Cat earwax and ear mites can be distinguished by the following aspects:
I. Appearance:
Earwax: It is usually a pale yellow or brown waxy substance with a relatively soft texture and a fairly regular shape.
Ear mites: The secretions of ear mites are mostly dark brown or black, look greasy, and may form lumps or flakes with irregular shapes.

II. Symptoms:
Earwax: Generally, it will not cause cats to scratch their ears excessively, nor will it have a noticeable odor.
Ear mites: Cats will frequently scratch their ears and shake their heads. There may be an odor in the ears, and there may even be redness, swelling, and damage to the ears.