---
title: "Cat Ear Mites: UK Signs, Treatment & Prevention"
description: "Ear mites cause dark coffee-ground discharge and intense head shaking in cats. They spread between cats and dogs. See when to call your vet."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-ear-mites"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-ear-mites"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Cat Ear Mites: UK Signs, Treatment & Prevention

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](/health/ear-infections-in-dogs) if dogs in the home are affected, and [Parasite prevention pets UK](/health/parasite-prevention-pets-uk) for broader prevention.

## Related guides

- [Ear infections in dogs](/health/ear-infections-in-dogs)
- [Cat grooming UK](/health/cat-grooming-uk)
- [Parasite prevention pets UK](/health/parasite-prevention-pets-uk)
- [Cat limping causes](/health/cat-limping-causes)
- [Why is my cat hiding?](/health/why-is-my-cat-hiding)

## FAQs

### 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.

## Sources

- [PDSA — Cat health advice](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Cat advice](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)
- [Cats Protection — Health advice](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25