My cat has a smelly ear and a rash. Could it be an infection?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 27 days old
Hi my cats one ear is really very smelly I can smell him a mile away he also looks like he has a rash on his cheek what can I do
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 11th, 2018
I would definitely be suspicious of an ear infection from the pictures and what you are describing. Ear infections usually have a primary cause that allows it to be infected. Common primary causes are allergies, excessive moisture, ear mites, or something stuck down in the ear. It's always best to have her evaluated by a veterinarian, so they can have a good look in the ear and provide the necessary medication to clear this up. For now, it will be good to gently flush the ear once every two days to help remove the debris from the ear - this will help with treating the infection. Below are a few links that give helpful advice/tutorials about cleaning ears. The rash on the cheek is likely due to scratching and will get better when the ear infection is dealt with. I recommend cleaning the rash with a medicated wipe or shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day until it's better. If it seems to get worse, then you'll want to take Simba into the vet for an exam. https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-clean-your-cat-s-ears-what-you-need-to-know/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Dh3mJBzts I hope that helps and Simba gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 19th, 2018
Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about the ear infection! Ear infections in cats can be due to yeast or bacterial infection, ear mites, or sometimes polyps or other masses in the ear can be a cause. I would recommend having Socks taken to her veterinarian for an ear exam. Your veterinarian will look in both ears and may take a ear swab for yeast, bacterial or ear mites. Based on what is found, Socks will be on the most appropriate ear medication and treatment plan. These typically include a good ear cleaning and antibiotics. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 5th, 2017
Pictures can be deceiving, but it looks like their may be an ear infection as well as a skin infection. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by a veterinarian. They can identify if it is an infection and if so is it yeast or bacterial as well as prescribe the appropriate medication. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 16th, 2018
Cuddles does sound like she is not doing well at all at the moment. Ear infections in cats can also be caused by yeast or ear mites, so treating her with left over antibiotics is not recommended as that may be the wrong treatment. In addition, they may be expired and not safe to give. Because she appears to be so severely affected based on your description, I think immediate vet care is required. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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