What does a cat's ear look like with ear mites? - briefly
A cat’s ear infested with mites appears reddened, swollen, and covered with dark, crumbly debris that often looks like coffee grounds, sometimes accompanied by a foul odor. The skin may be irritated or ulcerated, and the animal may scratch or shake its head frequently.
What does a cat's ear look like with ear mites? - in detail
A cat suffering from ear mite infestation displays a characteristic appearance that distinguishes it from a healthy ear. The outer ear canal often appears reddened and inflamed, with the skin stretched thin over the swollen tissue. The hair surrounding the ear may be matted or missing due to excessive scratching.
The most recognizable sign is a dark, crumbly debris that coats the ear canal. This material resembles coffee grounds or fine black sand and is composed of dead mites, wax, and cellular debris. The debris typically adheres to the walls of the canal and can be seen when the ear is gently lifted.
Additional visual cues include:
- Swelling of the ear flap (pinna) and the inner canal.
- Small, moving specks visible under magnification, often mistaken for dirt.
- Excessive wax production that becomes thick and discolored.
- Crusty scabs forming at the entrance of the ear.
Behavioral manifestations accompany the physical changes. The cat may shake its head frequently, exhibit persistent ear scratching, and show signs of discomfort when the ear is touched. In severe cases, secondary bacterial infections can cause a foul odor and additional pus formation.
Prompt veterinary assessment and treatment are essential to eliminate the parasites, reduce inflammation, and restore normal ear structure.