Is He Sick? Once infected, your cat is contagious to any other animals he comes into contact with, even during treatment, and should be isolated from them. Because the mites can also infect dogs, you must treat your canine companions as well. Don’t be too alarmed: while it’s possible, it isn’t very likely to happen. This dark discharge consists of wax, blood, mites and other debris caused by inflammation, according to Veterinary Partner. Luckily, humans don’t get them. Enter your email address and hit "Go" to be notified each time a new post is published on KittyClysm. To help prevent fleas and ticks from hitching a ride to your dog, you can use dedicated flea and tick collars on your canine friend similar to those made for cats. Picture from post The Pesky Houseguest: Weiss the Cat. The visitor likely stepped in something like dog poo on her way over, and by eating those laces, the roundworm transferred their way into Beau’s system. Would love it if you kept me updated on this situation as well. Occasionally, humans are prone to contracting scabies mites from close personal contact with pets and zoonotic scabies from domestic or wild animals and pets. Cats get ear mites from other cats (or other pets). Notify me of follow-up comments by email. While it's easy to assume that your cat has ear mites if he is displaying some or all of these symptoms, a proper diagnosis with a veterinarian is necessary to rule out other types of ear infections. Ear mites are common among outdoor cats and highly contagious between animals , although thankfully not to humans. But how did such an odd thing happen? We inherited an indoor cat from my aunt when she recently passed away. While you may not put your cat in a harness and take him or her out out on walks in your front yard or neighborhood, chances are if you’ve got a dog at home, he or she goes out for walks with you quite frequently. Diatomaceous earth deserves a post of it’s own – such an absolutely amazing pet friendly insect and parasite destroyer! Newborn kittens can get the mites from their mother if she is infested. If your cat has a weak immune system, it could cause the mites to increase. We’ll get into exactly how indoor only cats can get parasites and unlikely-for-them-to-catch diseases in the next section, but first, a word to the wise on prevention. A hard, blood-filled pillow. If you frequent the outdoors with your indoor cat in this way, or if you’ve run into problems in the past, you can also keep your cat on preventative prescription tick and flea treatments or use flea and tick collars as well. Read on to find out how ear mites in cats affect your pet’s health and what to do to get rid of them. Some mange mites are normal residents of a cats skin and hair follicles, while others are considered parasites. They play in gardens and sand which have germs. By Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM. This means that each and every time you, someone you live with, or a visitor walks through your front door, there’s an ever so slight possibility your house cat could end up with fleas. Required fields are marked *. Wash second hand items whenever you get them, just to be on the safe side. Cats are excellent escape artists. Wondering whether it’s possible for an indoor cat to get rabies, rabbit fever, and other diseases – some of which are preventable with prescription vaccines from a vet? 3. But it is possible, and the risk increases the more of a rodent problem you have on your hands. I’m hoping that by reading through the next section, you’ll realize how very difficult, if not impossible, it would be to completely prevent your indoor cat from getting parasites and other improbable diseases. Hydrogen Peroxide: Procedure: Applying hydrogen peroxide with the help of cotton balls for two times a day will cease the multiplication of ear mites at an instant and it will not allow any dirt or debris to accumulate in the ear. Whenever your cat suff… Beau has pica, and really used to go ham chewing and eating many different inedible objects around the house. From leashed-walks or time in the garden While it’s mostly harmless to put your cat into a harness and take him or her out for walks or (more frequently) flops on the ground in your garden, it is possible, however unlikely, for your cat to catch a parasite or disease while out. Keep your cat indoors to prevent contact with other animals outside. You may also be instructed to apply medicated ear drops to the cat's ears, which help kill the mites and contain ingredients to treat any secondary infections present in the ears. Obsessed with cats. Ear mites are extremely obnoxious pests that usually inhabit dogs and cats' ears more often than humans. Since it’s impossible for an indoor cat to be fully inoculated against risk, the best course of action you can take for your cat is to assume things may go awry in ways you didn’t expect. I’m sure the fact that some mats formed made her less happy to clean herself, and that caused more and more mats. The PO’M and Sweetie are outside only cats, so I keep an eye on their situation, but they’ve both been doing well. Outdoor cats typically contract these parasites in the wild. This means that an infected dog cannot transmit demodex mites to a cat, and vice-versa. The answer to the question “how do indoor cats get ear