Ear mites

Ear mites are very small parasites called Otodectes cynotis. They live on the skin inside the ear canal and feed on wax and skin debris. They are especially common in kittens, strays and cats from shelters, and they spread easily between cats, dogs and other pets in the same home. They rarely affect people.

The classic signs are itching, head shaking, scratching at the ears, and a dark, dry, crumbly discharge in the canal that looks like coffee grounds. Cats can scratch hard enough to cause sores on the ears and neck, or swelling of the ear flap from a blood blister. The mites are tiny, though a vet can see them with an otoscope or find them under a microscope.

A dark discharge does not always mean mites. Bacterial or yeast infections, allergies and other causes look similar, and they need different treatment. Please do not put drops, oils or cleaners into a cat's ears before a vet has looked, since this can hide the problem or damage the ear. A vet will confirm the diagnosis, prescribe cat-safe medicine and tell you whether other pets need treatment. Ask your vet for a recheck to make sure the mites are gone.