Ear infections in cats: causes, symptoms, and treatment
An ear infection in cats is not always visible, but for your feline friend it is extremely unpleasant and painful. There is a distinction between otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear), otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), and otitis interna (inflammation of the inner ear). With inflammation of the outer ear, the ear flap, ear canal, and eardrum are affected, while with a middle or inner ear infection, the areas behind the eardrum cause problems. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Cause: How do ear infections develop in cats?
The causes of ear infections in cats are varied:
Infestation with parasites such as →ear mites, →fleas or ticks
Allergies (food allergies, environmental allergies)
Bacteria or fungi
Tumors
Foreign bodies
Symptoms: How to recognize otitis
Depending on the severity and the affected area in the ear, the ear infection can not always be recognized immediately. However, if your cat shows the following symptoms, this may indicate an inflammation of the ear:
increased head shaking
tilting the head
frequent scratching at the ear and neck
fever
severe pain
balance disorder (advanced disease)
If your cat shows unusual behavior, for example initially by frequently scratching the ear area, you should seek veterinary advice and have the situation checked more closely. If an ear infection is not treated, the inflammation can penetrate deeper into the ear and cause balance disorders (vestibular syndrome).
Tilted head, frequent scratching at the ear: If the ears are inflamed, cats will do everything they can to stop the uncomfortable sensation.
Treatment & medication for ear infections
At the veterinary clinic, the vet thoroughly examines your cat's ears carefully with an otoscope, which is gently inserted into the ear. If necessary, a swab from the ear can be taken. An examination under the microscope provides clarity about what problem your cat has with its ears. Here, it is possible to differentiate precisely between mites, fleas, fungi, and bacteria. But which remedy helps with the infection?
For the treatment of an ear infection, your cat will usually be prescribed a ointment or tablets that either combat bacteria, parasites, or fungi and, if necessary, relieve pain. The ear is also cleaned with a special cleaner so that crusts and deposits can be removed.
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If it is determined that a foreign body in your cat's ear is causing the inflammation, it will be carefully removed. In this case, anesthesia is sometimes necessary, as very few cats are willing to stay still during such an uncomfortable procedure and often react fearfully.
If the itching in the ear persists, tests for food allergies can also be carried out. For this, certain components are removed from the diet. Through this so-called elimination diet it can be determined whether and to which ingredients your cat is allergic. Our →hypoallergenic trial pack for cats is the perfect support for your cat's nutrition if a food allergy has been diagnosed.
When it comes to an ear infection, veterinarians know exactly what to do. Once the cause has been identified, ointments and tablets usually provide quick relief.
Preventing ear infections in cats: how to take precautions
Although ear infections cannot always be reliably prevented, there are several things you can do to help prevent them. As part of regular grooming, gentle cleaning of the ears→gentle cleaning of the ears is also included. Only use products that have been recommended by your vet and do not simply use your own cosmetic products.
To protect your cats from parasites such as mites, ticks, fleas & co. you can easily protect your cats by →using effective products preventively. Keep in mind that pets can also transmit parasites to each other and, for safety, treat all four-legged friends in the household.
If you regularly check your cat's ears, you can detect deposits, if something is wrong and take action early.
