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Why does my cat have a smelly ear, black liquid, and a red bubble?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has been stretching at one of his ears for a couple weeks now. Tonight its has a bad smell, brownish, black liquid in his ear. I noticed in his ear canal there is a red bubble that wasn't there last week. I can't take any pictures because he never stays still long enough.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 18th, 2017

It sounds like your cat may be dealing with an ear infection. Ear infections can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, or a combination of these, and can be associated with dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. Your cat needs to see a vet. Your vet can look at a sample from an ear swab under the microscope and treat appropriately based on what is found. Your vet will also need to examine the ear with a scope to see if the ear drum is intact, as some medications cannot be used safely if the eardrum is ruptured. Ear infections can be very painful, and can sometimes progress to include the middle or inner ear, where they can cause neurologic signs or permanent hearing loss. Please book an appointment to have your cat seen by a vet as soon as possible. Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
This sounds like an ear infection that may have ear mites to go with it. If you have any pet ear cleaner you can try to rinse the debris and black material out as this may help relieve some pressure. The red bubble may be blood or swelling of the ear canal from the infection and constant shaking and scratching. You will have to see your vet tomorrow to have prescription medicine in order to clear the infection and see if there are any mites that need to be treated also.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 27th, 2017
You really can't appreciate anything of significance from the photo unfortunately; however, based on your description it sounds like your cat may have had an aural hematoma (blood filling of the ear pinna due to a rupture vessel in the ear). This is usually a sequela of an ear infection, or as you suspect, a mite infestation. You may be able to find ear mite medication over the counter at your local pet store or online. However it sounds like the ear may also have a bacterial infection as well (due to the odor that you are smelling). Your pet is at risk for having permanent hearing loss and/or an inner ear infection which can cause some neurological abnormalities (head tilting) if this is not treated quickly. I would suggest perhaps one of the financial resources below to help you get Yogi seen earlier than mid July. www.carecredit.com
redrover.org
I hope that everything works out well for your cat Yogi and that he is able to make a a full and speedy recovery.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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