The key to treating ear mites is to insist on the "cleaning + deworming + anti-inflammatory" three-step approach, while also paying attention to environmental disinfection and multi-pet isolation. Usually, it can be completely cured in 2-4 weeks. But how exactly to operate? What symptoms should be watched out for? Can it be transmitted to other furry kids? We will explain everything in one article.

1. First, Learn to "Match the Symptoms": 7 Typical Ear Mite Symptoms, Don’t Wait Until It’s Severe to Notice

Last year, my cat suddenly began "frantically shaking its head." At that time, I thought it was just playing "Thomas the Spinner," but when I got closer and smelled it—wow, a sour and rancid odor came from the ear. Only then did I realize something was wrong. Later, I found out that ear mite symptoms are divided into "obvious warnings" and "hidden signals," and early detection can reduce suffering.

Obvious symptoms (visible to the naked eye):
1. "Coffee grounds" discharge: Accumulation of blackish-brown or reddish-brown debris in the ear canal, like a handful of damp coffee powder sprinkled in. In severe cases, it can form hard scabs.
2. Frequent scratching and head shaking: Cats will use their hind paws to vigorously scratch their ears, sometimes scratching until bleeding; head shaking resembles performing "Initial D," but actually the mites are crawling inside the ear canal causing intense itchiness.
3. Red and swollen ears that feel hot: Mites gnaw on the ear canal skin causing inflammation. The outside of the ear feels noticeably warmer than other areas to the touch, and redness can be seen.

Hidden symptoms (easily overlooked):
1. Localized hair loss/scabs: Excessive scratching can rub off hair around the ears, and damaged skin may form bloody scabs, feeling rough to the touch.
2. Suddenly becomes "stinky treasure": Healthy cat ears only have a light wax scent. After ear mite infection, discharges ferment and emit a sour and rotten oil smell (if surprised by the odor while cuddling your cat, don’t panic, check the ears first).
3. Behavioral abnormalities: Affectionate cats may become irritable or suddenly lose appetite and become lethargic—the persistent itch really affects their mood.
4. Head tilt/circling (severe cases): Mites damage deep tissues in the ear canal, possibly affecting balance nerves. Cats may appear drunk, tilting their head or circling in place. Immediate medical treatment is required at this stage.

2. Ear Mites Can "Drag Others Down": Infectious Risks in Multi-Pet Households

Ear mites, scientifically called "ear mange mites," although only 0.3-0.5 millimeters in size (smaller than a sesame seed), have a strong reproductive capability—female mites can lay 20-30 eggs at a time, with a lifecycle about 3 weeks; eggs in the environment can survive 2-3 days.

Key point: Ear mites can infect not only cats but also dogs, rabbits, and other pets! My neighbor’s corgi started scratching its ears a week after playing with an infected cat. So when one cat is found infected, immediate steps should be taken:
- Isolate the sick cat in a clean small space (like the bathroom);
- Disinfect all shared items (cat beds, toys, bowls) with pet-specific disinfectants; use vacuum cleaners plus ultraviolet lamps to disinfect carpets and sofas (mites dislike heat and dryness);
- Even if other pets show no symptoms, deworming medication is recommended preventively (specific drugs will be recommended later).

3. The "Golden Formula" for Treating Ear Mites: Cleaning + Deworming + Anti-inflammatory, All Are Essential

Many think "just applying some medicine will cure it," but repeated relapses occur because mite eggs hide deep in the ear canal. Deworming alone may miss them. Cleaning and anti-inflammatory treatments are necessary.

Step 1: Clean the ear canal daily (for 2 weeks)

Tools: Pet ear wash (do not use human ones! pH differences can irritate cats), cotton balls/soft tissues (no cotton swabs! They can injure the ear canal).
Operating tips:
- First soothe the cat (use treats or stroke the chin to distract), then gently flip the ear to expose the ear canal.
- Apply 3-5 drops of ear wash (adjust according to ear size), gently massage the base of the ear for 20 seconds with your fingers (you may hear a "gurgling" sound, which means the ear wash is dissolving earwax).
- After releasing the ear, the cat will shake its head to bring out dirt. Use a cotton ball to clean the outer ear flap (don’t forcefully dig deep into the ear canal!).

