What Are Cat Ear Infections?Otitis externa, commonly referred to as an ear infection, is an inflammation (swelling) of the outer ear canal. This inflammation may be acute (more recent) or chronic (long-standing). Otitis externa is a common condition in cats, less common in dogs, and it has a variety of causes. The cat’s ear is divided into three main sections: The outer ear...

What Are Ear Mites in Dogs?Ear mites in dogs are highly contagious parasites that live on skin surfaces and in ear canals. The dog ear mite belongs to the Psoroptidae family, which is a group of parasitic mites that live on the surface of the skin rather than burrowing into it, as some families of mites do. Their scientific name is Otodectes cynotis, and they tend to be 1-2 millimeters long and...

The following may contain Chewy links. PetMD is operated by Chewy. What Is Cauliflower Ear in Cats?Cauliflower ear in cats is a condition that affects the ear flap, or pinna. It is a wrinkled-looking scarring of the ear flap cartilage that occurs after a hematoma, which is a blood-filled swelling caused by a broken blood vessel. Since ear infections are a primary cause of hematomas, stray cats...