Frequent Head Shaking and Ear Scratching in Cats: Symptoms and Home Care for Ear Mite Infections

When your cat starts frantically scratching its ears, constantly shaking its head, or develops dark debris inside the ears, ear mites are likely the culprit. Ear mite infections are quite common in cats, especially in kittens and multi-cat households. Early detection and proper treatment can prevent the infection from worsening and causing hearing damage.

## What Are Ear Mites?

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are microscopic parasites that are nearly invisible to the naked eye, primarily inhabiting the cat's ear canal. They feed on skin debris and tissue fluids in the ear canal, causing intense itching and discomfort.

**Transmission Routes:**
* Direct contact with infected cats
* Sharing bedding, toys, or litter boxes
* Cross-contamination at grooming salons or pet boarding facilities

## Typical Symptoms of Ear Mite Infection

**Behavioral Changes:**
* Frantically scratching ears with hind paws
* Frequent vigorous head shaking
* Scratching wounds around the ears

**Ear Appearance:**
* Large amounts of dark brown or black discharge
* Discharge with a "coffee grounds" or waxy texture
* Red, swollen ear canal, possibly with odor
* Bleeding and broken skin on ear flaps in severe cases

If left untreated long-term, the infection may spread to the middle and inner ear, affecting balance and potentially causing permanent hearing damage.

## Ear Mites vs. Normal Earwax: How to Tell the Difference

| Feature | Ear Mite Infection | Normal Earwax |
|---------|-------------------|---------------|
| Color | Dark brown to black | Light yellow to brown |
| Texture | Dry and granular | Oily and smooth |
| Odor | May have foul smell | Usually odorless |
| Cat's Reaction | Resists cleaning, obvious discomfort | Relatively calm |

## Treatment and Home Care

**1. Get a Veterinary Diagnosis First**

Take your cat to the vet for examination. The doctor will use an otoscope or microscope to confirm the presence of mites. Once diagnosed, the most effective treatment is topical antiparasitic drops.

**2. Use Prescribed Ear Medication**

If the ear is inflamed, the vet will prescribe ear medication to reduce irritation. Ear mites are stubborn and typically require continuous treatment for at least 20 days to completely eradicate.

**3. Regular Ear Canal Cleaning**

* Use veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution
* Avoid inserting cotton swabs deep into the ear canal to prevent injury
* Healthy cats should have their ears cleaned weekly or biweekly

**4. Environmental Disinfection**

Thoroughly wash your cat's bedding, toys, and litter box to prevent reinfection. In multi-cat households, all cats should be treated simultaneously.

## Prevention Is Better Than Cure

* Regularly use antiparasitic products that include ear mite prevention
* Quarantine and examine new cats before introducing them to the household
* Monitor carefully after grooming or boarding visits
* Keep the living environment clean

While ear mites can rarely be transmitted to humans, they cannot survive long-term on the human body and typically resolve on their own. If your cat is diagnosed with ear mites and you experience skin itching, there's no need for excessive concern.

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**References:**
* [What Are Ear Mites? The Cause of Constant Ear Scratching in Cats and Dogs - Good Mo Family](https://www.goodmofamily.com/pages/otodectes-cynotis)
* [Cat Keeps Scratching Ears? Watch Out for Ear Mites - Cat Garden Hotel](https://www.catgardenhotel.com/2025/06/26/cat-ear-mites-symptoms-treatment-prevention/)
* [How to Handle Cat Ear Mites? Distinguishing Ear Mites from Earwax - PetMarket](https://www.petmarket.com.hk/寵物資訊/喵星資訊/貓耳蟎症狀-耳疥蟲-原因與治療方式/)

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