Why are my indoor cat's ears scabby, balding, and dirty inside?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Simba. Poor boy! I suspect he has an ear infection, which can be caused by yeast or bacteria. If he's bleeding from both ears, this is a very bad infection and could constitute an emergency. I would find to a vet to see him now to get this treated. Leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss. I hope this helps!

I would definitely be suspicious of an ear infection from the pictures and what you are describing. Ear infections usually have a primary cause that allows it to be infected. Common primary causes are allergies, excessive moisture, ear mites, or something stuck down in the ear. It's always best to have her evaluated by a veterinarian, so they can have a good look in the ear and provide the necessary medication to clear this up. For now, it will be good to gently flush the ear once every two days to help remove the debris from the ear - this will help with treating the infection. Below are a few links that give helpful advice/tutorials about cleaning ears. The rash on the cheek is likely due to scratching and will get better when the ear infection is dealt with. I recommend cleaning the rash with a medicated wipe or shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day until it's better. If it seems to get worse, then you'll want to take Simba into the vet for an exam. https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-clean-your-cat-s-ears-what-you-need-to-know/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Dh3mJBzts I hope that helps and Simba gets better soon.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Simba. Ear infections are a common cause of wounds near the ears. This can occur secondary to scratching the ears. Sometimes owners will not witness the cat scratching as they can do it at night. Look at his ears to see if any brown wax is present. Red and swollen ears can also indicate an infection. If this is not the case, then an allergy or even fleas can cause scratching and wounds. Simba will need to see his veterinarian to know for sure. The veterinarian will use a special instrument known as an otoscope to look deep into his ear canals. If an infection is suspected, then a sample is collected from each ear canal to evaluate under the microscope. This will guide treatment. I hope this information helps!

This could be a bad ear infection. Ear infections can be caused by yeast and bacteria as well as ear mites, so if your other cats do not have the same issue, I suspect Ariel may have a bacterial or yeast ear infection. You need to take her into a vet today to have this diagnosed and treated.

Ear infections in cats can also be caused by yeast or bacteria, and are more common causes of ear infections in adult cats. Ear mites are more common in kittens. In order to treat Belle properly, she does have to see a vet, and vets will see pets for sickness. This counts, as leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss. Give her vet a call to make her an appointment.

Ear mites is possible but in an indoor only kitty it is less likely and the more likely cause would be a bacterial or yeast infection of the ear, or a foreign body stuck in the ear. I would recommend a vet visit. The vet can look in the ear with an otoscope and can take a swab from the ear to check under the microscope for mites, bacteria or yeast and prescribe medications to treat this.

Poor Toby! He could have a middle ear infection caused by yeast or bacteria that you cannot see. His symptoms do indicate a problem with his ears, and I would take him into the vet today or tomorrow for an exam. The vet can look down his ears with an otoscope to see if he does have an infection, and can treat him for it. It's important to have any ear problem examined and treated promptly as leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss.