Investigation on Ear Mites (Otodectes cynotis) in Cats Brought to Veterinary Clinics for Treatment in İstanbul Province

Otodectes cynotis infestation is one of the most common parasitic causes of otitis externa in cats and represents a significant health concern in small animal practice. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of O. cynotis infestation in client-owned cats presented to private veterinary clinics in Istanbul between September 2023 and September 2024. The study population consisted of 319 cats that were brought to the clinics for various medical reasons, including routine examinations and non-otological complaints. No pre-selection was made based on the presence of clinical signs of ear mange, and all cats were included consecutively during the study period. Each cat underwent clinical, otoscopic, and microscopic examination. Clinical signs observed in infested cats included head shaking, pruritus, dark ceruminous discharge, erythema, and erosions in the external ear canal. Infestation was confirmed in 83 cats (26.01%). Breed-based analysis revealed the highest positivity rate in Tabby cats (30.9%), followed by Scottish Fold and British Shorthair cats (12.8%), while no infestation was detected in Persian or Russian Blue cats. A statistically significant association was found between breed and infestation (p=0.001). No significant difference was observed between males (26.8%) and females (25.3%) (p=0.76). Although infestation rates decreased with age (0-6 months: 34.2%, 6–12 months: 26.1%, ≥12 months: 21.6%), this trend was not statistically significant (p=0.121). These findings indicate that breed may influence susceptibility to O. cynotis, whereas age and sex do not appear to be significant risk factors. Early diagnosis and routine parasitological screening are essential for effective control of feline otoacariasis.