Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) and yeast/bacterial ear infections are the most common cat ear conditions in India. Dark crumbly discharge, head shaking, and constant scratching are the key signs. PawCheck screens for severity in seconds — free.
Download Free — Android ↗About cat ear infections and ear mites
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) and yeast/bacterial ear infections are both very common in Indian cats — and both cause similar signs: head shaking, scratching at the ears, and dark discharge. PawCheck's Ear scanner helps assess severity while you arrange a vet visit.
Dark, crumbly, coffee-ground-like discharge filling the ear canal — the hallmark of ear mites. Head shaking and vigorous scratching at the ears or side of the face. In yeast/bacterial infections, the discharge may be more liquid and foul-smelling. The ear flap may be reddened or thickened.
Otodectes cynotis — the ear mite — is endemic in India's cat population, particularly among community and multi-cat household cats. Mites spread through direct cat-to-cat contact and are highly contagious. A single cat with mites will typically infect all cats in the household quickly.
Kittens and young cats are most vulnerable to ear mites. Outdoor and indoor-outdoor cats face the highest exposure risk from contact with other cats. Any cat in a multi-cat household where one cat has ear mites is at high risk, as transmission is rapid and efficient.
Frequently asked questions
PawCheck's AI scanner covers 6 cat skin and ear conditions.
PawCheck's Ear scanner gives a Normal, Monitor, or Urgent result in under 10 seconds.
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