My cat's ears smell bad, but show no other symptoms. What's wrong?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 27 days old | 6 lbs
My cats ears smell but doesn’t appear to have any other symptoms?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 23rd, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. The odor you are smelling could be due to an ear infection or ear mites. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine the ears so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 11th, 2020
It's probably an ear infection, often it cannot be seen from the outside. Ear infections are very common in cats, it is usually caused by either yeast, ear mites or bacterial disease. the treatment is usually simple and straightforward, you will have to take her 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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Published on December 7th, 2018
This can be from an ear infection, excess wax buildup or ear mites. I recommend cleaning them with a pet ear cleaner using a cotton ball. If there is a bad smell then prescription ear medication is probably needed. Your veterinarian will check the ear discharge under a microscope and then get the appropriate medication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Phoenix.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 25th, 2017
It's probably an ear infection, often it cannot be seen from the outside. Ear infections are very common in cats, it is usually caused by either mites, yeast or bacterial disease. the treatment is usually simple and straightforward, you will have to take Shadow 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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