Cat ear problems – when should I see a vet?

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: PDSA

Contact a vet today

This can have a serious cause – contact your vet today if any of the warning signs below apply, or if you are unsure. Ear problems in cats can be extremely painful and, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage.

When to contact a vetWhat to do now

Contact a vet if you see any of this

  • Itchy ears
  • Hot and swollen ears
  • Painful ears
  • Smelly ears
  • A swollen, droopy earflap
  • Discharge, dirt, wax or blood from the ears
  • A head tilt
  • Loss of balance
  • Flickering eye movements

What you can do now

  1. Contact your vet today.
  2. Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
  3. Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
  4. Keep fresh water available.
  5. Let your cat rest somewhere calm.

Don't

  • Do not give any human medicine.
  • Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it can mean

Ear problems in cats can be extremely painful.[1] If left untreated, ear problems can cause permanent damage.[1]

Other signs that can come with it

  • Head shaking and face rubbing

What the experts say

“It’s important to contact your vet straight away if you notice your cat developing a problem with their ears – many of the causes are extremely painful and left untreated can cause permanent damage.”

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

Get it on Google Play

OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.

Common questions

What signs can come with cat ear problems?

Signs can include head shaking and face rubbing, discharge, dirt, wax or blood from the ears, a head tilt, loss of balance and flickering eye movements.[1]

Can cat ear problems be painful?

Many causes of ear problems are extremely painful.[1]

When should I contact a vet?

Contact your vet straight away if you notice your cat developing a problem with their ears.[1]

Sources

  1. PDSA

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

The same page for dogs →

Other symptoms in cats

Eye ProblemsHair LossHigh TemperatureIncreased ThirstItchingItchy Ears And Head ShakingLimping and stiffnessLow EnergyLumpsMouth painOver-groomingPainful Eye / Eye Held Closed