If you are wondering how do cats get ear mites, then you may have already been stung by one of these parasites. Ear mites in a cat are highly contagious and can be transferred to humans. They are microscopic creatures that live in the outer ear of the cat and can cause soreness, irritation and, even pain at times. These parasites feed on the skin cells of the inner ear and in doing so, they create an environment conducive to the development of bacteria and yeast, which can cause an infection.
How do cats get ear mites? There is not one single cause but several contributing factors. One of the main reasons cats develop this condition is because the outer ear is a highly neglected area when it comes to cat care. Cats are often kept indoors rather than out where they would usually spend most of their time. As a result, this area is usually left dusty and unhygienic, which provides the perfect hiding place for fungi and other organisms that cause an infection.
Just like humans, cats are prone to getting ear mites. In fact, they get them more often than dogs. When they do get an ear infection, it is normally treated with medicine like ear mites drops, or sprays. Some people also resort to using disposable plastic cups, cotton balls, or cotton swabs to clean the ear infections.
How do cats get ear mites?
The spread of this disease is commonly caused by unclean conditions in the home, specifically the litter box. Cats with an ear mite problem will scratch and nip at their ears constantly. This is a sure invitation to any dirt or grime to get stuck into the folds and creases of the ears. The constant scratching eventually leads to infections that can spread further into the sinuses and throat, eventually reaching the brain resulting in brain damage.
How do you know if your cat has ear mites?
You may not be able to feel them or notice any change in their ears. If you find out about it during an early stage, you can remove them yourself by simply cleaning the ear canal with alcohol or with a Q-tip. You should do this at least once per week. Moreover, you can also ask your vet for advice on how to deal with this problem.
How do cats get ear mites from litter boxes?
Again, dirty litter boxes are one of the most common causes of ear mite infestations in cats. Therefore, it is likely that your cat has been coming in contact with dirty litter boxes since they were young. If the dirt seems to stay on the ears of your cat after it has been vacuumed up, then there is probably an ear mite colony present somewhere in the ear canal. To remove these colonies, gently scoop the dirt out of the ears using a damp cotton ball.
How do cats get ear mites from vaccines and drugs?
If you have given your pet some vaccination or other medication recently, you might have noticed signs of an ear infection. The same is true if you have given your pet a drug called tetracycline. If you notice dark circles around the eyes, excessive scratching, or redness around the head, you may be concerned about an ear mites infection. These symptoms will usually disappear within a few days to a week, as is the case with most ear infections. However, if it does not heal properly, you should consult your vet as soon as possible.
How do cats get ear mites from outdoor cats?
The outdoor nature of outdoor cats means that they will often come into contact with the dirt and grime of their surroundings even those of other pets. This can cause the build-up of dead skin cells that are the perfect place for mites to grow. Also, cats who get outdoors often have a more vulnerable immune system than indoor cats. This can mean that an outdoor cat can be more susceptible to ear mites than an indoor cat. Lastly, it’s important to use a medicated shampoo on your cat to help reduce any build-up of dirt and grime around the ears.
