While ear mites don’t immediately pose a life-or-death situation, you should still approach this affliction like the responsible cat parent that you are.
Ear mites are tiny; the size of a pinhead, and invisible to the naked eye—yet, their presence is overt. If your cat’s ears are exhibiting dark coffee grounds-like discharge and goopy earwax; if your cat is constantly scratching their crusty ears or tamping them down; or if your cat can’t stop dragging their sound scoops against the wall, then you might very well be dealing with the scourge of the external acoustic meatus (that’s science-talk for “ear canal”).
In all honesty, ear mites aren’t difficult to deal with. It’s all about the mindset. Help your feline friend lick the problem (not literally) with these simple, straightforward, common sense tips and reminders:
- Be Consistent: With the monitoring. With the cleaning. With the medication. With the OC-ness. Ear mites are a resistant bunch; do not lose this battle of attrition. Because the moment you falter and let your guard down, they’ll come swarming back.
- Use Vet-Approved Medication: In our household, we use Otiderm—a combination of Polymyxin B Sulfate, Nitrofurazone, Neomycin Sulfate, Lidocaine Hydrochloride, and Pyrethrins—and it has worked well for us. That said, always consult your veterinarian before using any medicated ear drops, especially for severe or recurring infestations.
- Isolate, if you must: Though largely harmless, ear mites are highly transmissible. Steer clear of contagion by keeping your mite-free cats away from afflicted ones.
- Maintain Good Feline Hygiene: There’s nothing ear mites like more than a dirty cat. While he’s good at grooming, you can’t expect Felix to get medieval on all those folds and creases, so it’s on you to make sure there’s no chance for mites to proliferate.
- Earn money: We won’t get into specifics, nor will we judge the way you get paid (unless you’re one of those pricks who’s into ghost projects; then, indeed, we will judge you.) But you need money both to provide your cat with the healthy lifestyle they deserve, and for emergency vet purposes.
So there you have it. You’ve battled these microscopic buggers, mastered the art of the awkward ear cleaning, and perhaps even questioned your life choices while wrestling a disgruntled feline. But give yourself a pat on the back: your cat’s ears are now a pristine, five-star resort for…NOT MITES.
Now, go forth and celebrate your victory. You’ve earned the right to gaze upon your varmint-free, yet perpetually judgmental, furry friend and know that for a brief, shining moment, you were the dominant species.
