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Is it normal for cats to have black ear wax?
Most cats do not naturally develop large amounts of wax in their ears, although it can happen. Often when you do see a dark and smelly wax buildup, it indicates another condition, such as a yeast or bacterial infection, ear mites, or other irritations like grass awns in the ear.
What is the black stuff in my cats ear?
Mites also stimulate the wax producing glands inside the ear canal. The result is a black, crusty build-up in the ears that resembles coffee grounds. This discharge is made of blood, wax, debris, and mites themselves. In some cases, this crust can thicken enough to block the ear canal.
What color is ear wax for cats?
light brownish color
In a healthy cat, the ears will have very little ear wax and the discharge will be a light brownish color. The healthy discharge will have no smell and be accompanied by a pink, clean inner ear canal.
Can indoor cat get ear mites?
Ear mites are the leading cause of feline ear problems. These microscopic parasites can be extremely itchy for your pet if undiagnosed. Whether your cat is an outdoor or indoor cat, they can be easily affected by these mites.
What does Earmites look like in cats?
Ear mites are tiny animals and are a fairly common parasite in both cats and dogs. They look like tiny white dots, but can barely be seen with the naked eye. Ear mites live on the skin of the ear canal and feed off ear wax and skin oils.
Why are my indoor cats ears dirty?
As with humans, it’s completely normal for a small amount of earwax to form in your cat’s ears. However, excessive wax buildup can occur if your kitty has allergies, a bacterial infection, systemic inflammation, ear mites, or a yeast infection. A cat’s brown earwax often resembles dirt or dried blood inside the ears.
Why does my indoor cat have dirty ears?
As with humans, it’s completely normal for a small amount of earwax to form in your cat’s ears. However, excessive wax buildup can occur if your kitty has allergies, a bacterial infection, systemic inflammation, ear mites, or a yeast infection.
What does a yeast infection look like in cats ears?
A thick brown or black discharge is a hallmark of yeast infection, although other types of ear infections and also ear mites can result in a dark discharge. Ears and skin with Malassezia overgrowth or infection often have an odor and some owners become adept at recognizing the yeasty smell.
Why is my cat’s ear wax Brown?
A cat’s brown earwax often resembles dirt or dried blood inside the ears. This can cause discomfort and irritation for your furry friend. If you notice other signs of infection, such as scratching and rubbing of the ears, frequent head shaking, or redness and swelling, it’s time to see the vet.
How often should you clean your cats ears?
Only clean your cat’s ears if a small to moderate amount of debris or discharge can be seen in the pinna and the ear drum is intact. Clean the ears only as needed, such as once every 2-3 months. Over-cleaning can lead to irritation. Healthy cats generally do not need routine ear cleaning.
How do you treat excessive ear wax in cats?
You’ll need cat ear cleaner which can be purchased from your local pet store or vets, and you’ll also need a moist, lukewarm cotton wool ball to apply the cat ear cleaner. To clean their ears, simply apply some of the cleaner to the moist cotton wool ball and carefully wipe away any wax or dirt.
What happens if an ear infection goes untreated in cats?
If left untreated ear infections in cats can result in hearing loss.
What ear mites look like in cats?
They look like tiny white dots, but can barely be seen with the naked eye. Ear mites live on the skin of the ear canal and feed off ear wax and skin oils. An adult normally lives for around two months, but they can multiply quickly.
Why is my cat’s ear always dirty?