Blood in ears?

I've just noticed that one of our Maine Coons, Bruce, seems to have some discharge from his ears. He is a red/silver tabby and he has mottled pale ginger skin in his ears so I have only just noticed it.

It is like dried blood, I think - kinda orange/brown (I just touched the bit I could easily reach as I know you're not supposed to meddle with a cat's ears). There's not lots of it - just some light staining inside his ears.

I spotted it in his left ear and thought it might have been caused by fighting with his sister Sheila (just play-fighting - they've never drawn blood before!). Then I noticed it (a bit less) in his right ear.

He didn't mind me looking in his ears, and otherwise seems to be perfectly well (they did both have a touch of diarrhoea 2-3 weeks ago, which I put down to a cold/virus). I can't see anything similar inside Sheila's ears, though she is a silver tortie and much more hairy! They are indoor cats and are 2 years old.

Or maybe it's just earwax and is normal?? This is now what I'm thinking! Is it normal to see a bit of earwax?

Thanks

Bruce&Sheila

It sounds like earwax, given the color. A little bit of earwax is normal, but if there is a lot, it could be a sign of an infection or earmites.

Thanks - my husband thought the same when he looked last night. I'll keep an eye on it.

Bruce&Sheila

I'm not sure how deep in the ear the blood is, but have you considered the possibility that it's flea dirt? Be sure to comb through and look for live fleas.