Ear Mites In Kittens Under 12 Weeks

Ear mites are highly contagious and can be spread either through direct or indirect contact.

Ear mites in kittens under 12 weeks. You need to take your baby kitty to your vet so he can examine him and prescribe the relevant treatment for a kitten. They like to live in the warm dark environment of the ear canal where they feed on skin debris. Injections of ivermectin is used by vets to kill kittens ear mites. These parasites are contagious to other cats and less frequently to dogs.

They are transferred from cat to cat by direct contact. Ear mites are a microscopic pest that is transmitted from animal to animal and they can cause a dark waxy residue that resembles coffee grounds in the ear canal. Ear mites are also extremely common in kittens though cats of any age can be infected. If a kitten is scratching at her ears or shaking her head from side to side it s possible that the kitten has ear mites.

Besides ear infections they can cause hearing loss in kittens if left untreated. Ear mite parasiticides should be used for 7 10 days to eradicate mites and eggs and flea treatments should be applied to the cat for elimination of ectopic mites. The most common sign of an ear mite infestation is a black brown discharge in the ears that appears similar to coffee grounds. If you see or suspect ear mites you ll need to bring the kitten to a veterinarian for treatment.

They can then return to re infest your cat. Ear mites and eggs can persist in the environment for several months. Young kittens should not be given miticide ear drops until they ve passed 12 weeks of age. These mites create irritation and itchiness which cause the cat to scratch its ears.

Since ear mites are so contagious you ll have to treat not only all the other kittens in the litter and mama cat but any other cat or dog in your house. If you are concerned that your kitty has ear mites take her to the vet for an exam. The eight legged parasite is barely visible to the naked eye and can be seen in cats of any age. A commercial ear cleaner that is designed specifically for cats can be used to gently clean out any debris before beginning topical treatment on the ears.

These ear mites are tiny crab like creatures that will feed on dead skin cells waxy build and even latch on and drink blood from your pet. Prescription medications like interceptor and revolution must be given to kittens older than six weeks. Ear mites or otodectes cynotis are microscopic parasites which can infect the ears of a cat. Your vet can prescribe some revolution which is a very safe product that can be used to treat a multitude of parasites in kittens under 12 weeks.

The entire life cycle of the mite lasts 21 days. Though ear mites are extremely small their movement can be perceived with magnification. Ear mite medications are not safe for all ages.