Ear's the Deal

Managing and Preventing Ear Infections

-  Iris Zinck

Kitty shaking her head? Scratching at his ear? Don't automatically assume it's ear mites! And whatever you do, DON'T try to treat it yourself!

While about half of all cat ear disorders involve ear mites, W a lot of issues that nothing to do with them. Hematomas, from fighting or scratching at an ear, are common. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, cats may also be afflicted by various polyps (small growths protruding from the surface of a mucous membrane) and squamous cell carcinoma-a cancer that can emerge on the ear tips and is especially common in white or bicolor cats that are over-exposed to sunlight. Owners should also keep in mind that a cat's eardrum thickens with age. Thus, hearing difficulties and potential deafness are often found in geriatric cats. However, one of the most common ear disorders is a condition called otitis externa. which is an inflammation of the outer ear canal. It's normal for small amounts of yeast and bacteria to be present inside the ear, but if there is a buildup of wax, dirt or debris, the delicate balance can be upset and a yeast or bacteria-based infection can develop.¹ (And then, of course, there are those pesky ear mites, which can also cause secondary infection.) 

Symptoms and Risks

Ear infections can be extremely painful for cats and require prompt veterinary attention. While they do not generally require a midnight trip to the local emergency clinic, you DO want to have the cat seen by your regular vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the following: