How to Care For Your Cat's Ears
As a pet owner, it's your responsibility to stay on top of your pet's health, both inside and out. Yet, when it comes to cats, there are a couple of health problems that can easily get missed, and they're all related to their ears.
Cats aren't often fans of being held still long enough to check their ears, which, paired with their tendency to hide away or show no signs that something is wrong, ear problems in cats can often go unnoticed.
In this article, we’ll explain how to keep your cat’s ears healthy through visual checks and what to do if something is wrong, including some of the most common ear problems in cats.
Healthy Cat Ears
The easiest way to check your cat’s ears is to give them a visual check. You can do this by peeking into your cat’s ears while they sleep or are relaxed, looking for any signs of infection or wax buildup.
Healthy cat ears should be:
- Clean
- Pale pink in colour
- Odour-free
- Minimal accumulation of earwax
If you notice anything out of the ordinary (colour, smell, or wax build-up), it may be a sign your cat needs an ear clean with a cat-safe ear cleaner. Not cleaning your cat's ears when they need it can lead to further problems, including infections.
In addition to checking your cat’s ears regularly for wax build-up and debris, you should also watch for any change in colour to the pinna (ear flap) and signs of swelling.
This can be a sign of a haematoma, an accumulation of blood in the pinna often caused by trauma (bite, scratch, or bump) or infection.
Common Ear Problems in Cats
Most feline ear diseases occur when dirt, debris, or wax accumulate in your cat’s ear, creating an environment where yeast and bacteria can thrive.
Anything that impedes the natural removal of your cat’s earwax or reduces air circulation can keep the ear canal warm and humid, encouraging the growth of harmful organisms and leading to infections.
Ear Irritation in Cats
Ears are a sensitive environment that require balance and care to maintain.
Irritation of the ears can be incredibly uncomfortable for cats and may cause your cat to scratch their ears, which can introduce more bacteria from their paws or claws into the delicate environment of the ears.
Irritation in cat ears is often a result of allergies in cats, be it a food allergy or an environmental allergy. Allergies in cats can be tricky to diagnose, so it's essential you consult with your vet early if you notice your cat scratching their ears or shaking their head.
Ear Infections in Cats
There are two common types of ear infections in cats:
- Infections of the external ear canal (otitis externa)
- Infections of the middle ear (otitis media)
Both of these infections can be caused by a number of things, including, by not limited to:
- Ear mites
- Bacteria build-up
- Yeast growth
- Injury
- Debris in the ear canal
If you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms and think your cat may have an ear infection, then it’s crucial you contact your vet immediately for a consultation and advice on treatment.
Not all ear infections can be treated with antibiotics, so it’s important a vet examines your cat’s ears to diagnose the cause of the problem and is able to prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Ear Mites in Cats
Ear mites are one of the leading causes of ear infections in cats and are a much more common parasite than you might expect.
Much like fleas, these tiny insects are highly contagious and can easily be passed from one cat to another, whether they're outside the home exploring or are indoor cats. If you have a multi-cat household, ensure you're up to date with all your cats' flea and tick treatments to prevent infestations.
Some signs of ear mites in cats include:
- Constantly itching ears
- Dark, crumbly debris (not dissimilar to coffee ground or flea dirt)
The best action for ear mites is to use a routine parasite prevention treatment on your cat to kill mites before they can irritate and infect your cat's ear.
If your cat is already suffering from ear mites, then it’s crucial to seek advice from your vet, who will prescribe either medicated ear drops or spot-on treatment to kill the mites and clear up the infestation.
Many over-the-counter cat flea treatments do not treat ear mites or other biting parasites, so it’s essential to consult a vet for a proper diagnosis and prescription.
How to Treat Ear Infections in Cats
Ear infections can be treated in several ways, depending on the root cause, and your vet will decide the best option following consultation and diagnosis.
Typically, your vet will prescribe a topical medication (such as ear drops) and an ear cleaner to be used alongside, both of which should be administered once or twice daily unless specified otherwise.
Ear cleaners clear earwax and debris from the ear canal, disrupting the elements that make the optimum breeding ground for bacteria and infection.
Depending on the cause of your cat’s infection, the ear drops they are prescribed may be antibiotics (to treat bacterial infections) or antifungal medications (to treat fungal infections). These treatments may also have anti-inflammatory properties to make your cat feel more comfortable and hopefully stop any scratching that can continue irritating their ear while it’s trying to heal.
How to Give a Cat Ear Drops
Giving medication to your pet is never easy, and cats can be especially awkward when it comes to administration since they rarely like to be held still for such a long time. We recommend not trying to give ear drops to your cat alone and having someone else on hand to help.
- Dress for the occasion— Administering ear drops to cats can be tricky and is usually messy, so wear something you don't mind getting messy. Keeping some kitchen roll handy is also suggested.
- Read the instructions thoroughly— This is to ensure your cat is getting the correct dosage and you are applying the medication correctly.
- Warm the medication bottle in your hands— Cold drops can shock your cat, causing unnecessary stress and attempted escapes.
- Gently restrain your cat— Do not grab them suddenly or hold them too tightly. You want to stop them from running away without stressing them too much.
- Apply the required drops or a liberal amount of ear cleaner directly into your cat’s ear.
- Gently massage your cat’s ear— You should do this for around 15 seconds to work the treatment deep inside the ear canal.
- Wipe away any excess fluid or discharge from the ear's entrance using something clean, soft, and dry, ensuring that the outside of the ear flap is also dry. (Never use cotton buds or push anything into your cat’s ear, as this will cause damage to your cat’s ear canal and lead to further problems)
- Repeat the process on the other ear, if necessary. If you’re using ear drops, check with your vet whether one or both ears need treatment.
- Reward your cat for their good behaviour and try to add some positive association to having their medicine.
If your cat has had an ear infection for a long time that has gone untreated, they may also require injections, tablets, or even surgery to treat the disease. This is a worst-case scenario that is best avoided. The best course of action for feline ear infections is always prevention
Deafness in Cats
Deafness can develop in your cat as it ages, or it can be a genetic trait you are already aware of.
Sudden or unexpected deafness in a cat may also be a sign of infection and should be treated seriously. Some of the key signs of deafness in cats include:
- Not noticing when you enter the house
- Not responding to everyday sounds such as their name, loud noises, sound-making toys, or treat pots being shaken.
- Not being woken by loud noises
- Louder meowing
- Increased sleep
- Increased sensitivity to smells and temperature
If your cat is in good health but still exhibits these symptoms, they may be deaf, and you should consult your vet for further diagnosis. Having a deaf cat can be challenging, but there’s no reason they can’t live a happy and fulfilled life. You can learn more about caring for a deaf cat in our blog.
Staying on top of your cat's ear health doesn't need to be a chore. Just make sure you incorporate ear checks into their grooming routine, so you notice any signs of irritation or infection early. The sooner it's spotted, the sooner treatment can begin.
If you’re looking for an appropriate ear cleaner for your cat, check out our range for great offers on market-leading cat ear care products to help maintain your cat’s ears and overall health.
This post is an opinion and should only be used as a guide. Before starting any program or treatment, you should thoroughly discuss any change to your pet’s care or lifestyle with your vet.
