Ear mange in cats

Ear mange is a parasitic disease that manifests itself as intense and frequent scratching in your cat. The disease is caused by parasites that mainly live in the ear canals, but can also be found around the cat's ears.

The ear canals can be filled with black-brown secretions and can sometimes cause sever itching. Kittens are mainly affected, but it occurs at all ages.

Common symptoms of ear mites

• Vigorous ear scratching
• Black-brown dry discharge in the ears
• Sores around the ears due to excessive itching

How is ear mange diagnosed in cats?

Always contact a veterinarian if you suspect that your cat has ear mange. It is highly contagious, so you need to get the right treatment as early as possible. The vet will look into the ears (otoscope) and can often see the scabies moving, but sometimes microscopy is needed.

If ear mites are not treated, they can lead to chronic ear infections.

How is ear mange treated in cats?

There are several different treatments for ear infections. Ear mange is usually treated by careful cleaning of the ears and with a so-called spot-on preparation against parasites. Sometimes it is also treated with anti-inflammatory agents in the ears.

As ear mange is very contagious, it is important that you treat all your cats if you have several at home. It can also infect dogs.

How is ear mange transmitted in cats?

It is very contagious and spreads through close contact. The disease can affect both cats and dogs.