Ear Infections in Cats:

As veterinary professionals, we see ear infections as the most common problem for dogs and cats. In fact, they can be a chronic issue in many different dogs and cats. As common as it is, there are plenty of times when we see patients for routine visits, and they aren't showing any symptoms of ear infections, yet their ears are inflamed.

I recently wrote an article about ear infections in dogs. If you haven't had a chance to read it, you can check it out right here. 

Because ear infections are so common, it is important that cat owners know what they should be looking for. You wouldn't want your cat to have to suffer, simply because you don't know any better. 

What causes ear infections in cats?

Ear infections in cats are different than those we see in dogs. Usually, ear mites are to blame when a cat has an ear infection. Sometimes, cats get yeast and bacterial ear infections just like dogs do. Allergies are also common in cats, which can be causing the ear infection.

However, ear infections can also inform us that something else may be going on with your cat. Your cat may be dealing with a weak immune system.

What are some of the common causes of ear infections in cats?

Ear infections occur when the lining of the ear canal becomes irritated and inflamed. This leads to extra production of wax, which allows bacteria and yeast to grow in their ears.

Some common causes of ear infections are

• Ear mites
• Irritants in the environment
• Allergies
• Foreign body
• Polyps (growths) in the ear canal
• Excessive hair in the ear canals
• Weakened immune systems due to Feline Leukemia or FIV
• Autoimmune diseases

What are the symptoms of ear infections?

If you want to keep an eye on your cat and his or her ears, you need to know some common signs of ear infections.

These may include:

• Pawing at his or her head and ear
• Shaking his or her head a lot
• Discharge that looks like coffee grounds (common for ear mites)
• Discharge of any color
• Redness in the ear
• Tilting his or her head to one side
• Struggling to hear
• Loss of balance
• Your cat may also seem a bit disoriented
• Odor

What can be done to treat the ear infection?

If you think your cat has an ear infection, you need to take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

The veterinary team will likely take a sample to determine if your ear mites are the cause of the infection. This will also help them to see if your cat's ear is infected with yeast, bacteria, or a combination of both. 

After thoroughly cleaning the ear, you will have medication to put into the ears over the next few weeks. If the infection is really bad, you may be sent home with some oral antibiotics and pain medications. There are times when steroids are used to help quickly comfort your cat.

If your cat has ear mites, it is important to start him or her on a medication, such as Bravecto, to help you get rid of the mites. You should treat all of the cats (and dogs) in the household, because these are easily transmitted from one pet to another. 

What happens if you don't treat your cat's ear infection?

Left untreated, the infection in your cat's ears can get worse. This can become quite painful. The infection can also spread to the middle and inner ear, making treatment even more difficult.

Infections in cats can quickly become inner ear infections, which can cause some other symptoms, such as a head tilt, struggle with balance, and much more. This can also cause your cat to become nauseous, meaning that he or she won't be able to eat. 

Though common, you need to keep an eye on your cat's ears to ensure that he or she is as healthy as possible. You might even want to use a topical like Bravecto to make sure that your cat is free of fleas, ticks, and ear mites!

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Previously published on Medium and Newsbreak.