Leading Causes of Dry and Dirty Ears in Cats

It's not uncommon for cats to get dry or dirty ears; the difficult part for you as a pet owner can be identifying the problem so that you can have it appropriately treated. Many different conditions can cause your cat's ears to get dry or dirty. Often a routine cleaning of the ears isn't enough, and you may need medications or a special cleanser. If your cat has dry or dirty ears that do not respond to cleaning with an ear cleanser, go to your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

  1. Ear Mites

    • Ear mite infestation is the most common cause of dirty ears in cats. As cats get ear mites from other animals or from the environment, cats in shelters are often at high risk for ear mites. Cats with allergies, yeast infections or a weakened immune system are prone to ear mite infestations as well. You can catch ear mites early by inspecting your cat's ears weekly and beginning treatment before the infestation becomes worse. Once mites infest your cat's ears, your cat may excessively scratch its ears, which can cause the ears to appear dry and flaky. The scratching can lead to additional ear damage and infection. See your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and treatment of ear mites.

    Bacterial Infections

    • If your cat has a weakened immune system or has had damage to the ears or ear canal, bacterial infection can result. Any untreated open wounds can fester harmful bacteria that lead to infection. Consequently, the cat's ears may become dirty, as the natural earwax that typically repels dirt may no longer be effective. If you suspect a bacterial infection, it is essential to consult your veterinarian. Bacterial infections, if left untreated, can lead to systemic infection.

    Yeast Infections

    • A few different types of yeast can inhabit your cat's ears and make them appear dirty, the most common being Malasezzia pachydermatis. Many causes exist for yeast infection in cat ears, including other infections, such as bacterial infections, environmental exposure, allergies, damage to the ear canal and cysts. A proliferative yeast infection often has a signature odor, but diagnosis by a veterinarian is essential for proper treatment.

    Allergies

    • If your cat develops an underlying allergy, such as a food allergy, this can make its ears more susceptible to the conditions that cause its ears to appear dry or dirty. Changing your cat's diet is a common recommendation for treating allergies. For proper diagnosis, consult your veterinarian.