Ear Mites or Wax?

Hello,

I've noticed what I think is ear mites but the vet told me it's not and its normal just clean it with an ear solution, and don't go to the canal so the ear won't produce more.

What do you think?

It's more like brown paint spray all over.

How old is the cat?  How long have you had him/her?  Does the cat go outdoors?  What is the general health of the cat, otherwise?

Well, if the vet looked in the ears with a microscope and didn't see any mites - then you have to trust your vet. It is odd to have such dirty ear's though. I would clean them with mineral oil gently to loosen the dirt and then gently wipe clean. Then you could use a sensitive baby wipe gently just in the opening of the ear to finish the cleaning. Also - if it were ear mite's, your cat would be shaking and scratching at his ears and the ears at times would be pointing out to the side from the irritation.

3 year old male cat.  Had him ever since he was 4 months.

His ears were perfectly clean for almost 3 years. (without me cleaning them) just checking it every now and then.

He does play outside.

But the last 3 months I've noticed it.  And he does scratch.

It was more dark and a lot.  Now its lighter in color and less.

No other cat in the house.

My vet says (and she's sharp) that ear mites are almost exclusively an opportunistic infection of kittens (less than 9 months or so) and immune-compromised cats.  The last time we thought we had a cat with ear mites, it turned out to be a yeast infection, which she says is much more common in adult cats.

Of course, any cat that goes outdoors is exposed to ear mites, so nothing is impossible.

This picture I found online is similar to my cat has

My vet says (and she's sharp) that ear mites are almost exclusively an opportunistic infection of kittens (less than 9 months or so) and immune-compromised cats.  The last time we thought we had a cat with ear mites, it turned out to be a yeast infection, which she says is much more common in adult cats.

Of course, any cat that goes outdoors is exposed to ear mites, so nothing is impossible.

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Yes, but he always go outside put was clean.

Should I give him a hair cut? if yes, how short?

No, a haircut is not going to help this issue, so far as I know.  You'll have to check with the vet, possibly even suggest a yeast infection.

I've wondered this for a long time myself. Wessie has had a brown waxy substance in his ears for his whole life. I've had him for nearly 4 years, and it never went away. I've tried cleaning with oil as instructed on a paper that came with his adoption papers, but nothing has ever happened. I've pretty much decided that it must just be ear wax. After I clean his ears, the next day they are dirty again.

No, a haircut is not going to help this issue, so far as I know.  You'll have to check with the vet, possibly even suggest a yeast infection.

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I've already checked with the vet and said everything is normal.

Don't know what to do anymore.

I've wondered this for a long time myself. Wessie has had a brown waxy substance in his ears for his whole life. I've had him for nearly 4 years, and it never went away. I've tried cleaning with oil as instructed on a paper that came with his adoption papers, but nothing has ever happened. I've pretty much decided that it must just be ear wax. After I clean his ears, the next day they are dirty again.

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But my cat was clean and now I can't get rid of it, ughh.

His right ear is more infected.  He also tend to tilt his ear flap sometimes.  The vet said there is nothing.!!!

Did the Vet give you an ear solution to clean it up with?  When you clean it, does it completely go away?  What were you searching under when you found that picture that you posted? Does it smell?  I don't have any experience with ear mites, but I do have a little experience with both an over abundance of ear wax AND an ear infection, both in the same cat.  The infection definitely gave off a smell.  The extra ear wax looks almost black to me, so we have to clean out his ears once every few weeks now, and this just started recently (he's 16), but it's just in his ear, not outside, like your picture shows.

If you are cleaning it completely up, and the next day it's right back, then maybe you could call the Vet back and explain that, and ask them how that can be if "it's nothing".  And tell them how your baby seems to be really bothered by it, scratching at it and tilting his earflap.  Has he scratched the fur off? 

