatment method effectively controls flea eggs, you will need a steam generator, steam cleaner, or an inexpensive steamer.
- Vacuum
Vacuum the floors and furniture thoroughly at least 1-2 times a week to destroy flea eggs, larvae, and pupae. Focus on where your pet sleeps, particularly the places under the furniture. In case of severe infection, you can put the whole flea collar or its part (for example, 1/4, having cut it) in a bag for a vacuum cleaner.
- We wash the pet’s bedding in hot, soapy water.
Wash or dry things at a maximum temperature one time per week. High temperature destroys fleas at all their life stages of development, including eggs. It is important to remember that flea eggs are very slippery and easily fall from bedding or blankets. Carefully fold the sheets and put them in the washing machine, careful not to spread flea eggs around the house.
- Change the diet
Add enough natural or brewer’s yeast and garlic to your animal’s food. Scientific studies prove the effect of yeast in flea control. From time to time, they try to challenge this effect, but it’s still worth a try. Yeast can also be rubbed directly into the animal’s hair.
- Comb the animal
Using a flea comb will help in removing fleas from your pet. Most pet stores sell special fine-toothed combs designed to clean lice, hair-eaters, downy-eaters, and ectoparasites. Regular use of this method, even while watching TV or talking on the phone, will greatly reduce the risk of getting a flea. Depending on the degree of infection and the time of year, it can be daily (at the beginning of the flea season-summer), weekly, or monthly. Gently but thoroughly comb the cat or dog’s skin, especially in the head, neck, back, and hind limbs.
- We process salt
Treat the rugs with mineral salt. This will kill the fleas. Salts are effective for one year; they safely kill fleas at all stages of development for 3-5 weeks.
- Do not touch the ants.
It’s correct to say: “do not interfere with ants.” They like to eat flea eggs and larvae. This is another reason not to use pesticides that kill all insects in the garden.
- Cooking herbal powder
You will find the powders in pet and natural food stores, or you can make them yourself if there are herbs in the house. A mixture of herbs usually includes the following ingredients: eucalyptus, rosemary, fennel, yellow dock, wormwood, and root. Apply the powder gently to the cat’s coat, folding it back with your hand or comb and sprinkling it on the base of the coat, especially on the neck, back, and stomach. For severe infections, repeat several times a week. Some herbal flea powders also contain natural pyrethrins, which are used to control insects.
Dr. Jenifer Miona is a highly skilled and compassionate veterinarian based in Ireland. With a passion for animal health and wellbeing, she has dedicated her career to providing the highest standard of veterinary care to pets and their families.
After completing her veterinary degree at the University of Dublin, Dr. Miona went on to specialize in small animal medicine. She has since gained extensive experience in all areas of veterinary care, including routine check-ups, surgical procedures, and emergency treatments.
In her clinic, Dr. Miona is known for her gentle and compassionate approach to patient care. She takes the time to listen to the concerns of pet owners and develops personalized treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each animal.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Miona is active in the veterinary community and stays up-to-date with the latest advances in veterinary medicine through ongoing education and professional development. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Irish Veterinary Association and the European College of Small Animal Medicine.
Outside of her work as a veterinarian, Dr. Miona is an avid animal lover and enjoys spending time with her own pets. She also volunteers at local animal shelters and is committed to promoting animal welfare through community outreach and education.