mites?” is that they get them from other infected animals. Be aware of this, and do your best to prevent rats and mice from getting into your home. Mites can cause your cat to itch and scratch. How Do Cats Get Ear Mites? Not common is the recurring theme – but this is one of those points that should make it clear to you, you absolutely cannot completely inoculate a house cat from the possibility of fleas and parasites. If you have a pet sitter who takes care of pets besides yours, even if the sitter has no pets of her own, it is possible for your cat to catch something one of the other pets had, even something that may not have been diagnosed yet. If your cat has been diagnosed with demodectic mange, this is what you can expect to happen next: Catster: All You Need to Know About Ear Mites in Cats, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Ear Mites. Dig KittyClysm? Just fill in the form below and hit "Subscribe"! When pets share bedding or sleep in close contact, the ear mites easily can transfer from one animal to another. Ear mites can also be extremely annoying for cats, and it is likely that you will notice them shaking their heads, scratching excessively, and even pulling out their own hair in an effort to get … Take your cat to have adorable play dates with other cats? Moving to a new house with your cat can also bring you the types of problems a second hand item in your home can. While the mites typically live in your cat's ears, they may also spread to the cat's face, tail, back and neck, according to PetPlace. Vaseline. If your cat develops itchy ears and hasn’t had contact with other animals, ear mites might not be the cause of the problem. Have your indoor-only cats ever gotten parasites or uncommon diseases? Now imagine that cat picks up worms, and your house cat wanders over to the same bushes to “inspect” the interesting smell: there’s a chance your cat could end up with worms as well. How Do Cats Get Ear Mites The most common cause of an infection with ear mites is getting in direct contact with another animal that has them, especially another cat. So while it’ll likely feel surprising, if you suspect your indoor cat does have fleas or some other parasite, go with your gut because it very well may be. This point is along the same lines as the last one. I’m not quite sure what those bumps are (they could be a number of things I think), but it sounds to me like your plan of action will work. How Do Outdoor Cats Get Ear Mites? All this to say – it’s always a good idea to keep your cat up to date on vaccines, and yes that includes rabies shots, even if your cat is an indoor-only cat. How Do Dogs Get Ear Mites? What’s It Mean. I guess it goes to show you how infrequent it typically is. They are more likely to get mange than indoor ones. KittyClysm* is a reader-supported site. My plan is to keep the bumps clean and to watch them closely until they heal. Mangy old cat. We never really figured out how that happened, but maybe we didn’t clean up enough after the first round. Maybe you don’t have aloe vera in your home to treat your cat’s ear mites, but chances are you do have Vaseline or some other petroleum jelly.. Is it really likely your indoor cat will pick up a disease from a rat or mouse that’s made it’s way into your home? These highly-contagious parasites are easily passed among both canine and feline furbabies, so treat everyone on four legs in your home to get rid of these pests. However, they don’t remain on your body after biting you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; learn more here. Have two pet cats, Avery & Bjorn, whom I love to bits. Yes, it’s incredibly uncommon, and absolutely you should not let this prevent you from visiting a vet, but if you’re scratching your head wondering what on earth gave your cat fleas when he or she recently has not been outdoors and you’ve no other pets of your own, this may be the answer. What are cat ear mites? Quick Answer … Ear mites spread so easily, your cat can get them from casual contact with another infected pet either inside or outside your house. Figured I might as well blog about 'em. For Small Spaces & Apartment Life: Narrow Cat Trees, Thin & Tall, Why Cats Spill Water from Bowls: Paw, Play, Splash, & Knock Over Behaviour. Do your indoor cats have increased risk with regards to any of the ways listed above? In the case of cats, the most likely organism is otodectes cynotis. Thus, cats can definitely have health issues if they’re given a flea collars and treatments made specifically for dogs. While outdoor cats get exposed to the open environment, they are more likely to get diseases. The symptoms are easily recognizable and there is no … Do spot checks around the regularly-scratched area to see if there are any sign of ticks, mites, fleas, or other parasites. A skin scraping is a simple test of scraping the top layer of the skin, removing particles to view underneath the microscope. They usually prey on insects but will also bite humans. It’s just not feasible. Each species of demodex mite only has one host species on which it can survive. 