Can cat ear scabies be transmitted to humans? How to disinfect cats with ear mites?

Cat ear scabies, also known as ear mites, is a disease that cats are prone to, especially kittens. If you don't pay attention to your cat's ears, it is possible that they will get ear mites. So can ear mites be transmitted to humans? How to disinfect them?

Can cat ear scabies be transmitted to humans?

Ear scabies are not contagious to humans, but they can be spread to other pets in the household.

Otodectes cynotis is more commonly translated as "ear mites" in China. The only time ear scabies have an "effect" on people is in a small number of cases, some people will experience redness and itching of the skin, but whether these signs are caused by cat ear scabies is still unclear in the medical field.

Some scholars believe that it may be a psychological reaction of the owner. In actual clinical practice, there is almost a clear consensus: cat ear scabies are not contagious to humans. Even if it is really contagious, ear scabies generally cannot survive in the human ear for more than three days, so it is okay. However, it is still not recommended to let cats with ear mites sleep with their owners.

In the animal kingdom, common hosts of ear scabies include cats, dogs, foxes, minks, rabbits and other animals.

How to disinfect cats with ear mites

Many flea treatments can also prevent and treat ear mites, which is by far the easiest way to protect your pet from parasites. Deworm your cat regularly and clean his ears regularly.

Of course, most of the current treatment is based on the discovery of mites, mainly using ear drops. The treatment time may be about 3 weeks, because the drug cannot kill the parasite's eggs, and the parasite's eggs need 21 days to develop into adults. Just follow the doctor's instructions, drop the medicine on time, and clean the cat's ears in time. Soon the ear mites will be eliminated.

The treatment of ear mites should use professional medicines and treatment tools, such as cotton swabs, baby oil, medicine, towels, etc. First, gently wipe the cat's ears with a small amount of baby oil, or drop a few drops of baby oil directly into the ears to soften the dirt in the ears; then turn the cat's ears over and wipe with a cotton swab. After wiping, gently drop the medicine into the ear canal, stabilize the head with both hands for a few seconds, then turn it back behind the ears and gently rub the ear canal.

Symptoms of ear mites in cats

Ear mite infestations can make your cat's ears itchy, which often causes them to shake their heads excessively, or scratch their ears with their claws. Ear mites can also cause irritation to the ear canal, and the ears will likely look red and inflamed. Often, ear mites will also produce a dry, black discharge. Sometimes you'll smell a strange odor.

But itching, inflammation, and other symptoms in your cat's ears can also be caused by allergies, which can lead to infections other than ear mites, so it's crucial to get your pet to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis—especially since these parasites are difficult to spot with the naked eye. Get them checked out right away before the condition worsens.