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Why is my indoor cat shaking head, rubbing ear? Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 lbs

my indoor male cat is shaking head rubbing ear and is uncomfortable. we put ear mite med in ears thinking this might be it. could it be serious?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 21st, 2017

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.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 4th, 2017
There is nothing safe for cats to take that is over the counter. An allergy or an infection is likely. you can try to wipe the inside of the ears to clean them if there is debris with a little water on a soft clothe
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 5th, 2019
Hello. It is important to have your veterinarian examine Leo. My first inclination is this is a case of ear mites, but no one can diagnose this without looking in the ears with an otoscope & a sample of ear debris under a microscope. Ear mites can be spread from pet to pet just by shaking their heads, but it may also just be coincidental that both kitties are shaking their heads. Other possibilities include infection & a possible foreign object such as a grass awn in the ear canal. But do have Leo looked at. If he does have ear mites, all pets in the house should be treated. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 18th, 2018
The itching of the ear and shaking head can be a sign of an ear infection. It could be that Milo has a middle ear infection, which cannot be seen without using an otoscope. Ear infections can be caused by bacteria and yeast as well as ear mites, so since he is on Revolution monthly, if he did have an ear infection, I would suspect the cause is bacteria or yeast. I would take him into the vet tomorrow to have his ear checked out. The vet can diagnose if he does have an ear infection, and can treat him for it. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 2nd, 2017
Ear mites is not the only option with this type of symptom, yeast and bacterial infections are actually more common. the treatment will include a special prescription eardrops, it won't be even close to 300$.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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