Help! How Do I Know if My Cat Has Ear Mites! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Mr. Weasley, my cat, keeps scratching at his ears and has caused them to bleed externally. I’ve looked inside his ears, and he has something black inside. His hearing is fine; he can hear anything, especially the dinner bowls. I don’t know if it’s ear mites, but not sure how to treat or clean them.“- Virginia
Quick Info about Mr. Weasley
Hi Virginia,
What you’re describing in Mr. Weasley is very consistent with ear mites, especially the combination of intense itching and that dark, crumbly material that often looks like coffee grounds. Cats can still hear perfectly well because the problem is irritating the ear canal rather than blocking sound. The concern here is the self-trauma, when scratching leads to bleeding, it tells us the discomfort is significant, and the skin barrier is already compromised.
Even though ear mites are a common cause, other conditions like yeast or bacterial ear infections can look very similar, and the treatments are quite different. For that reason, the safest and most effective approach is to have a veterinarian confirm the diagnosis with a quick ear swab. In the meantime, avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear or applying over-the-counter products, as these can worsen irritation or push debris deeper. He definitely needs in-person veterinary care to resolve this fully.
Once properly diagnosed, treatment is usually straightforward and very effective, often involving topical or spot-on medications that also protect against reinfestation. Think of it like clearing out both the “invaders” and the environment they thrive in. With prompt care, his ears should heal well, and the itching will settle quickly.
Kind regards,
– Dr. Paola