Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 1/28/2010

Question
I got this cat from the local shelter and in the past couple of days it's left ear has started to be covered in black stuff,  he walks off-balance, and sneezes repetitively. He was playful a few days ago, but now just sits around and barely eats. Is this something we can fix? If not, will it spread to my other cats?

Answer
He may have a deep ear infection, like a middle ear infection.  He may also have ear mites.  I would advise you to take him to the vet and allow them to sedate the cat to get the ear cleaned out thoroughly and evaluate it to see if there is an infection, a ruptured eardrum, a tumor, or a polyp.