Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat has a soft, fluid-filled lump on its ear. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 1 year and 10 months old | 17 lbs

My cat jinx has this wierd boil or something on his ear. It's like a soft fluid sack. Well I woke up today and the sack has more fluid and is more swollen. I don't know how it happened I was out if town at the time and when I came back it was there on his ear.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2017

This is an aural hematoma which is a blood filled pocket between the skin layers on the ear. Cats usually get this from scratching their ears due to ear mites or fleas. To treat this your veterinarian will check the ears for infection and usually will drain the fluid pocket from the ear flap. If this is not treated over a month the fluid will resolve but often the ear will scar down and become deformed. I recommend a veterinary exam soon for treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jinx.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Summer Walker, DVM, MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 10th, 2017

    Poor Zen! From the pictures that looks like an aural hematoma. These are typically associated with an underlying ear infection (otitis externa most commonly) that causes a pet to scratch the ear excessively or shake their head. This scratching and shaking results in the rupture of the small vessels within the ear pinna and the accumulation of blood within the "empty" space. Zen should be seen by his veterinarian for further treatment. An ear cytology should be performed to determine if there is an underlying otitis externa and appropriate otic (ear) medications prescribed. An otoscope exam will need to be performed to visualize the inside of the ear and the ear drum (tympanic membrane) to ensure it is intact. Many aural hematomas will resolve with appropriate otic treatment and low dose corticosteroid use to decrease itching (pruritis), but some will require surgery for complete . On occasion, there will be no ear infection present and the aural hematoma was due to a recent trauma to the affected ear pinna. I hope Zen feels better soon!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 1st, 2019

    A swollen ear can be a hematoma. This is bleeding within the ear flap that causes it to look like a tiny pillow. Typically, some sort of ear infection is the underlying cause. Both would have to be confirmed by your veterinarian with a physical exam. Your vet may examine swabs of the ear to diagnose infection (bacterial, fungal or mites). On occasion, a trauma to the ear can also rupture blood vessels causing similar symptoms. The gold standard of treatment is surgical. The ear flap is cleaned out and the bleeding stopped. Sutures are placed to keep the ear flap together. Any underlying infection must also be treated to prevent excessive head shaking or pawing at the ear.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on February 10th, 2018

    Poor Smartie! It's difficult to tell exactly what's going on from the photo, but if it feels like his ear flap itself is swollen or "puffy" with fluid, it's likely that this is something called an aural hematoma. This occurs when the cat scratches at the ear and tears a small blood vessel in this area, causing the ear flap to develop a localized pocket of fluid. If this is the problem, you can either have surgery to drain the swelling and tack down the skin to keep it from recurring, or it can be managed with anti-inflammatory meds until it resolves on its own. I would recommend taking Smartie to the vet when you are able to, so that his ear can be checked. Your vet can tell you for sure if this is an aural hematoma or something else, and will advise you on the best treatment option for your kitty :)

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored