Why Do Cats Get Ear Infections [10 Ways Explained]
Have you ever wondered why cats are prone to ear infections?
From parasites to bacteria and viruses, there are many causes of feline ear infections, and understanding them is key to preventing and treating them.
In this blog post, we take a look at the reasons why cats get ear infections, the signs and symptoms to watch out for, and how to give your cat the care they need.
Symptoms of ear infections in cats
Symptoms of ear infections in cats may include:
- Head shaking or tilting
- Scratching or rubbing ears excessively
- Dark brown, yellow, or bloody discharge from the ears
- Strong, foul odor coming from the ears
- Redness, swelling or crusting on or around the ear
- Sensitivity to touch on or around the ear
- Loss of balance or coordination
It’s crucial to take your cat to the doctor for a diagnosis and treatment if you think it may have an ear infection.
If left untreated, ear infections can result in discomfort, agony, and hearing loss as well as more significant health issues.
Why Do Cats Get Ear Infections
There are numerous reasons why cats can develop ear infections.
Ear mites are tiny parasites that reside in the ear canal and eat the wax and oils in the ear are one frequent reason.
Other potential causes include allergies, yeast or bacterial infections, tumors or polyps in the ear canal, foreign items stuck in the ear, and too-vigorous ear cleaning.
To effectively treat and stop the recurrence of an ear infection, it’s critical to identify its underlying cause.
It is best to visit a veterinarian for a precise diagnosis and treatment plan if you suspect that your cat has an ear infection.
Let’s break it down further…
Common ways cats get ear infections
Here are some of the most common ways cats get infections:
Poor ear hygiene
Cats require routine ear care, especially those with long fur.
Cats who are not routinely groomed may develop infections in their ears from the accumulation of dirt, wax, and debris.
Regular ear cleaning is essential, and you should avoid using cotton swabs or other instruments that can harm your cat’s ear canal.
The accumulation of wax and debris in the ears can be avoided with routine cleaning and grooming.
Avoid using cotton swabs or other instruments that can harm the ear canal and make sure to use a gentle cleaning solution made specifically for cats.
Parasites
One of the most frequent parasites that can lead to ear infections in cats is ear mites.
These are microscopic insects that spread rapidly when cats are in close proximity to one another.
Itching, irritation, and discharge from the ears can all be brought on by ear mites.
Other parasites like ticks and fleas can also cause cat ear infections.
Ear mites and other parasites can be avoided with regular grooming and cleaning.
Your veterinarian might recommend medicine to get rid of ear mites if your cat has them.
Learn more about how cats get ear infections.
Bacteria or yeast overgrowth
A disturbed bacterial or yeast balance in a cat’s ear might result in an overgrowth that results in an illness.
Allergies, poor hygiene, and underlying medical issues can all contribute to this.
Infections caused by bacteria or yeast may also be more common in cats with floppy ears or ears covered in a lot of hair.
Cleaning your cat’s ears frequently and keeping them dry will help keep yeast or bacterial infections at bay.
Your veterinarian may suggest using a special ear cleaning or giving you medicine to prevent infections in the future if your cat is prone to these conditions.
Allergies
Cats can become allergic to many different things, such as pollen, dust mites, and particular diets.
These allergies can irritate and inflame the ear, increasing its susceptibility to infection.
In addition to causing excessive wax production, allergies can also result in ear infections.
Finding the allergen and avoiding it can help prevent allergies and ear infections that follow.
To control your cat’s allergies and avoid infections, your veterinarian may also suggest drugs or other therapies.
Trauma
Cats that have been in a fight or who have had their ears injured in some other way may be more prone to getting an ear infection.
Injuries can harm the skin and surrounding tissues, making it simpler for bacteria or yeast to enter and lead to an infection.
Trauma-related ear infections can be avoided by keeping your cat safe and keeping them out of potentially dangerous circumstances.
To avoid infection, seek veterinary care right away if your cat experiences trauma.
Foreign objects
A foreign object that becomes stuck in a cat’s ear, like a grass seed or a piece of dirt, can irritate and infect it.
Cats who spend time outside or who are permitted to roam through regions with thick vegetation or bushes are more likely to experience this.
It is possible to avoid foreign objects from getting stuck in your cat’s ears by keeping your cat away from locations with high grass or bushes and routinely examining their ears for debris.
See a vet right away if you think your cat has something strange in their ear.
Excessive wax buildup
Wax that is produced in excess by a cat’s ear might get stuck in the ear canal and cause infection and discomfort.
Allergies, bad hygiene, or underlying medical issues may be to blame.
Frequent ear cleaning can help prevent excessive wax accumulation in your cat’s ears.
Your veterinarian could advise using a special ear cleaner or give you a prescription for a drug to remove the wax if your cat has a lot of it built up.
Fungal infections
Particularly in cats with weakened immune systems or those who have had prolonged antibiotic treatment, fungi like Aspergillus or Candida can cause ear infections.
Some infections may need special testing and medicine, and they can be challenging to identify and cure.
Fungal infections can be avoided and managed in ways that don’t exacerbate underlying medical issues that can compromise the immune system.
Based on your cat’s specific requirements, your veterinarian can advise you on the best course of action.
Underlying health conditions
A cat’s immune system might be weakened by certain medical diseases, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, making them more prone to infections, including ear infections.
Chronically ill cats may also be more susceptible to allergies or other disorders that can lead to ear infections.
Cats with compromised immune systems can avoid ear infections by managing underlying medical issues with the right care and medication.
Before they become ear infections, routine veterinary exams can aid in detecting and treating these problems.
Ear canal abnormalities
Certain cats may either have anomalies in their ear canals from birth or develop them through time, such as a twisted or restricted canal.
These anomalies can make it challenging to remove earwax and debris, which can result in infections.
Anomalies of the ear canal may also be linked to other conditions such as allergies, infections, or malignancies.
Cats with anomalies in their ear canals may need specific care or surgery to stop infections.
Based on your cat’s specific requirements, your veterinarian can advise you on the best course of action.
How to prevent ear infections in cats
To prevent ear infections in cats, you can take the following steps:
- Keep your cat away from any possible infection sources, such as stray cats that can be carrying ear mites or other illnesses.
- To avoid wax accumulation and the development of yeast or germs, regularly clean your cat’s ears with an ear cleaner that has been approved by your veterinarian.
- After bathing or swimming, gently dry the ears with a towel to keep your cat’s ears dry.
- To stop the formation of dangerous bacteria or fungi, keep your cat’s habitat clean.
- Keep an eye out for infection symptoms in your cat’s ears, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or an excessive accumulation of wax.
- Have routine appointments with the vet to detect any ear problems in your cat as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cats can be prone to ear infections from various causes, including parasites, bacteria, and viruses.
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ear infections in cats, as well as the treatments available.
With proper care and prevention, cats can lead long and healthy lives.
So if you’ve been wondering why cats get ear infections, hopefully, this blog post has provided some valuable insights.
Be sure to contact your vet if you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s ear health.