Note: If there are blood scabs or pus in the ear canal before cleaning, it is recommended to visit the vet for treatment first to avoid worsening the infection by self-treatment.

Step 2: Use deworming medication on schedule (critical!)

Ear mites are parasites and require targeted deworming medication to kill adult mites and eggs. Common effective ingredients are "Selamectin" (Droncit), "Imidacloprid + Moxidectin" (Advocate). These are both drops applied to the skin on the back of the cat's neck (an area the cat can't lick). The medicine penetrates the skin into the bloodstream, effective against ear mites, fleas, and lice.

Usage frequency: Use once in the first week, then once again after 2 weeks (covering the 3-week ear mite lifecycle to kill hatched eggs).

Step 3: Anti-inflammatory and infection prevention (needed if severe)

If the cat’s ear canal is already swollen and producing pus, it indicates a secondary bacterial infection. Antibiotic ointments are needed (such as pet-specific Otic medications containing dexamethasone and neomycin). Clean the ear first, then apply a pea-sized amount of the ointment inside the ear canal, massage for absorption, once daily until inflammation subsides (usually 5-7 days).

4. Treatment Cycle: 2-4 Weeks for Complete Eradication, Don’t Stop Medication Too Early!

The lifecycle of ear mites is 3 weeks (egg → larva → nymph → adult). Many stop medication after 1 week when the cat stops scratching, but the eggs hatch and the mites return. The correct course is:
- Clean ear canal: once daily for 2 weeks (until no more blackish-brown discharge);
- Deworming medication: use once at day 1 and once at day 15 (2 times total);
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: apply for 5-7 days as needed based on inflammation.

After stopping medication, observe for another week. If no recurrence occurs, the infection is essentially cured.

5. Ear Mite Prevention: Do These 4 Things to Save Worrying More Than Treatment

1. Regular deworming: Use external deworming meds (Droncit, Advocate) monthly (especially in multi-pet households or cats that often go outside), effectively preventing ear mites, fleas, and ticks.
2. Check ears weekly: Shine a flashlight into the ear canal. Normal ears should be light pink with no obvious discharges. If a small amount of earwax (pale yellow and dry) is present, wipe clean with a pet wipe.
3. Keep environment dry: Ear mites like humid environments; regularly sun-dry cat beds and blankets, use a dehumidifier at home (keep humidity below 50%).
4. Quarantine new cats/pets: Get a health check before bringing new cats home, isolate and observe for 2 weeks before mixing to avoid cross-infection.

6. Medication Recommendations: Avoid Paying a Stupid Tax, Choose Effectively

• Ear wash: Vick Ear Cleanser (gentle, suitable for routine cleaning), Ear Clean (contains lysozyme, can break down earwax), Boric Acid Borneol Ear Drops (human use but safe for cats, cheap and effective, avoid those containing alcohol).
• Deworming medication: Droncit (Selamectin, effective against ear mites, fleas, heartworms), Advocate (Imidacloprid + Moxidectin, effective against ear mites, roundworms, hookworms).
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Otic medication (contains hormones and antibiotics, fast anti-inflammatory), Jindun Ear Drops (traditional Chinese medicine ingredients, suitable for mild inflammation).

Final reminder: If the cat shows head tilt, pus discharge, hearing loss, or if symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, be sure to take it to the vet promptly! Ear mites themselves are not scary, but prolonged infection can lead to otitis media, eardrum perforation, and even hearing loss, which will make treatment harder and costlier.

After all, we keep cats to enjoy "quiet and peaceful times, cuddling together," so don’t let ear mites ruin that little happiness~