To determine whether a cat has ear mites or dirty ears, you can observe the color of the cat's earwax, observe the shape of the cat's earwax, smell the cat's ears to see if there is any peculiar smell, and observe whether the cat has any abnormalities. If you find that your cat's ear canal secretes a lot of black or red secretions, similar to the shape of coffee grounds, and emits a strong odor, accompanied by intense scratching of the ears and vigorous shaking of the head, then it is most likely that it is I have ear mites. If the owner suspects that the cat has ear mites, it is recommended that the cat’s ear canal secretions be taken to a pet hospital for microscopic examination, and symptomatic treatment can be given after the diagnosis is confirmed.

1. Investigate the color of cat earwax

Cats infected with ear mites will cause a sharp increase in ear canal secretions. The earwax thrown out is black or red secretions, which are either very dry or very wet. The normal earwax color of cats is slightly brown, and the humidity is only a little bit.

2. Investigate the shape of the cat’s earwax

The earwax formed by cat ear mites is similar to the shape of coffee grounds, is relatively rough, and will turn red when placed in water. The amount of normal earwax in cats is very small, slightly muddy, and will be fine when pinched by hand. If it is ear mites, if you check the collected earwax under a microscope, you can also see the adults or eggs of the ear mites, and you can also see a lot of red blood cells.

3. Smell the cat’s ears to see if there is any peculiar smell

Cats that are not infected with ear mites will not have a strong nose smell even if they have earwax. However, if a cat is infected with ear mites, you will smell a strong odor when you open the cat's ears.

4. Investigate whether there are any abnormalities in cats

When a cat suffers from ear mites, it will experience severe itching, so the cat will use its claws to scratch the back of its ears or deliberately rub its ears, and it will flick its ears frequently. If the ears are simply dirty, it will not cause itching, and the cat will naturally not shake its head.