Ear Mites

• Black wax in your cat's ear may be a symptom of ear mites. Ear mites are parasites that infest the ears of animals and feed on debris from the skin. Further symptoms include frequently shaking or scratching of the head.
  
  

Warning

• If you allow ear mites to remain untreated, your cat will be left in discomfort. His sense of balance will lessen, and he may damage his own ears through excessive scratching. In addition, if the mites travel further down the ear canal, a serious infection may develop.
  
  

Solution

• To treat ear mites, apply drops of cooking oil to your cat's ears. Afterward, massage the ears and carefully clean them with cotton swabs. In severe cases, consult a veterinarian for antibiotics.
  
  

Considerations

• Ear mites are contagious, so examine other cats and dogs around your household. The parasites are usually not harmful to humans, outside of a short-term rash.