Treat My Cat
In this guide
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal. They're very common in kittens, outdoor cats and newly adopted cats, and they spread easily between cats and dogs that live together. The good news is that modern treatments clear them quickly, often with a single dose.
Signs of ear mites
- Lots of head shaking and ear scratching
- Dark brown or black, crumbly discharge in the ears that looks like coffee grounds
- Redness, scabs or scratches around the ears and head
- A bad smell from the ears
- In heavy cases, itchy skin on the neck, rump or tail, because mites can wander out of the ears
How cats catch ear mites
Ear mites pass by close contact: cats sleeping together, grooming each other, or a mother cat with her kittens. They can also move between cats and dogs, and occasionally ferrets. They don't survive long off an animal, so most cases come from another pet.
Get it checked before you treat
Ear mites look a lot like ear infections (bacterial or yeast) and ear polyps, which need different treatment. A vet can confirm mites in minutes by looking at a swab under a microscope. Treating the wrong problem wastes time and can make sore ears worse. Your vet will also check that the eardrum is intact, because some ear drops are unsafe if it isn't.
How ear mites are treated
- Spot-on parasite treatments. Several prescription spot-ons applied to the back of the neck kill ear mites as well as fleas. Often one or two doses is all it takes.
- Ear drops. Medicated drops are put directly into the ear, usually for a set number of days.
- Ear cleaning. Your vet may clean the ears first, or show you how to use a cat-safe ear cleaner, so the treatment can reach the mites.
Treat all cats and dogs in the household, even if they aren't scratching, or the mites will pass back and forth. Many vets recommend a recheck after treatment to confirm the mites are gone.
How to give ear drops
- Wrap your cat loosely in a towel if it wriggles.
- Gently fold the ear flap back and put the drops into the canal.
- Massage the base of the ear for 20 to 30 seconds. You should hear a squelching sound.
- Let your cat shake its head, then wipe away the excess from the outer ear with a cotton ball.
- Reward with a treat (see our guide to healthy cat treats).
Never push cotton swabs into the ear canal.
Don't use
- Olive oil, mineral oil or home remedies. They may smother a few mites, but they don't clear an infestation and can make infections worse.
- Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They sting and irritate the ear.
- Dog products, unless your vet says they're safe for cats. Some dog flea and tick products contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats.
- Old ear drops left over from a previous problem. They may be the wrong medicine, or unsafe if the eardrum is damaged.
See a vet urgently if
- Your cat tilts its head, loses its balance or walks in circles. This can mean a middle or inner ear infection.
- The ear flap swells up like a pillow. This is an aural hematoma, from scratching or head shaking.
- The ears are bleeding, very red or very painful.
Common questions
Can humans catch ear mites from cats?
It's very rare. Cat ear mites may occasionally cause a temporary itchy rash on people who handle an infested cat closely, but they don't live in human ears.
How long does it take to get rid of ear mites?
With a modern prescription spot-on, mites are usually gone within a few weeks. Ear drops typically need to be given for the full course your vet sets, often with a recheck at the end.
Can ear mites go away on their own?
No. Without treatment the mites keep breeding, and the ears can become infected or damaged from scratching. Treatment is quick and simple, so it's worth doing.
Do indoor cats get ear mites?
They can, usually from another pet in the household or a newly adopted cat. Indoor-only cats with no contact with other animals are unlikely to get them.
Should I clean my cat's ears at home?
Healthy cat ears rarely need cleaning. If your vet recommends it during treatment, use a cat-safe ear cleaner, fill the canal, massage the base, and wipe only the parts you can see. Never use cotton swabs inside the ear or clean ears that look very red or painful.
The short version
Coffee-ground discharge plus scratching usually means ear mites. Get a vet to confirm, then treat every pet in the house. If your cat is also scratching its body, check for fleas too.
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from:
Written from published veterinary guidance. How we write our guides.
