What Are Ear Mites in Cats? What Do They Look Like?

Ear mites, technically named Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasites that can take up residence in your cat’s ears. They belong to the arachnid class (in the company of ticks), which means they have eight legs and no wings. And although they’re small, ear mites are mighty.  

An ear mite infestation isn’t just annoying for your cat; it can lead to severe ear infections and even permanent ear damage if left untreated, according to Dean Vicksman, DVM, veterinarian and board president of the EveryCat Health Foundation.  

Cats can also cause cuts and irritation on their face and ears from aggressive or frequent scratching due to ear mites, which can lead to secondary bacterial and yeast infections. 

Ear mites are highly contagious, and cats typically get them by coming into contact with other infected cats, according to Christine Cain, DVM, DACVD, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia.  

Because of this, most healthy indoor cats have a low risk of getting ear mites, unless they’re regularly interacting with other animals who live outside the household. 

Ear mites are most common in kittens, immunosuppressed cats, and outdoor cats, especially those living in feral colonies. They’re also common in catteries. 

If you have good eyesight, you might see tiny white dots moving around in your cat’s ears—those are the mites. However, most people can’t see these microscopic pests with the naked eye, says Dr. Vicksman. 

The most telltale sign of ear mites is the discharge they leave behind. It’s dark and waxy or crusty, and it’s often said to look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. 

In addition to discharge and maybe an odd sighting or two, your cat’s behavior is what will likely clue you in to an ear mite infestation. 

Dr. Vicksman says to keep an eye out for the following signs:  

• Excessive scratching of the ears 
• Frequent head shaking or tilting 
• Redness 
• Inflammation 
• Bad odor coming from the ears 
• Crusting or scaling on the skin 

If your cat is scratching their ears and shaking their head, you’ll want to perform a visual inspection to see whether you can spot these tiny parasites and identify the problem. 

Here’s how to check for ear mites in cats, according to Dr. Vicksman: 

• Gather supplies. You’ll need a flashlight, a cotton ball, and a magnifying glass. 
• Inspect the ears. Use the flashlight and magnifying glass to look for dark discharge, redness, and/or inflammation in both ears. 
• Wipe the ear with the cotton ball. Look for any dark debris that’s left on the cotton ball. 

If you suspect an infestation after going through these steps, the next step is to call your veterinarian so they can treat it. 

The first step to getting rid of ear mites in cats is to make an appointment with your veterinarian for confirmation and treatment. 

If ear mites are confirmed by your vet, ear mite treatment is a two-step process that involves: 

• Cleaning the ears to remove debris (here’s how).
• Applying a topical prescription medication, like ear drops, that kills the mites. If the infestation is really bad, your vet might recommend a systemic medication, such as an oral or injectable treatment. 

A typical treatment course runs for six to eight weeks because mites have a three-week life cycle, says Dr. Cain. She recommends treating for two life cycles to effectively kill off any mite eggs that might not have hatched yet. 

Once the infestation is under control, your vet will likely recommend regular at-home care to minimize the chances of a recurrence. You might also need to treat other animals in your household, just to be safe. 

The easiest way to prevent ear mites is to keep your cat from encountering other cats who have ear mites, says Dr. Vicksman. And if you get a new cat, he recommends making sure they’re mite-free before bringing them into the household. 

Other ways to prevent ear mites in your cat include: 

• Keeping your cat on a monthly preventive that kills ear mites as well as fleas and ticks 
• Regularly washing your cat’s bedding, towels, and anything else that they regularly lie on or come into contact with 
• Keeping the rest of your home environment clean by vacuuming regularly 
• Scheduling regular check-ins with your vet so they can clean and examine your cat’s ears