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Can I bring ear mites home to my cat from a friend's cat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 9 days old | 2 lbs

My friends cats have ear mites is it possible that I could transfer them to my cat?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 9th, 2017

The most likely way for these to transfer is ear to ear, or ear to face contact between the two cats. It is highly unlikely for you to be the medium on which they transport should these cats never interact. A dose of Revolution, however, would fix and prevent this problem in both cats.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 31st, 2019
It's pretty unlikely that an ear mite could hitch a ride on you or your clothing and then make it to one of your cats from your boyfriend's house but I suppose it is within the realm of possibility. Usually close contact with another cat or susceptible animal is necessary to spread ear mites. If you're super concerned you could try Revolution which is a flea, heartworm and parasite preventative that would also be effective at preventing ear mites.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Can my dog get ear mites from a cat that left? How to prevent?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes your dog can get ear mites from your cat. You should consider vacuuming and cleaning your house thoroughly once the cat leaves and then consider a preventative for Princess called Revolution which prevents ear mites but also fleas and heartworms. This is likely going to be enough in terms of prevention. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can humans get ear mites from my cat, and what are the symptoms?

Ear mites do not appear to be very contagious to humans, but some people have reported a skin rash if their pets had ear mites. I have never seen this, but it is possible. There have not been reports of humans getting ear mites in their ears, so that does not appear to be a problem. I have attached a handout with some FAQ's on ear mites below. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=664 I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten has ear mites. Will they spread to my bed or other pets?

Ear mites can be transferred from cat to cat/dog etc but only rarely affect people. I would keep her out of your bed until you know she has been fully treated (including for worms etc as there is also potential for these to spread to people)

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can I treat my dog's and cat's ear mites at home without a vet?

No, do not put oil in their ears! That will make things so much worse! Unfortunately no, this cannot be treated at home, they need medication from the vet to treat the ear mites. Revolution is an excellent product that kills ear mites. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can I use Revolution on my cat with ear mites and an ear hematoma?

Yes, it's safe to use Revolution on cat with ear mites, but your cat will still need to see the vet the aural hematoma. Revolution will not treat that, only the ear mites, and the hematoma will likely need to be drained and the ear flap sutured to prevent it from reoccurring. Please take your cat into the vet tomorrow if possible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is it normal for my cat's ears to be red after ear mite treatment?

If you are noticing redness after the treatment, stop using it. Duchess could be having a reaction to the medication. Revolution applied to the back of the neck will kill ear mites but the treatment must continue for 2-3 months. Use a routine ear cleaner during this time to help clean out the ear wax. Other treatments are also available for ear mite treatment. I recommend to talk with your veterinarian about alternative treatments. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has ear mites, Revolution isn't working. Need OTC help!

Cute kitty! It may take 3-4 weeks for the revolution to completely rid the infection. You can purchase Eradimite or Otomite without a prescription and this may help rid the infection more quickly. Not sure if the Zymox you’re using is the treatment drops (which are great) or the cleanser (also a great product) but if it’s not the cleanser you are using already, then get some type of ear cleanser to help break up the “gunk” and get them out of there. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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