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My cat is scratching his ear and it looks dirty. Is it ear mites?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 months and 10 days old | 5 lbs

Does my cat have ear mites? (MALE, NEUTERED, 4 MONTHS, DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR/MIX) Judging by this picture of the inside of my cats ear, do you think he has ear mites or is it just dirty? He's been scratching at his ear for the past few days as well, if that helps.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident

Published on August 17th, 2017

Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Unfortunately, the only way to confirm ear mites is to a swab of the ears and looking under the microscope. Typically cats with ear mites present with a large amount of thick, dark debris in the ear canal with complaints of persistent ear scratching +/- head shaking. So to answer you question, Oliver's presentation is highly suspicious for ear mites. He definitely needs to see a veterinarian to confirm this and treat the underlying cause (i.e. mites, bacterial infection). Unfortunately there is no home remedy for ear problems and your vet will want to examine the ear canal before prescribing medications, as some medications can be harmful if there is damage with in the canal. Also we want Oliver to be comfortable and a lot of times cats can cause external trauma to the face and ear from excessive scratching and rubbing. Hopefully this information is helpful and Oliver is feeling better soon!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It is not clear from the picture, magnification is required either with an otoscope or microscope to identify for sure. I recommend cleaning daily for 3-5days with a cat ear cleanser and apply a spot on such as revolution which is effective against mites. Prescription antiinflammatory medications may be required if not responding

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 5th, 2016

    Ear mites can only be seen under a microscope, and if Earl Grey's ear is really dirty and he is scratching at it, then he likely does have an ear infection. There's nothing you can use OTC to treat this at home, and he does need to be seen by a vet. Depending on the cause of the ear infection (mites, yeast, bacteria), different treatments are required, and your vet can diagnose the cause so he can be treated correctly. It's very important to have any ear infections examined and treated promptly, as leaving them untreated can lead to hearing loss. I would take him into the vet today during normal business hours. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

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