Ears mites are microscopic parasites, not easily detectable with the naked eye. They infect the ear, feeding off the wax and oils in the host’s ear and causing irritation and inflammation of the ears tissue. If left untreated ear mite waste products, which look similar to coffee grounds, can impact the ear causing painful swelling and bacterial infection. Ear mites are highly contagious and can quickly spread between cats and less commonly with the dogs in the same home.