A cat shaking its head, scratching one ear, or producing unusual ear debris may have ear mites, inflammation, yeast overgrowth, a bacterial infection, or another ear disorder. The ear canal is delicate, and treating the wrong problem can make matters worse.
What you may notice
Common changes include repeated head shaking, scratching around the ear, redness, unpleasant odor, and dark or wet debris. Ear mites often cause intense itching and dark material, especially in younger cats, but appearance alone cannot confirm mites. A cat with a swollen ear flap may have an aural hematoma caused by repeated scratching or shaking.
How a veterinarian identifies the cause
The clinic may use an otoscope to inspect the ear canal and eardrum and examine a sample of debris under a microscope. This helps distinguish mites from yeast, bacteria, and other conditions. If the eardrum is damaged, certain ear products can be unsafe. Cats with persistent or recurrent ear trouble may need evaluation for an underlying issue.
When to seek care urgently
Promptly arrange a vet visit for pain, discharge, bad odor, or repeated head shaking. A head tilt, loss of balance, abnormal eye movements, marked pain, or swelling around the ear warrants urgent in-person assessment because middle or inner ear disease can affect balance. An online consultation can discuss the signs but cannot inspect the eardrum or examine an ear sample.
What not to do
Do not put alcohol, vinegar, essential oils, hydrogen peroxide, or leftover drops into your cat’s ear. Avoid cotton swabs deep in the canal. Do not attempt to force cleaning on a painful cat. If ear mites are confirmed, your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate parasite treatment and advise whether other pets need attention.
After treatment
Use any prescribed drops only as directed and attend the recommended recheck. If itching or shaking returns, a repeat ear exam is preferable to restarting old medication. Persistent infection can be associated with pain, hearing changes, and occasionally balance problems.
For related information, see The Pet Vet’s pet-health resources and Cornell’s guide to feline otitis. This article is general education and not a replacement for a veterinary examination.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.