Can Indoor Cats Get Ear Mites?

Cats are known to be very clean creatures. They actually spend at least half of the hours they are awake grooming themselves or grooming other cats, such as their kittens. 

However, as much as they like to be clean, they cannot clean every body part themselves, and thus some parts of their body do get missed.

​Take, for example, a cat's ears. Cats will not be able to reach their ears by themselves, and therefore will not clean them as well as other parts of their body. 

But, does this mean that they can get parasites like ear mites? 

We will tell you all in this article, so read on for more! 

​Can Indoor Cats Get Ear Mites?

While they are not as prone to ear mites as outdoor cats, indoor cats can still get infected with them. Indoor cats will catch ear mites if they play with the toys, or lie on the bedding of other cats that are already infected with ear mites.

​Cats can also get ear mites directly from other cats since they can also spread through direct animal contact. 

So, if you have multiple cats, then they are more likely to get infected with ear mites. 

Additionally, ear mites can infect multiple animal species, not just cats. So, it is entirely possible that your cat can get ear mites from a dog.

​What Are Ear Mites?

​But what exactly are ear mites? Well, these parasites are almost microscopic and can infect dogs as well as cats. They look like teeny tiny dots that are white in color and difficult to see with just your eyes. 

Ear mites typically live on the skin of ear canals and will eat skin oils and ear wax. Ear mites can reproduce very quickly, and adult ear mites will typically live for two months. 

Ear mite eggs take just four days to hatch and just three weeks to become adults. After becoming adults, they will breed more ear mites and the cycle will continue. 

The most common type of ear mite is the Otodectes cynotis. 

Ear mites are extremely contagious for cats and can cause itching, discomfort, head shaking, and infections. So, it is important to seek out treatment for your cat as soon as possible if you suspect them of being infected with ear mites. 

Not only that, but you should make sure your other pets, including dogs, have not caught ear mites from the infected cat. The best thing to do is isolate your infected cat from your other pets to make sure the ear mites do not get passed on.

What Are The Signs Of Ear Mites In Your Cat?

Here are the most common signs that your cat has ear mites. 

• There is a lot of redness around or inside your cat’s ears 
• Your cat scratches their ears or shakes its head violently 
• There is a bad-smelling, dry, coffee ground-like substance in their ears 
• There is a wax-like  debris in your cat’s ears
• Because of the constant scratching, your cat has evident hair loss and sores 

​What Are The Best Ear Mite Treatment Options For Cats?

It is important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your cat of being infected with ear mites.

​If left untreated, ear mites can cause cats to develop a secondary fungal or bacterial ear infection that will require medication. If the problem is still left untreated, this can cause hearing loss in your cat. 

Luckily, there is a range of treatments available to remove ear mites from your cat’s ears. Let’s check them out below!

Spot-On Treatment

​Spot-on treatments traditionally used for fleas can be helpful when it comes to ear mites, too. Use this medication exactly as prescribed and make sure you follow the advice of your veterinarian when it comes to how often you use it and how long you use it.

​Ear Drops

Another great treatment for ear mites in cats is ear drops. These drops can help to soothe any inflammation or pain your cat is experiencing because of the ear mites.

Please ensure you follow the advice of your veterinarian when it comes to how often you use it and how long you use it. 

​Successful Ear Mite Treatment Tips

Aside from medication, here are some things you can do to help treat an ear mite infection in cats.

Deep Ear Cleaning

This step should happen before the medication process. Your vet will clean your cat's ears in order to help the medication work.

Cleaning The House

Ear mites can survive on the bedding of cats, as well as your furniture and your carpets. So, to ensure that they do not reinfect your cat, it is a good idea to give everything a deep clean once a week while your cat is receiving ear mite treatment.

Treating Other Pets

​As previously mentioned, if you have other pets in your home then it is important to ensure they do not have ear mites either by taking them for a check-up with the vet.

Follow-Up Exam

One month after your cat's ear mite treatment begins, you will need to take them for a follow-up exam to ensure the infection has cleared and has not returned. 

​Can Humans Catch Ear Mites From Cats?

​Although it is rare, humans can sometimes catch ear mites from their cats. However, because the ear mites that affect humans are different from the ones that affect cats, the chances of this happening are very low. 

Keep an eye out for any rashes on your skin if you find out your cat has ear mites or if they are showing signs of being infected with them, and speak to a doctor right away if you find out you are indeed infected with ear mites from your cat.

​Final Thoughts

Indoor cats can catch ear mites, whether it is directly from another animal or from an infected animal’s bedding, toys, etc.

​Luckily, the signs of ear mites are easily identifiable and treatable, so your cat can be rid of these pesky mites in no time!