How Cats Can Transmit Infection

Ear mites, if left untreated, can cause bacterial and yeast infections and in extreme cases rupture of the ear drum leading to seizures and deafness. They are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats - especially kittens and young cats. Frequent ear scratching and head shaking are the most often seen symptoms.

Ear mites are very contagious and pass easily between the same species as well as between one species and another, and can even be passed to humans as transient carriers to other animals. They live on the surface of the skin in the ear canal, they feed on tissue debris and tissue fluids.