Cats' reactions to mite infestations fluctuate. Some cats don't appear to be bothered by even a large number of mites, but other cats itch intensely with only a small number. The former can be hypersensitive to mite saliva, so just a few mites within the ear canal might cause irritation. Also, mites stimulate the wax-manufacturing glands In the ear. The buildup of wax can then result in inflammation and bring on even more distress for that cat. A single symptom of the mite infestation is a buildup of dark wax that click here to read appears anything like coffee grounds.}