Why is my kitten scratching ears and shaking head with no ear mites?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 21 days old | 8.3 lbs
I rescued a 3 week old kitten around 2 weeks ago, he is now 5 weeks old. Just recently, he has been scratching the insides of his ears and shaking his head. He has no ear wax or discharge, no other symptoms of ear mites. His ears are a pale pink colour on the inside. He doesn't seem to have fleas either. He hasn't had any contact with other animals since we rescued him and we keep him indoors. What could this be?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 22nd, 2017
Poor Toby! He could have a middle ear infection caused by yeast or bacteria that you cannot see. His symptoms do indicate a problem with his ears, and I would take him into the vet today or tomorrow for an exam. The vet can look down his ears with an otoscope to see if he does have an infection, and can treat him for it. It's important to have any ear problem examined and treated promptly as leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 9th, 2017
Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rocco! The most common reason for head shaking and fears that are painful to the touch is an ear infection. The most common cause of ear infections in dogs is an over growth of bacteria or yeast. The infection can set in if they have a food allergy, environmental allergies, atopy or the ears are extra moist from swimming for example. In young dogs ear mites are also possible. I personally don't recommend putting anything in his ears until you see your veterinarian. A lot of over the counter rinses can dry out or ulcerate the ears. Sometimes dogs with ear infections are painful enough that their appetite might drop. When your Veterinarian opens tomorrow make an appointment to get him checked out! I hope Rocco feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 26th, 2017
No, it is not likely ear mites. Anything is possible but I don't think it is probable. You need to be careful what you put in the ears - if the eardrum has a hole in it using medications that are not approved for the inner/middle ear could be harmful. I suggest you try to keep him from scratching the ears by using a cone collar: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-ecollars?ddkey=https%3ASearchDisplay Of course, it would be best to get him to a vet sooner if the ears are really bothering him that much. You can also try applying a THIN layer of Neosporin on those red spots you can see but don't put in down inside the ear canal. Hope this helps. Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 18th, 2018
It's probably an ear infection, often it cannot be seen from the outside. Ear infections are very common in dogs, it is usually caused by either yeast or bacterial disease. the treatment is usually simple and straightforward, you will have to take Sniper to the vet and get the ears checked, then a prescription ear drops will be prescribed according to the infectious agent.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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