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My cat is limp and lethargic with a swollen, puffy ear. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 lbs

Cat is limp, just laying around and has puffiness on one ear

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 14th, 2017

I would highly recommend taking Jasper to a veterinarian.

The swelling at the ear looks like a hematoma according to the picture. It also appears that Jasper may have some eye discharge and potentially an ear infection.

I don't like the fact that Jasper is lethargic and laying around.

Your veterinarian can make sure there is or is not an ear infection, see if he needs antibiotics and discuss options regarding the hematoma on his ear. With the ear you can either drain it, leave it and let it scare down or have surgery performed to fix it. They would also have to treat the possible ear infection. The veterinarian can also make sure there are no ear mites in his ear.

I hope Jasper feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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