Did the Vet give you an ear solution to clean it up with?  When you clean it, does it completely go away?  What were you searching under when you found that picture that you posted? Does it smell?  I don't have any experience with ear mites, but I do have a little experience with both an over abundance of ear wax AND an ear infection, both in the same cat.  The infection definitely gave off a smell.  The extra ear wax looks almost black to me, so we have to clean out his ears once every few weeks now, and this just started recently (he's 16), but it's just in his ear, not outside, like your picture shows.

If you are cleaning it completely up, and the next day it's right back, then maybe you could call the Vet back and explain that, and ask them how that can be if "it's nothing".  And tell them how your baby seems to be really bothered by it, scratching at it and tilting his earflap.  Has he scratched the fur off? 

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Yes he did gave me a solution to use only 2 times. First was last week and the second is tomorrow.

When I clean it it does come back the next day but I noticed it becomes a little less.  And his fur is still in place.  And for the smell I didn't "smell" anything maybe I should get a little closer?!

I was searching for yeast infection, but the pictures' name is "fungal infection"

And how can you tell the difference between ear wax and ear mites?

Here is an article I found on ear mites in cat's. http://www.petwave.com/Cats/Health/Ear-Eye/Mites/Symptoms.aspx I am not saying your cat has ear mites - but just some information for you. Another article on how to clean your cat's ears that you might find helpful http://www.ehow.com/how_4576410_removing-ear-wax-cats.html and another good one about ear wax in cat's. http://voices.yahoo.com/treating-persistent-cat-ear-wax-buildup-8443881.html

From what I know - if your cat does in fact have ear mites, it will be very noticeable because your cat will be scratching, shaking his head, the ear's will point out to the side and he will just be uncomfortable looking. If it is just wax buildup - he would not necessarily have such a dramatic response.

Sounds like today is the 2nd time you are to use the ear cleaning solution?  Maybe that will do the trick.   Do you have any further instructions from the Vet after this cleaning?  If he persists in scratching, etc., and the brown spotting around his ear returns, then I would definitely call the Vet and advise them and ask how this can be "nothing".

Here is an article I found on ear mites in cat's. http://www.petwave.com/Cats/Health/Ear-Eye/Mites/Symptoms.aspx I am not saying your cat has ear mites - but just some information for you. Another article on how to clean your cat's ears that you might find helpful http://www.ehow.com/how_4576410_removing-ear-wax-cats.html and another good one about ear wax in cat's. http://voices.yahoo.com/treating-persistent-cat-ear-wax-buildup-8443881.html

From what I know - if your cat does in fact have ear mites, it will be very noticeable because your cat will be scratching, shaking his head, the ear's will point out to the side and he will just be uncomfortable looking. If it is just wax buildup - he would not necessarily have such a dramatic response.

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Thank you for the links.

He does scratch, but the vet said it's not ear mites.  Today when I started cleaning I did notice a huge change, no brown spray paint look like the image above and less of what I think is black wax.

Sounds like today is the 2nd time you are to use the ear cleaning solution?  Maybe that will do the trick.

  Do you have any further instructions from the Vet after this cleaning?  If he persists in scratching, etc., and the brown spotting around his ear returns, then I would definitely call the Vet and advise them and ask how this can be "nothing".

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Yup,  like I just said his ears look better today, no brown spotting, and not too much wax.

I will wait another week and see how things are going to be.

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Thanks everyone for your help.

Cat Ear Mites and Ear Fungus Treatment:

Ears contain wax, dirt, fungus, mites, infection.  These are all a ear can hold.  Therefore, without knowing for sure what your cat has, you can treat systemically for all of them.  Cats get ear mites (not too common), and ear fungus (more common).  Fungus is usually Ringworm Tinea - same as humans get, so it is contagious to humans if they are immune compromised themselves. Tinea Pedis - Athlete's Foot, Tinea Corporis - on the body, Tinea Cruris - Jock Itch, Tinea Captitis - Scalp Ringworm.  Cats can also get Yeast - Candida Albicans, same as us.  I will give you all the cures below.  However, remember that a top quality diet, access to outdoors, and getting rid of hairballs, and once a month bathing,  is the total package deal for a healthy cat.  Don't take shortcuts or your vet bills will outpace any savings on food.

