Cats always use their ears, and when these get infected, it brings a lot of problems to the table. While a cat rarely gets an ear infection, it is still a possibility. The good news is that these ear infections are usually straightforward and simple to treat. Early detection helps bring the 

Symptoms of Cat Ear Infections

Cats are known for being mysterious, which makes it hard to identify the signs of an ear infection. However, if the ear infection goes on for a long time, the signs can become noticeable. Here are the common symptoms of cat ear infections:

Head-Shaking and Scratching

One of the most noticeable signs of most conditions is scratching. If you see your cat scratching its ears or shaking its head constantly, it might be something worth looking at. The irritation caused by an infection can make the ears extremely itchy, and your cat may scratch or rub its head against furniture or the floor for relief. This behavior can worsen over time if the infection goes untreated.

Foul Odor 

Infected ears often have a strong, unpleasant odor due to the buildup of bacteria, yeast, or other pathogens. If you start to notice a foul and unpleasant smell coming from your cat’s ears, it’s a big indicator that something your cat is dealing with something that should be checked by our vets.

Redness and Swelling

The inflammation caused by an ear infection leads to redness and swelling in the ear canal. When examining your cat’s ears, you may notice that the inside looks redder than usual, and the ear canal may appear swollen or more closed off. This inflammation can become painful for your cat, especially if left untreated for long periods of time.

Sensitivity to Touch

Along with the redness and swelling, cats with ear infections often develop sensitivity or pain around their ears and may react if you try to touch them. They may pull away, vocalize, or act irritable when their ears are handled, which can be an early sign of discomfort caused by an infection.

Changes in Behavior

Cats with ear infections may become more lethargic, spending less time playing or interacting with family members. Additionally, they may seem more irritable or withdrawn, and they might avoid being petted or handled around their head.

Dark Brownish Discharge

An ear infection often leads to unusual discharge in the ears. This discharge may be dark brown, black, or even yellow, depending on the type of infection. In many cases, it has a texture similar to coffee grounds, especially if ear mites are involved. This discharge is usually an accumulation of earwax or other debris caused by the infection.

Causes of Cat Ear Infections

Cat ear infections can result from lots of reasons, whether it’s through parasites, microbes, or a simple injury. Here are some of the common causes of ear infections in cats:

Ear Mites

Ear mites are common in kittens and outdoor cats. These parasites can irritate the sensitive skin of the ear, which leads to inflammation, irritation, and discharge. This creates a perfect place for secondary infections to develop. Ear mites can easily spread between animals, so if one pet is affected, other pets who make direct contact with it can have ear mites.

Bacterial and Fungi

When the ear environment changes due to moisture, wax buildup, or inflammation, bacteria and fungi can overgrow, leading to infection. Cats are especially prone to bacterial and fungal infections if they have allergies or a weakened immune system. If left untreated, these infections can spread deeper into the cat’s ears and develop more complex health issues.

Allergies

Allergies to food, dust, pollen, or other environmental allergens can also lead to ear infections. When a cat has allergies, it may experience itchy or inflamed skin, including in the ears, which can lead to excessive scratching and a higher chance of infection. 

In response to the allergic reaction, the body may cause more wax buildup. This traps moisture and creates a good environment for secondary infections from bacteria and fungi.

Foreign Objects and Injury

Objects such as plant materials, dust, hair, or even manmade objects can become stuck in the ear canal, causing irritation and injury. When this happens, cats will feel more irritated and inclined to paw at their ears. This leads to damaged skin, which can cause secondary infections due to the wounds and inflammation. 

Underlying Health Issues

Some health issues, like FIV, FeLV, and other immune disorders, can make cats more vulnerable to ear infections. In addition to this, cats with tumors and other masses in their ears can experience irritation and infections due to the obstruction they cause.

Treatment for Cat Ear Infections

Once we have identified the cause of your cat’s ear infection, our vets can proceed to treat them at the clinic. Treatment steps will vary depending on the cause of the ear infection. This can be bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. To help you get started, here are some of the most common treatment methods we use for ear infections in cats:

Thorough Ear Cleaning and Management

Thorough cleaning of the ear and ear canal is essential to remove debris, wax, and discharge that can make the infection worse. We typically perform this initial cleaning in the clinic, using a medicated solution that gently loosens wax and clears away mite debris or bacteria. 

For ongoing care, we’ll recommend a safe ear-cleaning solution and teach you how to clean your cat’s ears at home if needed. If allergies and other health conditions are involved, we’ll adjust our plans to work into managing your cat’s symptoms.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are often the most used medications for ear infections in cats. These treatments can come in the form of ointments or ear drops that can be easily applied to the affected areas. Based on your cat’s ear infection, we’ll use a specific topical treatment. 

For microbes, we’ll use the appropriate antibiotic or antifungal treatment. To help with the inflammation, we’ll use anti-inflammatory medicines.

Oral Medications

In events where the infection has spread deeper into the ear or is persistent, oral antibiotics, or antifungal medications may be necessary. Oral treatments target the infection from within, especially if the infection has affected the middle or inner ear. Pain relievers are also an option, as they can relieve severe discomfort, allowing your cat to feel better as they heal.

Parasitic Treatments for Ear Mites

If ear mites are the root cause, our vets will prescribe specific anti-parasitic treatments. Ear mites are highly contagious and resilient, so treatment usually involves multiple applications of mite-killing ear drops or sometimes topical or oral medications that work throughout the body. 

We can use a variety of medications, such as ivermectin, selamectin, and sulfur lime dips, all available at our vet pharmacy. It all depends on what we think is the best course of action for your cat.

Preventing Ear Infections in Cats

While ear infections in cats can often be treated successfully, it’s still important to prevent these infections from ever stressing out your cat. A few simple tips can go a long way to prevent ear infections in cats:

Regular Ear Checks and Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your cat’s ears can help you monitor its ear health. A buildup of wax and debris can become detrimental to your cat’s health, as it can foster the growth of bacteria that could lead to infection. Check for any signs of issues such as redness, swelling, and irritation.

Manage Allergies

If your cat has known allergies, managing these triggers is essential in preventing ear infections. Allergies can cause inflammation in your cat’s ears, leading to secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Make sure to ask for help from our pet allergists. 

Additionally, take steps to rid your house of environmental allergens like dust and pollen, especially in your cat’s bedding, pillows, and towels.

Keep Your Cat’s Environment Clean

Mites, bacteria, and other pathogens can be introduced into your cat’s ears through their environment. Regularly wash bedding, toys, and grooming tools to minimize potential sources of infection. 

In cat shelters and multi-pet households, keeping all pets’ spaces clean is essential. It’s a great way to keep your cat safe from mite-infested animals, as these can easily spread to others.

Regular Vet Checkups

Regular cat visits allow us to do professional ear checks for your cats. This helps us check for any issues before they worsen. These checkups are important for cats, especially for those who are prone to issues with their ears. A quick look into your cat’s ears during these visits can catch minor issues before they become full-blown infections.'

Conclusion

Ear infections can give our cats a hard time, which is why it’s important for us cat owners to know what to do when we notice this condition in our cats. Our best friends can’t exactly tell us how they’re feeling, but with a good understanding of this condition, we can know the next steps to help them.

With our help and a quick visit to the clinic, we’ll get your cats the relief they deserve.