Ear Infections in Cats: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

In this guide

Cats get ear infections far less often than dogs, thanks to their narrower, more upright ear canals, which is exactly why an infection in a cat is more likely to point to an underlying problem rather than simple bad luck, and deserves a proper look rather than a quick home cleaning.

What usually causes it

• Ear mites, especially in kittens, community cats, and cats newly adopted from a shelter or street background
• Bacterial or yeast overgrowth, often secondary to allergies, moisture, or an underlying skin condition
• Polyps or growths within the ear canal, more common in older cats
• Foreign material, such as a grass seed, particularly in cats that spend time outdoors

Signs to look for

• Frequent head shaking or tilting to one side
• Scratching at one or both ears
• A dark, coffee-ground-like discharge (typical of ear mites) or a yellowish, foul-smelling discharge (typical of bacterial or yeast infection)
• Redness, swelling, or a hot feeling inside the ear flap
• A strong odour from the ear

Diagnosis and treatment

Your vet will examine the ear canal with an otoscope and usually take a swab to look at under the microscope, which distinguishes mites from bacteria or yeast in minutes and determines the right treatment. Ear mites respond well to a topical parasiticide, often the same spot-on products used for fleas and ticks. Bacterial and yeast infections are treated with a prescription ear medication, and a course typically runs one to two weeks, sometimes with a recheck to confirm the infection has cleared before stopping.

If your vet suspects allergies as the root cause, expect a conversation about managing that underlying condition too, since treating the ear alone without addressing the trigger tends to bring the infection straight back.

Cleaning an ear at home, safely

• Only clean if your vet has confirmed there is no ruptured eardrum
• Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner, never water, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide
• Fill the canal gently, massage the base of the ear for a few seconds, then let your cat shake its head before wiping away loosened debris with a cotton pad
• Never insert a cotton swab into the canal itself, since this pushes debris deeper and risks injury

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