1 Since Scabies is also zoonotic, it can be transmitted back and forth from a cat to a human and vice versa. Congrats on 13 years without parasites! Physical contact with another animal allows the mites to crawl onto a new pet, which is the main way these parasites are spread. But again, it’s not common. While this is typically hard to do, toys like these that allow cats to play by themselves make the job one heck of a lot easier. Cat begin to vomit or have any other symptoms? This is absolutely not to say that it’s likely taking your cat out on a leash will result in him or her having parasites or diseases. While it may not be possible to prevent all risk this way, it is possible to lessen risk with especial care. Now, if you think keeping your house cats from meeting and greeting any other animal is enough to prevent them from being exposed to parasites that can be picked up outdoors, you’d be wrong, because your cat can still have exposure to these through you. It’s also possible for him or her to pick something up while out, then transfer it to a house cat in your home. Cats can also get mange from infested dogs or other animals. Just because you have an indoor-only cat, does not mean you should pass up keeping your cat up to date on vaccines and regular vet visits. Cheyletiellosis in Cats An infestation of the Cheyletiella mite is medically referred to as cheyletiellosis. Mites naturally seek out new hosts, so a human hand gliding through your cat's forest of fur is a tempting opportunity for them. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s actually possible for fleas to jump onto a pant leg, or even the human body itself, hitch a ride into your home, and then make it’s way onto one of your pets to breed. Manny and Chili Bruce were treated before we adopted them. Feline sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabei) is uncommon. Does this sound like the mats may have been there long enough to block Tia’s pores and to become inflamed and more of a pimple? Sounds to me like maybe there was one silly little flea left that went wild and re-started the whole process. Depending on the extent of the infestation, your cat may need special baths in shampoos containing pyrethrin to combat the mites that have migrated onto other parts of your cat, according to Catster. How Do Cats Get Ear Mites, how to recognize them in your pet and what is the best suggested treatment. Vacuum thoroughly and wash pet beds, blankets or other removable items in hot water to prevent the mites from spreading to other animals or reinfecting your cat. John took the picture and a stool sample to his vet, who confirmed – it couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. Rodents can carry a variety of unpleasant diseases. In addition, a topical flea preventative, such as selemectin, will also kill mites and prevent them from reinfecting your cat. Thus far I’ve had the luck of avoiding most problems, but we’ll have to see if that luck continues into the future! About half of all cat ear infections are caused by these small parasites. But these small parasites that are invisible to the eye are more dangerous than they let on. A Cat Blog for Cat Lovers & Kitty Keepers. If these ruptures, the ear itself fills up with blood and swells up like a pillow. 3. Dogs get ear mites by spending time in close physical contact with other animals who have ear mites. Cardboard Cat Scratchers: One Gift a Cat Will like More Than the Box! And while your out, you may happen to pick something up by stepping on it with your shoe, and accidentally bring it home. Paretts holds a Master of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California. It’s an excellent rule of thumb anyway, especially since bed bugs and other nightmarish pests can spread their way into your life through second-hand items as well. And finally, do your best to keep your cat’s environment as clean and tidy as possible – keeping potential sources for parasites regularly washed and/or hidden away as well as you can. Based in Las Vegas, Susan Paretts has been writing since 1998. What do you think was the culprit? If your cat has them, they're not alone. Your cat may not go outside with you, but you certainly do, at least every once in a while. These types of medications are rubbed between your cat's shoulder blades and provide month-long protection against parasites. Find out right here! Does He Want Something? The best method of dealing with ear mites is to prevent them from affecting your cat in the first place. Cat scratching a little more than usual? No matter the animal, the point is the same: any animal that picks something up outside the house can typically transfer the issue onto another pet, who may never have left home recently. Ear mites are found more often than not in outdoor cats, and they’re affected more than dogs. So glad she’s in your hands now, but yes, do take her to the vet if at any point you get worried about the way they are looking. To treat an existing problem clip the fur away from the affected area and then bath with warm soapy water to which has been added a few drops of olive oil. Mange is a catchall term for several skin conditions caused by various types of mites tiny, spiderlike critters that make themselves at home on a cats skin or inside the ear canals. 