Cat ear mites vs earwax buildup: How to tell the difference

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are a common parasite of cats. Signs of ear mites include itchy ears, discharge in the ear canal that looks like coffee grounds, and foul-smelling, waxy buildup. Ear discharge from mites looks very different from a cat’s normal earwax. If you have a cat, read on to learn more about:

• Symptoms of cat ear mites
• What healthy earwax looks like in cats
• How vets diagnose and treat ear mite infestations in cats
• When to see a vet for your cat’s ears

Other ear issues, such as fungal or bacterial infections, can have symptoms similar to those of ear mite infestations. It’s important to seek an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian to choose a safe and effective treatment option.

Ear mites, (Otodectes cynotis) are a common parasite that can infest a cat’s ears. Common symptoms of ear mites in cats include:

• Dark ear discharge that can be gooey or dry and granular
• Intensely itchy ears
• Foul-smelling ears
• Scabby ears
• Swollen, misshapen, or droopy ears
• Head shaking

Ear discharge from ear mites is typically dark, dry, and granular, similar to coffee grounds. However, an accumulation of dark, gooey, foul-smelling earwax and mite debris may also be found, and the ears may be scaly and crusty as well. Secondary infections due to excessive scratching are common in cats with ear mites. In severe mite infestations, the eardrum can be damaged or ruptured. Microscopic examination of debris from the ear is necessary to make a diagnosis.

It’s normal for cats to have a small amount of earwax. Earwax naturally protects a cat’s ear canal by catching and pushing out debris that can cause infection or injury. Healthy earwax is odorless and may not even be noticeable other than giving the skin lining the ear a slightly oily sheen. Dirt that’s caught by earwax may make it appear a darker color, but healthy wax is usually colorless or tinged slightly yellow or brown.

Signs of unhealthy ear discharge in cats include:

• Colors such as black, dark brown, orange, red, or cream
• A consistency other than waxy or slightly oily
• Foul or strong odors
• Accumulation of wax or debris

Ear discharge due to underlying health conditions will often have other symptoms, such as itchiness, swelling of the skin lining the ear, droopy or folded ears, and scabby sores in and around the ears.

Causes of earwax buildup in cats

A buildup of wax can sometimes collect in the outer ear, and some cats simply produce more wax than others. However, an increased amount of waxy discharge from the ears is more commonly associated with a bacterial or fungal infection, or ear mites. Discharge due to a fungal or bacterial infection in the ears is usually more abundant and is accompanied by swelling, odor, redness, and itchiness. Abnormal ear discharge can also be a result of a foreign object in the ear, such as a grass seed. Itchy and inflamed ears are often seen in cats with allergies, but any changes in the earwax are usually because of a secondary infection.

Ear mites are highly contagious and spread by close contact with infected animals. Outdoor cats are more likely to catch ear mites than indoor cats because they have a greater risk of exposure to other infected cats. Ear mites don’t live for long when they’re not on a host, so they’re usually spread via direct contact with another infected cat rather than picked up from your cat’s environment.

During a physical examination to diagnose ear mites, a veterinarian examines your cat’s ears using an otoscope. If unhealthy-appearing earwax or discharge is present, they may swab a sample from the ears and examine it under a microscope. Ear mites, bacteria, and fungi are usually present in high numbers and easily identified under the microscope.

If your cat shows signs of discomfort or there’s discharge in their ears, it’s best to talk to a vet for a proper diagnosis. Fungal infections, bacterial infections, and mite infestations have similar symptoms and can be confused without an examination. An accurate diagnosis is needed for effective treatment.

Ear mites are treated with a thorough ear cleaning and anti-parasitic medications. Some over-the-counter medications are safe and effective, while others can be toxic to cats. It’s important to get a vet-recommended product for mite treatment. “The best way to get a convenient, safe, and effective ear mite treatment for your cat is to get prescription medication from a veterinarian,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on Vetster. “These products are often more effective because they’re easier to use and they treat mites faster.” For example, a prescription topical medication may instruct a cat owner to apply a small amount of medication to the skin between the shoulder blades every few weeks while an over-the-counter medication may involve thoroughly massaging medication in the ear repeatedly for multiple weeks.

Successful eradication of an ear mite infestation takes multiple weeks or even months because no treatment, even prescription medication, can kill mite eggs. Repeated treatment is necessary as the eggs continue to hatch until the entire population is eliminated. Since ear mites are highly contagious, any other dogs or cats in close contact with the affected cat must also be treated at the same time.

Most ear mite medications treat only ear mites and do not contain antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatory medications, so additional treatment is often necessary if a cat has a secondary ear infection.

Talk to a vet any time you notice changes to your cat’s ears, including discharge, wax buildup, odor, itchiness, or inflammation. It’s important to get a definitive diagnosis from a veterinarian before attempting to treat your cat’s ear problem. Infections and mite infestations can look similar but require different treatment. If your cat is experiencing ear symptoms or you’re unsure if their earwax is normal, you can talk to an online veterinary professional on Vetster in an online virtual care appointment.

How do I know if my cat has ear mites or earwax?

Ear mites in cats can cause other symptoms, such as intense itching in the ears, head shaking, foul-smelling ear discharge, and ear inflammation. If a cat has abnormal earwax buildup or discharge, talk to a veterinarian, as many other ear conditions can lead to discharge or a buildup of wax.

What do cat ear mites look like?

Ear mites are very small and usually can’t be seen without a microscope. Cats with ear mites usually have dark ear discharge that looks like coffee grounds or gooey wax buildup. They may also shake their head or scratch their ears excessively.

What should cat earwax look like?

Healthy cat earwax is minimal, odorless, and colorless. Wax may look darker if dirt is also present, but dark ear discharge is a common sign of ear infections or mites. Any changes in color, consistency, odor, or amount of wax may indicate a health issue that needs to be seen by a veterinarian.