1.  Clip hair off any area of cat skin that looks unhealthy.  Use fine clippers, not a razor, not scissors. You can buy these at petedge dot com cheaply.  I own professional Andis Clippers, plus a smaller one that does quickie jobs.  Remove all hair from compromised skin so you can see what is going on, air the skin out, wash it better, dry it better, and treat it effectively.  Leaving hair on, is not smart.

2.  Bathe cat and scrub down everywhere with EQYSS MICROTEK SHAMPOO followed by a Neem Conditioner or other.   Microtek shampoo contains TricUse a bristle brush or nail brush to scrub down to skin.  Include face taking great care around eyes, ears, nose, mouth.  I use a dryish lather and scrub around ears, inside top of ear, outside ear, front of ear especially.  Wipe down ears, then wash face best you can.

Microtek Shampoo (developed for horses, but ok for dogs and cats) contains Triclocarban which kills bacteria and fungus effectively. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclocarban   Do not use this shampoo long term, as Triclocarban may disrupt your pet's hormone balance with long term use.  However, this shampoo is cheap and highly effective in pets.  It does not solve all issues, but is a short term pesticide.  I also like the Eqyss Premier Conditioner.  Do not use any other Eqyss shampoos or conditioner like the Botanicals, they are not good – dries out the pet fur too much.

3.  Dry up cat with hair dryer, and wipe down inside of ear completely with tissue or cotton pads dabbed with alcohol or peroxide. Take Q tips dipped in mineral oil (light not heavy amount of oil) and wipe down all crevices in ears, including deep inside ear.  Ear canals in cats and dogs are L shaped, not straight as in humans, so very hard to puncture ear drum.  Go deep and remove ALL THE GUNK if any.

4.  Rub anti-fungal cream on your cat ears - inside and outside on the clipped skin areas.  Usually this is in front of ears, with a bald strip running down from ear to eyes.  Careful not to get into eyes, and apply lightly.  Use a Q tip and get some anti-fungals inside the ear canal as well.  Light application, done twice a day is effective.  Do this for 3 weeks, and use a variety of antifungals - Tolneftate, Terbinafine Hydrochloride, Micazonole, Chlortrimazole Nitrate, etc.  These are your common Athlete's Foot, or Jock itch or Yeast Anti-fungals bought at Costco or Pharmacy.  No need for prescription.  This will take care of Yeast and Ringworm from the OUTSIDE.

5.  Systemic anti-fungal drugs like Lamisil are highly toxic to the animal or human liver.  There is another way.  Use the generic Program flea meds instead.  Program flea meds cost $185 for 12 tablets.  Lufenuron, the generic, costs $27 for 12 tablets (1 year supply).  Lufenuron is finally available in generic form on Amazon, from this wonderful lady’s company called Little City Dogs.  Lufenuron, destroys CHITIN, which is to a flea or fungus, what Calcium is to humans.  Both flea and fungus use Chitin to build their skeletons, and Lufenuron dissolves it.  Lufenuron is safe for human use too, and cats and dogs.  It is completely NON-TOXIC, as we do not have chitin in our systems.  Once you give your animals this pill once a month, you have made the fungus very vulnerable to attack by anti-fungal drugs applied to the skin.  So fungus will be attacked both ways.  You can still use Lamisil or Ketoconazole or Fluconazole pills prescribed by vet, in additon to Lufenuron, since there is no accumulated dosage, or conflict.  Any sticky, yellowish goop is indication of fungus.  Be sure that ear drum is not ruptured or cat does not have an abscess inside ear canal.  Vet visit, or using an otoscope (buy a good quality one on Amazon, not the cheapie pharmacy version) can give you visibility deep into the ear canal.  If you own a pet or child, get one.

