Are you watching your cat scratching or shaking her ears? Do their ears seem sore? Then it’s time to visit your Veterinarian to have them checked out. There is a good chance that they may have ear mites (which are commonly mistaken for dirty ears).
These nasty mites cause a dark black discharge which can only be seen by preparing an ear swab and checking under the microscope. These parasites feed off of the skin oils and wax in your cats ear canal and build up to look like dirt in the ear. This parasite is not life-threatening but can cause ruptured blood vessels by excessive scratching and shaking.
Once diagnosed by your veterinarian, thorough cleaning and medication will be given, as well as to all other pets in your household (rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, and the rare dog) Ear mites are highly contagious, and animals become infested by direct contact with another infested animal.
A cotton-tipped applicator containing otic debris consistent with ear-mite infestation. A mite can be seen hanging from the swab.
Reference: https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/online-gallery-close-ear-mites
