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Is it normal for my cat to have brown ear wax after cleaning?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 11 lbs

I always see a a little brown dried wax in my cat's ears three to four days after I clean it with virbac advance, is that normal? Is it true that I shouldn't be able to see visible brown ear wax in my cat's at all? I read this as an answer in your forums and wanted to confirm

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

Veterinarian

Published on July 3rd, 2017

A small amount of ear wax can be normal. If there is a large amount of wax, any redness, pain, or Sweetie is scratching excessively at her ears, it may be an ear infection and she would need to see a veterinarian. Cats are typically pretty good at keeping themselves clean so you really shouldn't need to clean her ears very often.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 17th, 2019

    I'm sorry but without examining the ears myself it is hard for me to say. Some brownish ear wax is normal in cats and doesn't necessarily mean they are infected. If he is shaking his head or scratching the ears then yes, there may be an infection. If you are worried you need to have him examined by a vet. Some cats will have more ear wax than others (just like in people) so you may just have to do regular ear cleanings on him (like once or twice a month). You should always use an ear cleaner made for cats.

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