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My cat's ears smell bad, but show no other symptoms. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 27 days old | 6 lbs

My cats ears smell but doesn’t appear to have any other symptoms?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 23rd, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. The odor you are smelling could be due to an ear infection or ear mites. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine the ears so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 11th, 2020
It's probably an ear infection, often it cannot be seen from the outside. Ear infections are very common in cats, it is usually caused by either yeast, ear mites or bacterial disease. the treatment is usually simple and straightforward, you will have to take her to the vet and get the ears checked, then a prescription ear drops will be prescribed according to the infectious agent.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on December 7th, 2018
This can be from an ear infection, excess wax buildup or ear mites. I recommend cleaning them with a pet ear cleaner using a cotton ball. If there is a bad smell then prescription ear medication is probably needed. Your veterinarian will check the ear discharge under a microscope and then get the appropriate medication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Phoenix.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 25th, 2017
It's probably an ear infection, often it cannot be seen from the outside. Ear infections are very common in cats, it is usually caused by either mites, yeast or bacterial disease. the treatment is usually simple and straightforward, you will have to take Shadow to the vet and get the ears checked, then a prescription ear drops will be prescribed according to the infectious agent.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat's ears stink, have black discharge, and sound wet. Vet needed?

Poor Spookette! It sounds like she may have a pretty bad ear infection. Ear infections can be due to mites, bacteria, or yeast in cats. I'd recommend scheduling an examination with a veterinarian so Spookette can have her ears checked out. A swab can be taken from the ears and evaluated under the microscope to determine if the cause is mites, bacteria, or yeast. She will likely need prescription ear medication to treat. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Spookette's ear issue resolves quickly!

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