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My cat has a lump in her ear. Is it a bruise or does it need surgery?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 28 days old | 1lb
Hi , my cat Mia has a lump inside her ear . When I shined a light through her ears , I could see her veins . It looks like she ruptured her veins . I think one of my cat bit her ear or she must’ve scartched it herself .However , there isn’t any blood coming out of that area. Does she need surgery? Or can it be cured without surgery ?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on March 29th, 2018
From your picture I do not see a wound, it looks like bleeding under the skin or is a bruise. If there is no wound then it doesn't need surgery and the blood should reabsorb like bruises do. If Maya is not acting normal and/or there are other areas of bruising on her body that she see a veterinarian to be sure she doesn't have a platelet or clotting disorder. Now if the ear has a fluidy lump on the ear pinna that is likely a hematoma. Ear hematomas can form from shaking the head and breaking the blood vessels. This is most commonly from an ear infection or ear mites. If she has a lot of dark brown or black wax in the ear and is shaking her head or scratching her ears she should see a Vet. Otherwise there is not much to do besides give it time to go away.
I hope this helps and I wish Maya the very best!
5Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on September 16th, 2017
This is an aural hematoma which is a blood filled pocket between the skin layers on the ear. Cats usually get this from scratching their ears due to ear mites or fleas. To treat this your veterinarian will check the ears for infection and usually will drain the fluid pocket from the ear flap. If this is not treated over a month the fluid will resolve but often the ear will scar down and become deformed. I recommend a veterinary exam soon for treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jinx.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 25th, 2018
Your dog could have an ear infection and the bubble could be an aural hematoma, which is an accumulation of blood and fluid between the skin and the cartilage on the ear. It could also be simply an area of swelling where your dog has been scratching. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian as soon as you can to have him examined. I would not recommend using the ointment pictured near the ear - it could cause damage if it gets in the ear canal.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 23rd, 2017
Hi there.
I'd probably take Har in to the vet now. It sounds a lot like a hematoma (a blood filled ear) usually cause by ear mites or an ear infection. These will need to be lanced under sedation by your veterinarian, drained, and bandaged.
She will need antibiotics and pain medications in her healing process as well-both oral and aural (for the ear, dependent on the cause of the hematoma).
I hope this helps!1Pet Parents found this answer helpful