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My cat has dark ear wax buildup. Is it an infection or just wax?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 8 years and 8 months old | 14 lbs

Hi, my cat seems to be getting more wax buildup in one ear. It's a dark wax which made me think of an ear infection, however, there is no inflammation, smell, or excess scratching behavior exhibited. Could this be a very early infection or just an ear wax issue?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 6th, 2018

Good question! I would be concerned as well that a build up of gunk in one ear is an indication of an ear infection, even if you aren't seeing any other signs at the moment. Based on this, I think it's a good idea to have Nick seen by a vet in the next day or two to have his ear examined. The vet can diagnose if he does have an ear infection, what's causing it (ear mites, bacteria, yeast), and can prescribe medication to treat it. Even if it's just an excess build up of gunk and not an ear infection, the vet can give you an ear cleaner such as Epi-Otic to help clean out that ear. I hope this helps, best of luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on September 14th, 2017
Dogs can have dark ear wax in their ears which is not an infection. If the wax builds up too much sometimes yeast and bacteria can grow and cause an ear infection. If Remington is not scratching his ears and they are not red and painful then it's probably just wax as ear infections cause pain, a foul odor from the ear and rubbing or scratching of the ear. I like to check ears weekly and clean out the wax if their is a buildup. You can purchase dog ear cleaner at your PetCo store. If an infection develops I recommend a veterinary exam. They will look at the ear discharge under a microscope and determine the cause and get you the appropriate medication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Remington.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on February 22nd, 2018
Poor Bear! Dark waxy debris and an odor are usually signs of an ear infection. You will need prescription ear drops from your vet to treat it effectively, so I would recommend calling your regular veterinarian or taking him in for an exam when you are able to.

In the meantime, you can try cleaning the ear with an over-the-counter ear flush labeled for dogs such as EpiOtic or MalAcetic to help remove the debris and make his ear feel better. This is not enough to get rid of the infection in most cases, but it may help to make him a bit more comfortable until you are able to see the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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