Ear mites in kittens are usually an unfortunate fact of life for a new pet owner. Anyone who has recently adopted a new kitten should check the kitty's ears right away to be sure he doesn't have feline ear mites. These pests spread very easily from one animal to another, so it's important to get rid of ear mites quickly, especially if there are other pets in the home.
Why are Ear Mites in Kittens So Common?
It's estimated that up to half of the adult cat population is infected with feline ear mites. A healthy cat will develop some immunity to these little bugs as he or she gets older, so quite a few adult cats with mites don't show any symptoms.
Unfortunately, kittens haven't had a chance to develop this immunity yet, since their immune systems are still immature. The chances are pretty good that mama cat had ear mites, and if she did, it's a sure bet that her kittens do, too, since these pesky insects spread rapidly from one animal to another.
Symptoms of Feline Ear Mites
If the new cat owner notices that the new kitten is constantly scratching his ears, or shaking his head, the kitty probably does have ear mites. Looking into the kitten's ears will reveal a reddish-brown to blackish wax inside that may look like coffee grounds. An unpleasant odor may be present, too.
An owner who is diligent about good cat ear care won't ignore pet ear mites. Not only do mites torment the cat with incessant itching, but the constant scratching leads to irritation and inflammation, which often paves the way for a feline ear infection.
Sometimes a young cat will scratch so much, or shake his head so hard, that an aural hematoma results. This is a blood-filled pocket on the cat's ear flap. A hematoma is very painful for a feline, and the vet needs to drain it as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage to the ear flap.
Does Mineral Oil Kill Ear Mites?
Many people recommend using mineral oil to kill ear mites in kittens. The theory is that the oil smothers the mites. It would be wonderful if this was true, but unfortunately it's not. Mineral oil is not an effective ear mite treatment for cats.
What's a Good Way to Treat Ear Mites in Kittens?
The easiest and best way to permanently get rid of ear mites in a kitten is to take the youngster to the vet for treatment. The vet will clean the cat's ears, removing any dried blood and other discharge that may be present.
Cat ear mite treatment available today requires only one application. The vet will choose a treatment that's safe for use on kittens. These pet ear mite treatments are fast and effective, and are a major step forward from the daily treatments that were necessary in years past.
Can People Catch Feline Ear Mites from Kittens?
The answer is no. Cat ear mites don't affect people's ears at all. There have been reports of people who have developed skin rashes after being exposed to ear mites in cats, but it's pretty unusual for people to have any problems at all.
Don't wait to find out if a new kitten's ears are infected with mites. It's so easy to get rid of ear mites these days that there's no reason to let a kitten suffer with these pests.
Source:
Answering Your Questions About Ear Mites
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