Ear mites are extremely common in kittens, and no, humans can't get them so don't worry. And they aren't like fleas, that will get all over your house. The best thing you can do is take them to the vet to get medicated ear drops for them. Do NOT use any of the grocery store or Wal Mart meds for ear mites. They are a waste of money, and they can be dangerous for your kittens. While you're waiting to get them into the vet, get yourself a bottle of mineral oil and an eye dropper. Put a couple drops of the mineral oil into each ear every other day. After putting in the oil, fold the ear flap down and massage the ear. The kittens will fling the oil out, and they'll get oily looking fur around their ears, but it's non-toxic and it actually *does* work (but not as well or as quickly as what the vet will give you). Revolution works well, but that isn't safe to use in kittens under 12 weeks of age.
Ear mites are very contagious and almost 90% of cats will become infested (Dr. Michael Dryden, Kansas State University Veterinarian). Furthermore, they can pass between species, for example, between a cat and a dog. Fortunately, ear mites won't affect humans but humans can be a carrier and unknowlingly cause the mites to spread to other cats or dogs. So if you have multiple cats and/or dogs in the house, you probably want to treat all of them at the same time.
Most cats will encounter ear mites at some stage in their life. However, they are more common in kittens and younger cats because they have less of immunity. Young cats and kittens are likely to pick up the mites from their mothers.
The ear mites can also travel out of the ear and onto the cat's coat so it is very important to vacuum and clean the cat's environment thoroughly each time ear mite medicine is applied. Wash your pets bedding is able in hot water with detergent.
No, you cannot catch ear mites. Your house is likely not infested, as ear mites do not live very long outside of a host. If you have other animals, you will want to have them checked and treated if necessary since ear mites can be transmitted from one animal to another. If she has been indoors only with you, then she most likely acquired them from her mother. The links below provide more information on ear mites and how they are transmitted.
ear mites are members of the spider family. She got them by coming in contact with a cat that has them, or one wandering around. Like fleas, they are extremely common, and like fleas they are very easy to treat if you get the right medication from a vet.
technically you can get ear mites - but the guy who did it to himself had to seriously work at it. I come in contact with ear mites every couple of months and it has never been an issue. once the cat is treated, a re-infestation is rare -unless they go outside and have contact with other cats who have them.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Ear mites are extremely common in kittens, and no, humans can't get them so don't worry. And they aren't like fleas, that will get all over your house. The best thing you can do is take them to the vet to get medicated ear drops for them. Do NOT use any of the grocery store or Wal Mart meds for ear mites. They are a waste of money, and they can be dangerous for your kittens. While you're waiting to get them into the vet, get yourself a bottle of mineral oil and an eye dropper. Put a couple drops of the mineral oil into each ear every other day. After putting in the oil, fold the ear flap down and massage the ear. The kittens will fling the oil out, and they'll get oily looking fur around their ears, but it's non-toxic and it actually *does* work (but not as well or as quickly as what the vet will give you). Revolution works well, but that isn't safe to use in kittens under 12 weeks of age.
Ear mites are very contagious and almost 90% of cats will become infested (Dr. Michael Dryden, Kansas State University Veterinarian). Furthermore, they can pass between species, for example, between a cat and a dog. Fortunately, ear mites won't affect humans but humans can be a carrier and unknowlingly cause the mites to spread to other cats or dogs. So if you have multiple cats and/or dogs in the house, you probably want to treat all of them at the same time.
Most cats will encounter ear mites at some stage in their life. However, they are more common in kittens and younger cats because they have less of immunity. Young cats and kittens are likely to pick up the mites from their mothers.
The ear mites can also travel out of the ear and onto the cat's coat so it is very important to vacuum and clean the cat's environment thoroughly each time ear mite medicine is applied. Wash your pets bedding is able in hot water with detergent.
Good luck!
No, you cannot catch ear mites. Your house is likely not infested, as ear mites do not live very long outside of a host. If you have other animals, you will want to have them checked and treated if necessary since ear mites can be transmitted from one animal to another. If she has been indoors only with you, then she most likely acquired them from her mother. The links below provide more information on ear mites and how they are transmitted.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=...
http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/em.html
ear mites are members of the spider family. She got them by coming in contact with a cat that has them, or one wandering around. Like fleas, they are extremely common, and like fleas they are very easy to treat if you get the right medication from a vet.
technically you can get ear mites - but the guy who did it to himself had to seriously work at it. I come in contact with ear mites every couple of months and it has never been an issue. once the cat is treated, a re-infestation is rare -unless they go outside and have contact with other cats who have them.
One you've had them treated, vets suggest that you wash areas they sleep in. Ear mites can live for 3 days without being on a cat.
well that sucks