Ear Mites in Cats: Signs and Treatment
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Relentless ear scratching and dark, crumbly debris usually mean one thing in cats: ear mites. Here is how to spot and treat them.
What ear mites are
Ear mites are tiny, highly contagious parasites that live in the ear canal, feeding on skin debris and wax. They are especially common in kittens and outdoor cats, and they spread easily between animals through close contact, so one infested pet often means checking the others.
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Signs to watch for
The classic clues are intense ear scratching, frequent head shaking, and dark, dry, crumbly debris that looks like coffee grounds. You may also notice redness, a strong odor, or scabs around the ears from scratching. Some cats scratch hard enough to injure the ear.
Confirm before you treat
Ear mites can look like a yeast or bacterial infection, and treating the wrong problem wastes time. Your vet can confirm mites by examining a swab under a microscope, then recommend the correct treatment — this is why guessing at home is risky.
Treatment and prevention
Vets typically treat with a prescription parasiticide, and many modern flea-and-tick spot-ons for cats, such as [Revolution Plus](/products/revolution-plus-topical-for-cats), also help control ear mites. Cleaning the ears as directed and treating all pets in the home prevents reinfestation from bouncing between them.
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Frequently asked
- How do I know if my cat has ear mites?
- Look for intense ear scratching, head shaking, and dark, coffee-ground-like debris in the ears. A vet can confirm mites with a quick microscope check of an ear swab.
- Will ear mites go away on their own?
- No. Ear mites need treatment to clear and can cause secondary infections if ignored. See your vet for the right medication and to treat all pets in the home.