My cat's ears look bruised but aren't painful. What could it be?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
It looks like my cats ears are bruised. He will let me touch them it doesn’t seem like they are too tender but I’m trying to figure out what it is.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 1st, 2020
This looks like ecchymosis/petechia that are usually from a clotting disorder or vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). This can be a serious issue and I think you need to take her to the vet for an exam as soon as you can get her an appointment. Check her gums and her belly for any more signs of bruising like this. I really don't think this is due to trauma.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 8th, 2017
It seems like a small hemorrhage probably due to a trauma, a spot of infection could be a possible differential. From the picture it looks like something it will resolve completely, probably in a couple of weeks time. If not, a veterinary check up would be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has red small spots in her ears, should i be worried?
The spots could be from your cat itching excessively at her ears, or they could be a little bruises under the skin. It is difficult to know which is going on based on the pictures. I would recommend taking your cat into the vet because if it is bruises this could indicate a bleeding or clotting disorder. Hopefully it is nothing too serious going on, but I would have it checked out just to be safe.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Recently I have found a bruise like colour on my cats ear, is this a concern?
It seems like a small hemorrhage probably due to a trauma, a spot of infection could be a possible differential. From the picture it looks like something it will resolve completely, probably in a couple of weeks time. If not, a veterinary check up would be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I noticed these red splotches on my cats ear this morning. She is a healthy indoor cat, 4 years old. Her ear wasn't warm to the touch, but she did "flick" her ear when I tried to touch it.
It's a little difficult to tell from the pictures, but those areas may be bruises or areas of small bleeds. If you don't know of any possible injury to Lola's ear then I would recommend having your veterinarian examine her for any other signs of abnormal bleeding or bruising. Sometimes it can be difficult to see on cats with her coloring, but we can sometimes see bruising in the mouth or eyes or on the belly if there is something abnormal going on. It may be worth having some blood work checked just to be safe. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi , my cat Mia has a lump inside her ear . When I shined a light through her ears , I could see her veins . It looks like she ruptured her veins . I think one of my cat bit her ear or she must’ve scartched it herself .However , there isn’t any blood
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! From your picture I do not see a wound, it looks like bleeding under the skin or is a bruise. If there is no wound then it doesn't need surgery and the blood should reabsorb like bruises do. If Maya is not acting normal and/or there are other areas of bruising on her body that she see a veterinarian to be sure she doesn't have a platelet or clotting disorder. Now if the ear has a fluidy lump on the ear pinna that is likely a hematoma. Ear hematomas can form from shaking the head and breaking the blood vessels. This is most commonly from an ear infection or ear mites. If she has a lot of dark brown or black wax in the ear and is shaking her head or scratching her ears she should see a Vet. Otherwise there is not much to do besides give it time to go away. I hope this helps and I wish Maya the very best!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi there I noticed this mark on my cats ear today. He is not itching and shows no sign of distress. Any idea what this might be?
This looks almost like bruising from a bite mark from a human child (some small children like to explore....)..... I would observe the spots, and if they do not go away or get better within the next two days, have a veterinarian examine Orion.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I noticed that both of my cats ears had a red outline to them. He doesn’t paw at them often or anything more than normal. Curious as to what it is and how to treat.
Hi! It appears that you are seeing the blood vessels of Jasper's ear with good lighting. The ear does not look abnormal from the photo but if you see changes to the skin of the ear tips, swelling, pain, head shaking, hairless, or increased redness, he should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has an air pocket literally IN her ear. I don't know what to do with it and I can't get to the vet at the moment. It's seriously freaking me out! She doesn't react negatively to me touching it, but I don't want to pop it in case something bad
This looks like it may be a haematoma (blood blister) - usually cases by excessive head shaking or scratching from ear disease. It may heal for itself but could cause significant scarring and long term discomfort. Surgical drainage and deep cleaning of the ears under sedation are recommended - contact your local humane society for advice on subsidized clinics if necessary
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My cat was playing with his sisters and brother.When I was in my bed my little cat come to my belly and start sleeping.When I took him and let him sleep in his place I saw blood on my quilt.I saw blood in my cat's ear.I stared to clean that blood wit
We can sometimes see bleeding in the ear due to inflammation with ear mites or an ear infection. If your kitten has otherwise been normal/active today, eating normally, and his gums are nice and pink and he hasn't had any trauma then waiting til tomorrow for an exam should be ok. If your kitten is lethargic, has pale gums, has bruising or red spots on his body or starts bleeding elsewhere an emergency exam is warranted.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I had my dog desexed last month and when we picked him up from the vet he had bruising in his ears, one ear he had a tattoo so I thought that was from that but the other ear had a bruise too and they haven't gone away, is this anything to be concerne
Tua is gorgeous! As im sure you know the main cause of bruising is trauma such as a bang or knock or pinch. These bruises could have occured due to holding by the ears or possibly due to the clip of the pulse oximeter in anaesthetic monitoring (if it was moved ears). If you know they definitely occured at the vets it may be worth having a chat to establish exactly why and if it was appropriate. I dont think there will be any long term issues though with these bruises.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has one ear that is swollen and it looks like a pillow. No obvious signs of trauma
Hello, sorry to hear about Black. It looks like he has a hematoma or a blood filled ear pinnae. This is typically caused due to scratching or trauma. Things that may cause Blacki to itch would be an ear infection, mites, or allergies. You should have Blacki evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out an underlying cause for this. In terms of the swollen ear it self, there are several ways to address this such as draining and bandaging vs surgery to suture the ear flat. The latter is generally reserved for last resort after draining has failed. This is not an emergency, but Blacki should be evaluated soon to address his ear. Hope this helps and best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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