6.  Ear mites – use Selamectin generic or Revolution (brand name) flea meds.  This also destroys ear mites from internal blood supply from the inside.  Ask Vet for prescription ear mite drops and you have tackled the ear mite problem fully.  Keep cleaning ears with a bit of mineral oil in between applications of drops.  The oil suffocates mites and makes it hard for them to get air from skin surface.  The oil also loosens up any impacted dirt deep in the ear canal, which floats out gradually.  Any coffee grind type debris is an indication of ear mites. 

7.  Ear infection –some peroxide swabbed in ear, foaming up indicates infection.  Treat with peroxide and anti-biotic cream swabbed in 3 times a day.  This is pretty rare inside ear canal, usually outside tear which is super easy to treat.  If in doubt, see a Vet.

DIET:  Raw beef ground meat, fresh cooked/canned fish, diced cooked giblets, mixed with raw ground vegs like carrots, broccoli, kale, etc is best soft food for cats.  Add to this mix some fish oil (body oil, not salmon – too heavy), probiotic-digestive enzyme mix (Goodpet dot com – Feline Digestive Enzymes), some Vitamin Powder (Goodpet), and you have the perfect diet.  Feed a high quality, no grain dry food twice a day for nibbling.

HAIRBALLS:  Cat hairballs or Trichobezoars (hair stones) are a mix of 50% hair and 50% fat.  All cats have hairballs!  Humans who nervously eat their hair also get them.  Check the internet for Trichobezoar to see how big these are.  Sometimes the cat cannot spit them out, esp if they are indoor cats with no access to exercise, or green grass.  Once the hairball gets sufficiently large, it can block intestine.  Cat feels pain, does not want to eat even though it is starving, and gets foul breath from trapped undigested food in its stomach.  This cat will need surgery.  Prevention is absolutely essential in all cats.  Give cat 600 mg of Egg Yolk Lecithin capsules 2 times per day.  Not Soy Lecithin but Egg Yolk Lecithin.  Dogs and humans can use the cheaper Soy version.  Lecithin melts down fat very quickly (yes in humans too!), so hairball reduces to half its size in about 2-3 weeks.  Now cat either spits them out himself, or needs a bit of mashed pumpkin (canned is ok) to assist with bulk in stools.  You can also give a capsule of Slippery Elm once a day to lubricate throat and intestine lining so cat can easily slip out hairball in either direction.  After 2 weeks of Egg Lecithin treatment, my 19 yr old cat spat out 3 huge hairballs and was frisky as a kitten afterwards.

FLEAS:  I use Revolution to get fleas and mites out of my cat.  I also use Talstar Pesticide from DoItMyselfPestControl dot com, a store in Georgia – online purchase.  I buy Talstar for my pump spray and do the inside and outside of my house and yard.  I use Ultracide aerosol can to spray my mattress and rugs as it is safe on both.  Talstar has no smell.  Ultracide has a strong smell.  Both need to be done on a sunny day and house aired out.  Safe for pets once dry. This eliminates any residual bug issues in house and yard.  Takes care of almost all bugs: fleas, ants, roaches, dust mites, etc.  Vacuuming and changing bags often is also very effective. 

CAT HEALTH:  Cats must have access to sunlight, fresh air, trees, scratching posts, grass, and outside play areas.  Keeping a cat indoors for ‘safety’ reasons or because they won’t get fleas is like relegating a child to his room because you are afraid of lice, or ear infections, or bullying, or accidents.  By being exposed to the outside from an early age, a cat learns what to do and to defend himself.  Instinct in cats is much stronger than humans, so don’t baby your cat.  All cats know what to do.  My cat crossed Western Avenue, a major street, to get back to his old home.  He was safe.  He walks the block with me and the dog while keeping a lookout for other cats and dogs and respecting their territories.  He chases off any dog that tries to pee on my car!  I have never isolated him from life.  He can be killed by a car, and so can my child playing outside.  This is a risk in life, but one that I accept as part of life.  My cat is very healthy and happy, lean and muscular.  I rid him periodically of parasites, bathe him once a month, keep his environment clean, and give him the absolute best diet I can imagine he would need.  He is a happy cat!

