vIf you are a cat’s owner then sometimes you may notice that your pet scratches its ears frequently. You become worried to see the cat doing this again and again.In this article we will explore the symptoms of ear mites and causes of this condition in cats. We will then provide the step by step approach to treat the condition of ear mites.

What are Ear Mites in Cats?

Ear mites are the parasites that survive in the ear canal of the cats. Although the condition does threaten the life of your feline friend, it may be contagious to the other pets.While the cat suffers from ear mites, it irritates all the time.

Signs & Symptoms of Ear Mites in Cats

Being a pet’s owner, you may notice your cat shows some symptoms such as:

• Shaking Head frequently
• Scratch the ears
• Fungus which dark brown colored, present in the ear
• Reddish ears
• Pus inside the ear canal

Causes of Ear Mites in Cats:

Ear mites may spread from your one pet to another pet if both pets directly contact each other. This may happen if you have male and female feline friends. Let find out various causes behind ear mites in cats:

1. Transfer of Mites while contact with each other

Cats play activities and interact with other cats as well. When two cats meet each other, they enjoy play-fighting and rubbing each other. Two cats swat, chase and pounce each other as the way of building bonds among them.Cat strengthen the bond by rubbing faces and body parts with each other.They like to swat each other’s tail.Cats lick each others fur and purr which is a way to reinforce their social relationship.However, they transfer the mites from their body parts to other fellow cats.

2. Bedding

In winter, you protect your feline friend from the cold. For this, you allow the cat to wrap in blankets.You also offer them mats for sleep. Sometimes,the fabric of blankets and mats contains ear mites, which then transfers from one pet to another pet.

3. Indirect Contact

Many times, an infected cat shares food and water bowls with other cats, which leads to the transmission of ear mites.

Now, we will provide the step by step approach to clear ear mites 

Ingredients you need so that you safely clean your cat’s ears:

Following are the materials you require in order to clean the ears of your cat from ear mites:

• A Pet’s ear cleaner which has a nozzle to spray
• Gloves
• Cotton wool

Step by Step Process of cleaning the ears of your Cat:

You must follow the guidelines mentioned here and contact the vet in case of any pain in the ear of your cat.

Step 1: Place your cat in a sofa or a comfortable place

Step 2: Now wear the gloves and gently open the ears of your cat.

Step 3 : Press the nozzle of the ear cleaner into the ears of your cat. You must make sure that the length of the nozzle of the pet’s cleaner does not pass the ear canal.

Step 4: Now squeeze its ear with gentle pressure.

Step 5: After this, allow the cat to shake its head.

Step 6: Finally you need to remove the debris and ear mites that now surround the ear with cotton wool.

Note: It is strictly prohibited to put cotton buds into the ears of your cat as it may damage its ear drum.

What Precautionary Measures Prevent Ear Mites in Cats?

You must consider ear mites to be highly contagious parasites. Therefore you need to take several precautionary measures:

1. Regular Veterinary Check-ups:

Every pet owner should schedule visits to the veterinarian for check-ups.This can be done on a regular basis. In case you have a busy schedule, then you can set the appointment on the desired time.Check-ups on a regular basis can catch any medical issues in the ear earlier.

2. Maintain Cleanliness:

Being a cat’s owner, it is your responsibility to clean the living area of your cat. You need to wash bedding and the toys with which your cat plays. You need to look into the ears of your cat to check whether female ear mites have laid eggs in the ear canal of your cat.If you ignore and do not look inside the ears of your cat, then these eggs hatch into larvae. After some time, the larvae then matures into adult mites.So you should make sure that you take care of the health of the cat’s ears so that the pet will never feel irritation.

3. Brushing the Fur

The caregiver should brush the fur of the cat and remove any loose hairs from its body. Sometimes,ear mites also transfer from the fur towards the ears.

Conclusion:

In summary, if you notice any ear mites present in your cat’s ears, then you must use ear cleaner and clean the ears. Ear mites irritate the cat, with the presence of ear mites, cats frequently shake their heads. In this way, they feel lethargic and uncomfortable.So in order to prevent themselves from ear mites. You must regularly wash the living environment in which your feline friend lives. You must regularly check the inside of its ear to ensure the presence of any laid eggs of female ear mites. Do not ignore this, otherwise these eggs further mature into adult mites from young larvaes and may irritate your cat.