If a kitten is scratching at her ears, or shaking her head from side to side, it's possible that the kitten has ear mites. Ear mites are a microscopic pest that is transmitted from animal to animal, and they can cause a dark, waxy residue that resembles coffee grounds in the ear canal. Though ear mites are extremely small, their movement can be perceived with magnification. If you see or suspect ear mites, you'll need to bring the kitten to a veterinarian for treatment.