2. The Cheyletiella mite is a highly contagious, zoonotic skin parasite that feeds on the the keratin layer of the skin — the outer layer — and on the tissue fluid of the top layer. Sometimes referred to as scabies, sarcoptic mange is caused by mites that are oval-shaped, light-colored and microscopic. While you may not feel it’s possible for your house cat to get sick in similar ways to an outdoor cat, life throws curve balls sometimes, and ever-so-unlikely things do happen every so often. A few years back, my brother from Pets Overload found some oddly shaped semi-transparent, semi-white looking critters in his indoor-only cat, Beau’s, stool. A: We tend to associate ear mites with cats, but dogs (and ferrets) can and do get them, especially as puppies. The main signs of an ear mite infestation in your cat include incessant scratching and shaking of the head, along with an unpleasant odor coming from inside the ears. While it’s mostly harmless to put your cat into a harness and take him or her out for walks or (more frequently) flops on the ground in your garden, it is possible, however unlikely, for your cat to catch a parasite or disease while out. Suspicious about the fact that your indoor cat seems to have symptoms that align with parasites you thought only outdoor cats could get? Your vet may clean your furbaby's ears of the mites and the debris that they cause and direct you to do so as well using a special ear-cleaning solution. When the number of mites on your cat’s skin increases, this is when you may notice a problem. Ear mites cause uncomfortable itching for your kitty and will affect at least 90 percent of cats during their lifetimes, according to VetInfo. How? Mites live primarily on their host and spread to other animals through direct contact, but they can survive for short amounts of time on your cat's bedding or carpeting in your home. Poor things. If the other cat is in any way sick or has parasites, be sure to check your own cat for the very same diseases or parasites to be sure it has not spread to your cat. If you thought of a few of the ways listed above, which did you think of? If your cat ever goes outside, there is a good chance that it will eventually catch ear mites if not prevented and/or treated. Again, I wouldn’t let this prevent you from making visits with your cat, but it’s good to be aware of the fact that issues can crop up, as then you can know what to look for and do in case the unlikely happens. The main signs of an ear mite infestation in your cat include incessant scratching and shaking of the head, along with an unpleasant odor coming from inside the ears. Can hamsters get mites? Treat all furry residents of your home regularly with a prescription topical medication to prevent fleas and mites from infecting them. Rarely diagnosed in cats but one of the most common conditions affecting dogs, mange is a skin disease caused by several species of tiny mites. The most common type of ear mite in cats is Otodectes cynotis. While some house cats may actively try to get out, and once out stray very far and be lost for weeks or even months before they find their way home, other indoor cats may just see an open door, curiously go out for a moment, get distracted by the tasty grass, then become frightened by all the overwhelming sights and sounds, hiding away in a nearby bush until an hour or two passes and you find him or her and bring your poor scared cat home. Obviously – start with keeping up to date on vaccines and having those regular vet visits. When you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Great post. How to Prevent Ear Mites in Cats. These mites live in stored grain, hay, or seeds, as well as trees and leaves. If you like the posts on KittyClysm, please take a moment to subscribe to the email newsletter! Consult with your veterinarian when treating a cat diagnosed with ear mites. Facts about cats, training tips, odd behaviours, pet care advice - I talk as much as I can about it all here! Why Does My Cat Lick My Hand & Fingers so Much? Eggs are laid in the ear and take roughly three weeks to mature into an adult mite who can then breed and add to the infestation. Do They Need More If Kept Indoors? Most cats get mange when they come into contact with another cat that is infected. Ear mites are microscopic parasites that live in and on the ears of cats. in some cases especially where there is a bump, I have later found that there has been some oozing from the area subsequent to my clearing the mat. Demodex mites are species-specific. Outdoor cats who come into contact with many animals outdoors, including other cats, dogs, rabbits and rodents, tend to become infested with ear mites more than indoor-only kitties. Ear mites will be entirely removed from your cat’s ears if you apply the Aloe Vera Gel twice daily and it will also provide healing to the wounds very quickly. Did you learn any new ways? Even if none of your other pets show signs of an ear mite infestation, it's best to treat them anyway, to prevent them from getting the pests. Some they can pass on to an indoor cat include: leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, rat bite fever, rabbit fever, plague. Top. ), but so long as she doesn’t appear to be in any pain (licking, scratching, and over-grooming are typical signs of that so based on what you said, it sounds like she’s not in pain), seeing if you can resolve a lot of the problem by getting rid of her mats and giving her a stable, peaceful environment seems like it should do the trick. 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