How to Tell if a Cat Has Ear Mites or Dirty Ears

To determine whether a cat has ear mites or dirty ears, you can observe the color of the cat's earwax, the shape of the earwax, smell the cat's ears for any unusual odors, and look for any abnormal phenomena. If you find that the cat's ear canal is secreting a large amount of black or red matter, similar to the shape of coffee grounds, and emits a strong odor, accompanied by symptoms such as intense scratching and vigorous head shaking, it is likely to have ear mites. If the owner suspects that the cat has ear mites, it is recommended to take the cat's ear canal secretions to a pet hospital for a microscope examination to confirm the diagnosis before treating accordingly.

1. Observe the color of the cat's earwax

After a cat is infected with ear mites, the ear canal secretions increase significantly, and the earwax that is shed is black or red, either very dry or very wet. Normal cat earwax is slightly brown in color and only slightly moist.

1. Observe the shape of the cat's earwax

The earwax formed by ear mites is rough and resembles coffee grounds, becoming red when wet. Normal cat earwax is minimal, slightly moist, and fine to the touch. If it is ear mites, under a microscope, you can see adult ear mites or eggs in the collected earwax, as well as a large number of red blood cells.

1. Check for any unusual odors in the cat's ears

Even if a cat has earwax without an ear mite infection, there will be no strong pungent smell, but if the cat is infected with ear mites, when you flip up the cat's ears, a strong odor can be detected.

1. Observe if the cat has any abnormal phenomena

When a cat has ear mites, it will experience intense itching, so the cat will use its claws to scratch its earlobes or intentionally rub its ears, and frequently shake its ears. If it is just dirty ears, it will not cause itching, and the cat will not shake its head.