Ear Mites

• Ear mites are spider-like insects that live in the ears of either cats or dogs. Ear mites spread from cat to cat. To the naked eye, they look like small white dots. In cats they can cause a dark, crumb-like debris that resembles coffee grounds. Treatment for ear mites involves cleaning out a cat's ears and treating them for medication. Depending on the medication, you may need to treat a cat for months to completely eliminate ear mites.
  
  

Ear Hematoma

• Ear hematoma--a common problem in cats that have ear infections--occurs when a cat bursts a blood vessel from shaking its head or scratching to relieve itching. This behavior causes blood vessels in the ear flap to rupture, and blood and fluid to collect in the ear. Treatment involves draining the hematoma by making an incision on the underside of the ear. Once the fluid is drained, the incision is sutured and allowed to heal naturally.
  
  

Allergies

• Cats that experience an allergic reaction to pollen, grass or mold will often pull at their ear tufts, scratch their ears or exhibit other signs of ear irritation. Treat your cat's allergies by limiting her exposure to the allergen and treating the reaction with topical medications, ear drops, antihistamines and steroids.
  
  

Yeast

• In cats the presence of yeast infections in the ears means a brown waxy buildup and a bad odor. Yeast is treated with daily cleansing of the cat's ears. Antibiotics won't control yeast, but a special treatment may be administered to kill the yeast.
  
  

Bacterial Infections

• Like yeast, a bacterial infection leaves traces of brown waxy buildup and a bad odor. However, unlike yeast, bacterial infections are treatable with antibiotics. You should consult your vet to rule out yeast or bacterial infection as the cause of your cat's ear problems. A qualified vet can determine the right medication for each ear problem.