What is the black gunk in my cat's ears?

Some cats are more bothered by ear mites than others. 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.

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 does black stuff in a cats ear mean?

Black stuff in the ear is never normal - a healthy cat's ears should be very clean, with no visible discharge of any kind inside them. Black debris or discharge is usually an indication of either ear mites, or a bacterial or fungal ear infection.

How do you tell if your cat has ear mites or just dirty ears?

Color: The most obvious difference between healthy cat ear wax vs mites is the color. Healthy ear wax will always be brown. However, a cat with mites is usually darker in color as there will be blood and bits of skin mixed in with the wax.

Why does my cat have gunk in his ear?

Ear infections in cats can be caused by a number of things, including a piece of debris caught in their ear canal, wax buildup in the ear canal, allergies to food or pollen, autoimmune diseases, thick hair in the ear canal, a ruptured eardrum, drug reactions, tumors or polyps in the ear canal, and environmental ...

Cat Ear Mites: 3 New Remedies

Can I use Q-tips to clean my cat's ears?

Never use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to clean your cat's ears — these substances just aren't safe for your kitty. Also, never use cotton-tipped swabs, like Q-tips, in a cat's ear at home. It's just too easy to push debris and wax further down into the ear canal.

Can humans catch ear mites from cats?

If your pet has ear mites, these mites can travel to your bedding and furniture and then attach themselves to you — a human host. Keep in mind you don't have to have an animal of your own to get ear mites. You can develop an infection if you come in close contact with anyone's pet who has ear mites.

What color should cat earwax be?

A normal inner ear and ear canal should be light pink in color. A small amount of light/medium brown ear wax is fine.

What do ear mites look like in cat's ears?

Feline ear mites on the insides of the ears will look dirty, usually with a dark brown or reddish-brown debris. Sometimes a black crust forms, as well. This crust can clog the ear canal over time. Your veterinarian can easily diagnose feline ear mites.

How do you get rid of ear mites in cats naturally?

Place a cotton ball in a small amount of honey, and rub it in your cat's ears. Let the honey sit in the ears for about 20 to 30 minutes, and then gently wipe it away with warm water. If your cat will let you, repeat this process two times a day until the mites are eradicated.

Should you clean a cat's ears?

Most cats have healthy, clean ears and never need to have their ears cleaned. However, it is recommended to clean your cat's ears if you notice discharge or an odor when examining the ear. Your veterinarian can help you decide how often your cat's ears should be cleaned.

What does an ear infection look like in a cat?

Symptoms of Ear infection in Cats

Ear discharge resembling coffee grounds. Yellowish or black discharge. Head tilting. Swelling or redness in the ear canal.

Can ear mites infest your house?

Ear mites can live 4-6 days without feeding on a host. Since they're microscopic they can be living in your carpet or on your couch. Plus pets are extremely like to be shedding these tiny nightmares if they have an outbreak.

What are the signs of mites?

Can I use baby wipes to clean my cat's ears?

The short answer is no, you can't safely use baby wipes on cats. That's because even the mildest unscented baby wipes contain some kind of ingredient that's harmful or unpleasant to your cat.

Why do my cats ears keep getting 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.

How can I treat my cats ear infection at home?

Heavily moisten a cotton ball with the ear cleaner. Apply the cotton ball to the base of the ear and fold the ear flap over onto the cotton ball. Massage the base of the ear (you should hear a squishing sound), and then allow your cat to shake his head.

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.

Can cat ear infections clear up on their own?

Outdoor cats and kittens are more prone to ear infections but even older, indoor felines may develop this pesky condition. Ear infections are painful and won't go away on their own, so it's important to be familiar with the signs that indicate there's a problem.

How do vets treat ear mites in cats?

Ear mites in cats are a treatable condition. Both systemic and topical treatments are available, including systemic selamectin, moxidectin, ivermectin, and milbemycin. Your veterinarian may also clean your cat's ears with an appropriate cleaning solution.

How do you know if your cat has fungal infection?

Does apple cider vinegar help ear infections in cats?

Best of all apple cider vinegar works! When mixed with equal parts of purified water apple cider vinegar makes a great ear cleaner and helps stave off yeast infections. Wet a cotton ball with the solution and wipe out your dogs ear canal. Follow with a dry cotton ball to remove excess moisture.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for cats?

Dawn dish soap is safe to use for cats as long as you use Dawn Original or Dawn Free & Clear. Other scented versions of Dawn contain artificial fragrances and dyes that can irritate your cat's skin or respiratory system, especially in cats that already have skin or medical conditions.