How did my cat get a yeast infection in his ear?
Most cases of yeast skin or ear infection are triggered by an underlying disease affecting the skin, such as allergies or endocrine disease (hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, etc.). The type of yeast we see on the skin and in the ears of cats and dogs is almost always Malassezia yeast.
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection in cats ears?
Feline ear infections have a particular set of symptoms connected to them, including ear scratching, head shaking and inflammation. Yeast-caused ear infections have the additional symptoms of smelly black or yellowish discharge from the ears.
Why does my cat have an ear infection?
Ear infection is one of the problems faced by cats and dogs, though it is not that common for cats. The causes of ear infection are also various, from yeast, bacteria or other medical conditions too. Yeast is one of the most common causes of ear infection in cats.
What to do if your cat has a yeast infection?
Ear cleaning is one of the common treatments for some cats. However, if it is severe, your cat might need to be given anesthesia during the cleansing. This yeast lives on cat’s ears and skin. The excessive amount of this yeast can cause Malassezia dermatitis.
Where does the yeast in a cat come from?
Candida yeast is normally found in cat’s nose, ears and mouth and throughout his intestinal tract. If this yeast grows out of control — generally in felines with compromised immune systems — the result is candidiasis. The infection can occur primarily in one area, or spread throughout the entire body.
What are the symptoms of ear infection in cats?
Symptoms of ear inflammation, or otitis , in cats include shaking the head and scratching at the ears. If the middle ear is affected, you may see neurological signs such as facial paralysis. This occurs because inflammation deep inside the ear affects the nerves in that area.
How to check your cat for ear infections?
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing Symptoms of Ear Infections Notice any ear sensitivity. Ear infections can make your cat’s ears sensitive to touch. Look for excessive scratching. Ear infections can cause a lot of itching and discomfort. Check for any discharge. Another common symptom that occurs with ear infections is discharge. Look for problems walking. Check for any redness and swelling.
Are cat’s ear yeast infections contagious?
The Yeast Infection Is Not Contagious to Other Pets. The yeast cells will overgrow. However, these yeast cells cannot be transmitted to other pets, even if the pets have direct contact with the infected dog’s skin. It should be noted that the yeast infection often opens the door for secondary bacterial and fungal infections, which are contagious.
Can allergies cause ear infection in cats?
The most common cause of ear infections is allergies. Both food and environmental allergies can cause chronic ear infection. As long as the cat is exposed to the allergen, the symptoms will continue and the immune system is weakened, causing ear infections to take hold frequently.
