By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Cats' ears face a different set of problems from dogs' ears. Infection is part of it, but many feline ear problems start elsewhere: ear mites passed between kittens, fight wounds that turn into abscesses on the ear base, sun damage on white ear tips that can become skin cancer, and benign polyps that grow from the middle ear. In Australia's strong UV, pale-eared cats are at real risk of squamous cell carcinoma, which often begins as a sore that looks like a minor scab. This guide covers the most common ear problems in cats, how to tell them apart, and when to see a vet.
Key takeaways
- Common ear problems in cats include mites, infections, polyps, haematomas, fight wounds, sun damage, and tumours.
- Crusting or reddening on white ear tips that does not heal should be checked for early skin cancer.
- A head tilt, loss of balance, or flickering eyes suggests a middle or inner ear problem and needs prompt care.
- Never put drops or cleaners in a cat's ear until a vet has examined the eardrum.
- Weekly ear checks help catch problems early.
Common ear problems in cats
Ear mites. Tiny parasites that cause intense itching and dark, crumbly debris that looks like coffee grounds. Very common in kittens and contagious to other pets.
Ear infections (otitis). Inflammation of the outer, middle, or inner ear, usually triggered by mites, allergies, polyps, or foreign material, with yeast and bacteria taking advantage. See cat ear infections for detail.
Inflammatory polyps. Benign growths from the middle ear, mostly in young cats. They can cause one-sided discharge, head shaking, a head tilt, or noisy breathing if they grow into the throat.
Aural haematoma. A soft, puffy swelling of the ear flap caused by a burst blood vessel, usually from head shaking or scratching.
Fight wounds and abscesses. Bite wounds at the ear base or flap that swell and fill with pus a few days after a fight.
Sun damage and squamous cell carcinoma. White or pale-eared cats develop reddening, scaling, and crusting at the ear tips that can progress to cancer.
Ceruminous gland tumours. Growths of the wax glands in the ear canal, more common in older cats.
Allergies. Itchy ears and scratching around the head and neck, often alongside other itchy skin.
Congenital deafness. Common in white cats with blue eyes. Not painful, but worth knowing for safety.
Signs to watch for
- Scratching or pawing at the ears, or scabs around the head and neck
- Head shaking or holding one ear lower
- Discharge, debris, or a bad smell
- Swelling of the ear flap
- Scaly, crusted, or bleeding ear tips
- Head tilt, circling, falling, or flickering eyes
- A droopy eyelid or third eyelid on one side
- Not responding to sounds
What to do right now
- Look in both ears with a torch and take photos.
- Check ear tips and the base of the ears for wounds or crusts.
- Do not use cotton buds, dog products, or home remedies in the canal.
- Keep your cat indoors if it has been fighting, to prevent more wounds.
- Check other pets for mites if they share a home.
When to see a vet
Emergency or same day: sudden head tilt, falling over, flickering eyes, vomiting with loss of balance, facial drooping, noisy breathing, a hot, painful swelling, or a cat that has stopped eating.
Within a few days: head shaking, scratching, discharge, or a puffy ear flap.
Book a check: ear tip crusting or scabs that have not healed within two weeks, recurring ear problems, or suspected deafness.
How vets typically diagnose and treat
A vet will examine the ears with an otoscope and usually take a swab for microscope examination, which shows mites, yeast, or bacteria. Crusted ear tips may be sampled or biopsied. Middle ear problems and polyps may need sedation, X-rays, or CT. Treatment depends on the cause: parasite treatment for mites, ear medicines for infection, surgery to remove polyps or tumours, drainage of abscesses and haematomas, and surgical removal of early sun-related cancers, which is often curative when caught early.
Prevention
- Check your cat's ears weekly. Healthy ears are pale pink, with little wax and no smell.
- Keep white or pale-eared cats indoors in the middle of the day, especially in summer.
- Ask your vet about pet-safe sunscreen for ear tips if your cat goes outside.
- Desex and keep cats indoors at night to reduce fights.
- Use parasite prevention that covers ear mites if your vet recommends it.
FAQ
What does it mean if my cat's ear tips are scabby?
It could be sun damage, fight wounds, mites, allergies, or early skin cancer. Scabs that do not heal within a couple of weeks should be checked. See skin growths and cancer in pets.
Can I clean my cat's ears at home?
Most cats do not need routine ear cleaning. If your vet recommends it, use a cat-safe product and clean only the visible part of the ear.
Is a head tilt permanent?
Many cats improve with treatment, though some keep a slight tilt and adapt well.
Do ear mites spread to dogs?
Yes. Treat all cats and dogs in the household if mites are found.
Talk with a vet
Photos of your cat's ears can help a vet at Dial A Vet advise you how quickly to be seen and what to watch for. Loss of balance, a sudden head tilt, or a painful swelling should be seen in person promptly.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Ear disorders in cats.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Ear disorders; squamous cell carcinoma in cats.
- International Cat Care. Ear problems in cats.
- Cancer Council Australia. UV index information (for understanding sun exposure risk).
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Sudden balance loss or a head tilt needs prompt care.
