My cat's ear hurts...how do I tell if it is ear mites, or an infection?

Question

He is eating ok, and is acting normal, but is favoring the ear, and lots af head shaking.

Answer 1

if its mites youll be able to see it if you look in his ear and you see a lot of black stuff that looks like dirt its probably mite. He might also have something in his ear, if he runs around outside it could be a thorn or something, you want to get it checked right away though cause if he shakes it enough he could bust an ear drum.

Answer 2

I would suggest going to a vet and saying "look at this! my cat has ear mites! can I have some treatment for it please?" Pet shop stuff is pointless - they're not licensed to sell eaer-mite killing stuff, so in the event they do offer anything that claims to kill ear mites, I would wonder what is actually in it! You need medication from a vet - they won't give you any without seeing the animal (apart from Revolution flea spot-on, which also treats ear mites but may not necessarily work for your cat) but if you're sure of the diagnosis, just take her along, demonstrate to the vet and get some medication. It will just be the price of a consult fee and a bottle of the ear drops. What did you see when you looked in your cat's ears exactly? Ear mites are microscopic, mostly you see the waxy brown buildup of their secretions. As for applying the meds - get the vet to show you the first time! That will be included in the price of the consult fee. Chalice

Answer 3

If the cat has a lot of dirt looking stuff in its ear & shakes its head all the time, then it is probably just ear mites, you can get some medicine over the counter for it. You can call a vet & describe what is going on with the cat & they can tell you what to do, they might want you to bring it in just to be on the safeside.

Answer 4

Take the cat to the vet! It is probablly mites and can be solved fairly easily with treatment, but best to be safe than sorry! Take that baby to the vet and get him checked out!

Answer 5

Ear mites look like coffee grounds inside the ear...an infection has the inner ear red or very pink in color, but may not have any discharge.

Answer 6

You take the cat to the vet! Nobody can diagnose this without seeing the cat in person, so spend the money already and take the cat to the vet.

Answer 7

You can tell by taking her to the vet so they can find out for you. No one can diagnose over the internet. NB Going to a vet is what you're supposed to do when worried about a pet.

Chalice

Answer 8

well I dont know how you can check, But I'll say go to a vet, yes it may be $50, but is it worth finding out what's wrong with your cat.

Answer 9

By taking him to the vet. Whatever it is, it needs medication which you can only get from the vet.

Answer 10

Go to a vet and get it checked!