My cat had terrible brown crumby ear wax for the past year and a half. I went to 2 vets who told me the cat didn't have ear mites. I tried to treat him for ear mites anyway with drop I bought at the pet store and that didn't work. 

Finally, I did some research that paid off. It turns out that fungal infections commonly cause ear wax like this in both cats and dogs, and even people who swim a lot can get it. Both pets and people can treat this using ear drops that contain alcohol and boric acid. I went to petco and bought ear drops containing these two ingredients. It came in a bottle with a pointed tip on it for insertion into the ear canal. I cannot believe how it killed the wax. I also bought these premedicated pads to clean the outside ear wax. 

Kitty was so sick of having the wax, that he let me clean his ears but inserting q-tips into his ear canal. The canals point not towards the eyes, but in the direction of the neck (away from the eyes). I squirted some drops into each ear and then on the q-tips and started rolling the q-tips around. Soooo much wax came out. Then I cleaned the ears with the pads I bought. Kitty's ears have not been this clean in ages. 

I hope you all can have success with alcohol and boric acid ear drops. I read that in both people and pets, if this does not work then an antibiotic like a penicillin (amoxicillin) or ciprofloxacin could be needed for any additional bacterial infection that may be present. In summary, I learned that brown crumbly ear wax can be: 1. MITES (treated with mite treatment); 2. FUNGAL (treated with alcohol and boric acid); 3. BACTERIAL (treated with oral antibiotics like amoxicillin or cipro.)

Good luck to all of you looking to defeat this horrible ear wax in our little critters. I love my cat so much!

my solid white blue eyed kitten that I rescued from a cat hoarding house has had a brown discharge in his nasal passage as well as two ears that appear to always be loaded with a brownish blackish ear wax substance.  Do you know what this may be

the kitten is very mellow and somewhat lethargic at times and does not clean himself at all.  he even sometimes will pee while he is sitting in his bed and then just continue to sit in it.  he smells aweful and appears to be sick or have something wrong?

tkgc0227 said:

my solid white blue eyed kitten that I rescued from a cat hoarding house has had a brown discharge in his nasal passage as well as two ears that appear to always be loaded with a brownish blackish ear wax substance. Do you know what this may be

the kitten is very mellow and somewhat lethargic at times and does not clean himself at all. he even sometimes will pee while he is sitting in his bed and then just continue to sit in it. he smells aweful and appears to be sick or have something wrong?

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so, I know this is a very old post but Google brought me here which means it can easily bring others and I wanted to make sure just in case any of those others do not know: if you have a kitten that is exibiting behavior such as "lethargic sometimes" and especially if the kitten is urinating (or defacating) on itself and then remaining in it, these behaviors are very very alarming and you need to get that kitten some help like right now, not tomorrow. Kittens can go downhill super fast (think in hours, not days). I foster and tame many feral newborn kittens and I've had the misfortune of losing a couple over the years. The ones in critical condition such as described by tkgc0227 above that I was able to save only survived because of a fast, proactive, and concentrated response. I'm not certain if these are symptoms of FKS (Fading Kitten Syndrome) or not, but regardless they are super abnormal and require immediate attention. You really would need to literally stop whatever you were doing and work exclusively on saving that kittens life. You might only have hours before that kitten could die.
tkgc0227, I hope your kitten survived and is healthy and happy these days. By the way, as you have probably found out by now, all newborn kittens have solid blue eyes. Their normal eye color starts to come in at around 4-5 weeks.
I hope this helps..
-Art

catman925, great advice. Thanks for posting.