Grey gunk in ears

Hey, all. Today I found some grey gunk, sort of the consistency of earwax, in Raja's ears. I got it  out easily with a dry Q-tip (didn't stick it in his ears, don't worry, just cleaned the bits I could get with his ear inside out). He did get in the way while I was pouring litter into his litterbox today, so at first I thought maybe some of that got in somehow, but doesn't look like it. Just not sure if this is something I should be worried about...nervous first-time cat mom here (parents were in charge of the other cats in my life).

Gunky ears can be a sign of mites.  Is it like a blackish dirt and gummy?  Does he scratch it?  Regardless a vet visit, not an emergency but a regular visit is probably in order.

If you know how to safely clean his ears and are able to clean them well and the gunk does not return then its unlikely to be mites, but if they get dirty again then it is likely.

Stephen

"Blackish dirt and gummy" (or at least, dark greyish) seems to fit the bill. I'll keep an eye out, and I need to schedule a vet visit for the little guy anyway. Thanks.

Your welcome!