Kitten with EAR MITES ( grooming includes anti ear mites flushing and deep cleaning) What are ear mites? Ear mites are tiny skin parasites that cause intensely itchy ears, a build-up of earwax and ear infections. Ear mites can affect cats of any age but are most common in kittens. They can also affect other animals such as dogs and ferrets. How did my cat catch ear mites The most common way for a cat to catch ear mites is from another cat, but they can also survive in the environment for months