Cat Health
Cat Ear Mites: UK Signs, Treatment & Prevention
Published Last updated 3 min read
Quick answer
Ear mites cause intense ear scratching, head shaking, and dark coffee-ground discharge in the ears. They spread easily between cats and to dogs. Vet-prescribed parasiticides treat mites and any secondary infection — over-the-counter products may not reach all life stages.
Normal ear wax vs mites
A small amount of pale wax in the ear fold is normal. Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) produce dark, crumbly, coffee-ground debris with strong itching — often in kittens and cats in multi-pet homes.
Usually harmless:
- Small amount of pale wax visible in the outer ear
- Occasional ear scratch without discharge or odour
Needs investigation:
- Dark crumbly discharge in one or both ears
- Intense scratching at ears or head shaking
- Raw or scabby skin around ears from scratching
- Strong odour from the ears
- Head tilt or balance problems — needs same-day vet assessment
Common causes and lookalikes in UK cats
| Cause | Typical signs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ear mites | Dark debris, intense itching, head shaking | Spreads between pets |
| Bacterial infection | Yellow or brown discharge, odour | Often secondary to mites |
| Yeast infection | Brown waxy discharge, odour | More common with allergies |
| Foreign body | Sudden head shaking, one ear | Grass seeds in summer |
| Polyps or tumours | Chronic discharge, one ear | Needs vet examination |
| Allergies | Both ears itchy, recurrent infections | Skin and ear overlap |
How mites spread
Mites are highly contagious between cats and can affect dogs in the same household. Kittens often acquire mites from their mother. Indoor cats are not protected — contact with an infested cat or shared bedding is enough.
When to see a vet urgently
Phone your vet the same day if:
- Head tilt, loss of balance, or circling — possible inner ear involvement
- Severe scratching causing bleeding or open wounds
- Both ears suddenly painful — your cat cries when touched
- Kitten with intense distress and not eating
Book a routine appointment within a few days for dark discharge and scratching — untreated mites worsen and spread.
Home care before treatment
While waiting for a vet visit, note:
- Which ears are affected — one or both
- Other pets in the home — all may need treatment
- Duration of scratching and any recent new cat introductions
- Odour, colour, and amount of discharge
What you can do at home:
- Prevent excessive scratching — consider a soft collar if advised
- Do not insert cotton buds into the ear canal
- Keep bedding clean once treatment starts
- Treat all in-contact cats and dogs as your vet directs
What not to do:
- Do not use dog flea products on cats — some contain permethrin, which is toxic
- Do not stop treatment early — mite eggs hatch over weeks
- Do not assume dark wax is always mites — infection and yeast look similar
What your vet may do
Examination may include otoscopy and microscopic checks of ear debris to confirm mites versus yeast or bacteria. Your vet might recommend:
- Prescription ear drops or spot-on parasiticides covering the mite lifecycle
- Ear cleaning under guidance — usually after initial treatment
- Treatment of all household pets simultaneously
- Follow-up to confirm clearance
Treatment depends on confirmation — mite products differ from yeast or bacterial treatments. See Ear infections in dogs if dogs in the home are affected, and Parasite prevention pets UK for broader prevention.
Related guides
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can humans get ear mites from cats?
- Human infection is rare and usually short-lived. Treat all affected pets in the home and follow your vet's advice on cleaning bedding and contact.
- Do indoor cats get ear mites?
- Yes — mites spread through contact with other cats, dogs, or contaminated bedding. New cats and kittens are common sources.
- Can I clean my cat's ears with cotton buds?
- No — only clean visible folds of the outer ear. Deep cleaning risks eardrum damage. Your vet will advise safe cleaning if needed.
- How long until ear mites clear?
- Treatment usually runs two to three weeks to cover the mite lifecycle. All in-contact pets need treatment — stopping early allows reinfection.