Cat Ear Problems: Identifying and Treating Common Conditions
Cats are generally good at hiding discomfort, but ear problems are one of the exceptions. If your cat is shaking their head, scratching persistently at their ears, or holding their head at an unusual angle, there is a good chance something is wrong inside the ear canal. Ear conditions are among the most common reasons cats visit the vet in the UK, and the causes range from tiny parasites to structural changes inside the ear. The good news is that most conditions are highly treatable when caught early.
In this guide, Sarah Bennett walks you through the most common cat ear problems, how to recognise them, and what you can do to help your cat feel better.
Common Signs of Ear Problems in Cats
Before looking at specific conditions, it helps to know what to watch for. Cats with ear problems often display a cluster of recognisable behaviours and physical signs.
- Frequent head shaking or tilting the head to one side
- Scratching at one or both ears, sometimes to the point of causing sores
- Dark, crumbly, or waxy discharge inside the ear canal
- An unpleasant or musty odour coming from the ears
- Redness or swelling around the ear flap or canal entrance
- Loss of balance or difficulty walking in a straight line
- Sensitivity when the ears are touched
- Visible debris or crust on the inner ear flap
Any one of these signs warrants a closer look. Several together suggest the problem needs prompt veterinary attention.
Ear Mites (Otodectes cynotis)
Ear mites are microscopic parasites that live in the ear canal and feed on skin debris. The species responsible in cats is Otodectes cynotis, and it is highly contagious between cats, dogs, and rabbits — though it does not infest humans. Ear mites are particularly common in kittens and in multi-pet households.
The hallmark sign of ear mite infestation is a dark, coffee-ground-like discharge inside the ear, combined with intense scratching and head shaking. The ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites) guidelines for parasite control recommend using licensed antiparasitic products to treat ear mites, with particular emphasis on treating all in-contact animals at the same time to prevent reinfestation. ESCCAP guidance also stresses that the environment should be considered, as mites can survive briefly off the host.
Treatments include ear drops containing agents such as selamectin, moxidectin, or ivermectin, available on prescription or as licensed over-the-counter products. Retailers such as Zooplus stock a range of ear mite treatments and ear cleaning solutions suitable for cats, which can be useful for routine maintenance following veterinary-directed treatment.
Bacterial Otitis Externa
Otitis externa is inflammation of the outer ear canal, and bacteria are a frequent cause. Infections often develop secondary to another problem — ear mites, moisture trapped in the canal, or an underlying allergy can all create conditions in which bacteria thrive. Common culprits include Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species.
Symptoms include redness, a yellowish or brown discharge, and a noticeably unpleasant smell. The ear canal may appear swollen, and the cat will often show pain when the area around the ear is touched. Bacterial otitis externa requires veterinary diagnosis and is typically treated with topical antibiotic drops, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. It is important not to attempt to treat bacterial infections at home with over-the-counter products alone, as inadequate treatment can allow the infection to progress deeper into the middle ear.
Yeast and Fungal Infections
Yeast infections in the ear are most commonly caused by Malassezia species, which are naturally present on the skin in small numbers but can overgrow when conditions change. A warm, moist ear canal — or one already inflamed by allergies or mites — provides an ideal environment for yeast to flourish.
A yeast infection typically produces a brownish, greasy discharge with a distinctive musty or sour odour. Treatment involves antifungal ear drops prescribed by a vet, and addressing any underlying cause. If your cat has recurrent yeast infections, your vet may investigate for allergies or other predisposing factors. The PDSA notes that recurring ear infections in cats always warrant investigation of the root cause rather than repeated symptomatic treatment.
Aural Polyps
Aural polyps are benign inflammatory growths that can develop in the ear canal or middle ear, often arising from the Eustachian tube lining. They are more common in young cats and can cause chronic ear discharge, difficulty swallowing, or changes in vocalisation if they extend into the throat. Head shaking and apparent hearing loss are also common signs.
Diagnosis requires a veterinary examination, often under sedation or anaesthesia, and may involve imaging such as X-rays or CT scanning. Treatment is surgical removal. The BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) recognises aural polyps as an important differential diagnosis in cats with persistent ear symptoms that do not respond to standard medical treatment.
Auricular Haematoma
An auricular haematoma (also called an aural haematoma) is a pocket of blood that forms between the layers of the ear flap, usually as a result of vigorous head shaking or scratching. The ear flap becomes swollen, soft, and fluid-filled, and the cat may hold the affected ear down.
Haematomas are nearly always secondary to another problem — the underlying cause, such as ear mites or an infection, must be identified and treated alongside the haematoma itself. Without treatment, the haematoma can scar and cause the ear to develop a permanently crumpled appearance, sometimes called a cauliflower ear. Veterinary treatment typically involves draining the fluid and, in many cases, surgical correction to prevent recurrence.
Deafness in White Cats
Congenital deafness is significantly more common in white cats than in cats of other colours, particularly those with blue eyes. The condition is linked to the W gene, which affects pigmentation and is also associated with degeneration of structures in the inner ear during development. Cats with one blue eye and one eye of another colour (odd-eyed cats) may be deaf on the side corresponding to the blue eye.
Deafness itself does not cause the cat pain or distress, but it does mean the cat requires careful management — keeping them indoors or in a secure garden is strongly recommended, as they cannot hear approaching hazards. A simple clap test at home can give an indication, but formal hearing assessment (BAER testing) is available through veterinary referral centres.
How to Clean Your Cat's Ears Safely
Routine ear cleaning is not necessary for all cats — many cats keep their ears clean without any assistance. However, if your vet has recommended cleaning, or if your cat is prone to wax build-up, doing it correctly is important.
- Use a veterinary-approved ear cleaning solution — products designed for cats are widely available from vets and from online retailers such as Zooplus
- Gently fold back the ear flap and apply a few drops of solution into the canal
- Massage the base of the ear softly for around 20 to 30 seconds to help loosen debris
- Allow your cat to shake their head, then wipe away visible discharge with a soft cotton pad
- Never insert cotton buds or any implement into the ear canal — this risks pushing debris deeper or damaging the eardrum
- Do not use water, olive oil, or products formulated for humans
If cleaning causes your cat significant distress, or if the discharge is heavy and abnormal, stop and contact your vet rather than persisting at home.
When to See a Vet
Some ear situations require professional assessment without delay. Contact your vet if your cat shows any of the following:
- Symptoms lasting more than a day or two without improvement
- Severe head tilting or loss of balance
- A swollen, puffy ear flap
- Signs of pain such as crying when the ear is touched
- Visible bleeding or a very dark, foul-smelling discharge
- No response to their name or to sounds they would normally react to
- Symptoms that return after a previous course of treatment
Ear problems left untreated can progress from the outer ear to the middle and inner ear, where they become significantly harder to treat and can affect balance and hearing permanently. Early intervention almost always leads to a better outcome for your cat and a simpler treatment course overall.
If you are ever uncertain whether your cat's symptoms are serious, the PDSA offers free veterinary advice through their PetWise service for eligible owners in the UK, and the BSAVA's public resources can help you locate a specialist if your vet refers you onward.