Acariasis in cats: causes, symptoms and treatment


One of the cat diseases that happens most frequently to see is acariasis in cats. Let’s see what the causes, symptoms and treatment are.

It is a frequent parasitic dermatosis in dogs, but more acariasis in cats, it is the main mite encountered. In fact, in feline species, it is responsible for almost 25% of the reasons for consultations in dermatology.


Causes of acariasis in cats

Acariasis in cats, commonly known as “cat ear mites”, is a pathological condition characterized by the presence of parasites in the ear canal. It mostly affects cats living on the street, as its spread is related to conditions of dirt and promiscuity.

However, since its contagiousness is very strong, it is not rare to find it also in domestic cats. One of the characteristic features of this disease, in this regard, is its high degree of transmissibility, which also manifests itself through occasional and indirect contacts.

These mites, in fact, do not live only on their guests, but can also settle on places and objects: for this reason, in the case of an infected animal, it is necessary to proceed with a regular and scrupulous disinfection of kennels and blankets. Once established in the cat’s ear, the parasites feed on the cat’s skin causing itching and inflammation.

If this disease is left to itself, it can degenerate into otitis and other more serious situations, damaging the eardrum and permanently compromising hearing function. It is therefore necessary to adopt scrupulous and regular hygiene measures and periodically check the cat’s ears, contacting the veterinarian quickly in case of obvious symptoms.


Symptoms of acariasis in cats

Symptoms of acariasis are very obvious and easily recognizable. If your cat tends to constantly shake his head as in an attempt to get rid of something that annoys him, if he scratches his ears with his paw almost to hurt himself, this is precisely the circumstance in which you must begin to worry and keep under assiduous. observation your pet.

In addition to the symptoms listed above, acariasis also manifests itself with the formation of black or brown crusts in the ear, on which small white dots are easily recognizable, that is, the mites responsible for the infection.


Treatment of acariasis in cats

Acariasis in cats is a very annoying disease for our four-legged friend, but it is not serious and if treated well, it resolves in a short time. The first thing to do, in case of suspected acariasis, is to take the cat to the vet for confirmation of the diagnosis and evaluation of the most appropriate treatment.

In general, this infection is treated with specific products for the elimination of mites and with frequent cleaning of the ears with specific oils. The treatment lasts one month, but after the first applications, our cat will feel improvements and a feeling of relief.

Natural treatment

An oily solution consisting of 30 ml of almond or olive oil and 400 IU of vitamin E to be introduced into the auditory meatus, just warming the oil to body temperature 1 or 2 times a day.

Proceed with the application for a week, then stop and let the ear rest for 3 days, proceeding with the application of Rumex crispus mother tincture (TM) diluted in water: 9 drops in a tablespoon water table.

Treat the ear once every 3 days for at least 6 weeks. It is very important to wash the animal’s head and tail with a specific shampoo, because mites, by survival instinct, tend to leave the ears to infest the head and the parts of the body that come into contact with it, the tail of the cat in particular as it is placed very close to the ears during sleep.

Make an infusion of Rumex crispus root and use it as a last rinse. It is also important to clean the litter box and surrounding areas to prevent the possibility of a new infestation.


Cat BreedsCat Food and Nutrition
Tips for Cat OwnersCat Training
Cat BehaviorKittens
Cat HealthCat Grooming
Cat AdoptionTravel with Cat
Holiday Season- Cat

Leave a Comment