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Brown gunk in my 7-month-old indoor kitten's ear. What's the cause?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 months and 23 days old | 6 lbs

my kitty has brown gunk in one ear. has never gone out. is seven months old and loves to play in dripping water

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 14th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

The most common cause for brown discharge in the ear is either an ear infection or ear mites. In order to diagnose either a Vet examines some of the brown wax under the microscope. They then will clean his ears and provide the appropriate drops to either treat the infection or the mites. Cats that are indoors can develop both of these possibilities.

I hope this helps and I wish Orlee the best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 2nd, 2017
Poor Leo! It could be that he has ear mites, but OTC solutions of miticides aren't as strong as the ones you get from the vet. Given that he's been suffering from these ear problems for a while, I would have him seen by a vet again tomorrow for an ear exam, and to have the vet examine the debris from his ear under the microscope. Doing this, the vet can confirm if he does have ear mites or another problem causing his symptoms so he can be treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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