Cat Ear Infection
Ear infections in cats can be painful and may point to ear mites, yeast, bacteria, allergies, or deeper ear disease. Because cats often hide discomfort, even mild head shaking, scratching, odor, or discharge is worth paying attention to and discussing with a vet.
When to Call a Vet
Go to the ER now
- ● Go to an emergency vet now if your cat has a head tilt, falls, rolls, seems off-balance, or cannot walk normally, as this can happen with middle or inner ear involvement.
- ● Seek immediate care if your cat has facial drooping, cannot blink normally, a suddenly uneven pupil, or the third eyelid is showing on one side along with ear signs.
- ● Get urgent emergency help if your cat seems severely painful, cries when the ear is touched, or will not let you near the head.
- ● Go now if there is major swelling of the ear flap, heavy bleeding, or trauma to the ear.
- ● Seek emergency care if your cat seems suddenly deaf or is acting disoriented along with ear symptoms.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● Schedule a vet visit within 24 hours if you notice ear discharge, especially black, brown, yellow, or foul-smelling debris.
- ● Call your vet promptly if your cat is shaking the head, pawing at the ear, or holding one ear differently than usual.
- ● Make an appointment soon if the ear looks red, swollen, scabby, or painful.
- ● See a vet promptly if symptoms keep coming back, affect only one ear repeatedly, or do not improve, because polyps, foreign material, or deeper disease may need to be ruled out.
- ● Book a vet visit if your kitten, outdoor cat, or newly adopted cat has ear debris or intense itching, since ear mites are common in these groups.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● Monitor only briefly if you notice a single mild scratch at the ear but your cat is otherwise acting normal and there is no odor, redness, discharge, or repeated head shaking.
- ● Keep watching if there is very mild wax at the outer ear opening but no discomfort, smell, or visible inflammation.
- ● If signs are subtle but persist more than a day or two, contact your vet rather than waiting, since cats often hide pain.
- ● Do not monitor at home if you are unsure whether the eardrum is intact—call your vet before putting anything in the ear.
Common Causes of Cat Ear Infection
Ear mites
Ear mites are a leading cause of otitis externa in cats, especially kittens, outdoor cats, and cats exposed to infested pets. They often cause intense itching and a dark, dirty-looking discharge.
Bacterial or yeast overgrowth
Bacteria and yeast can infect an inflamed ear canal and make symptoms worse. These infections often cause redness, odor, pain, and discharge.
Allergies or skin disease
Allergies and other skin problems can inflame the ear canal and set the stage for secondary infection. Recurring ear issues often need an underlying cause identified to prevent relapse.
Foreign material
Grass awns, debris, or other material stuck in the ear can trigger inflammation and infection. These usually need a veterinary exam and safe removal.
Polyps or growths
Inflammatory polyps are a recognized cause of middle ear disease in cats and may also contribute to ongoing outer ear problems. One-sided or repeat infections deserve a thorough exam.
Spread to the middle or inner ear
Untreated outer ear infection can spread deeper and affect hearing or balance. Cats with head tilt, wobbliness, or facial nerve changes need prompt veterinary care.
What to Do at Home
If you think your cat has an ear infection, the safest first step is to call your vet. Treatment depends on the cause, and cats may need an ear exam, microscopy, and sometimes sedation to look safely into a painful ear. Because cats are stoic and often hide illness, visible ear symptoms should not be ignored.
- Keep your cat indoors and in a calm space so you can monitor head shaking, scratching, appetite, and balance.
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, essential oils, or over-the-counter ear drops unless your veterinarian tells you to.
- Do not clean deep inside the ear canal at home, especially if the ear is painful or you do not know whether the eardrum is intact.
- If your vet has already prescribed ear medication, use it exactly as directed and finish the full course unless your vet tells you otherwise.
- Check for other signs such as bad odor, swelling, discharge color changes, head tilt, or trouble walking, and report these to your vet.
- If your cat lives with other pets and ear mites are suspected, ask your vet whether other animals in the home also need evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cat ear infection look like?
Can cat ear infections go away on their own?
Are ear mites the same thing as an ear infection?
When is a cat ear infection an emergency?
Should I clean my cat's ears at home?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.