When to take your cat to the vet for an ear infection?
The latter is the most common type of ear infection in felines. Regardless of the cause of the ear infection, the signs of an ear problem usually look similar. If you notice these issues, it’s time to visit the vet: A cat with an ear infection or other ear problem will shake its head and paw at its ears.
How can you tell if your cat has an ear problem?
Particularly, most of the ear problems cause a discharge from your cat’s ear that tends to have a foul odor. The color of the discharge could look dark and grainy like grounded coffee. You might also notice discharge of cream or orange color.
Why does my cat keep scratching his ear?
Ear problems in cats are a common cause of scratching and head shaking. Causes can include bacterial or fungal infection, foreign material (grass seeds), and parasites (ear mites).Continue reading to learn about the common symptoms, treatments, and prevention of ear problems in your cat.
What should I do if my cat’s ears are waxy?
If the weather is hot, keep your cat in the shade during the hottest part of the day. You can also use a cat-safe sunblock on their ears and nose. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. An ear cleaner is often recommended as the mainstay of treatment if the ears have an obvious build-up of wax.
Particularly, most of the ear problems cause a discharge from your cat’s ear that tends to have a foul odor. The color of the discharge could look dark and grainy like grounded coffee. You might also notice discharge of cream or orange color.
If the weather is hot, keep your cat in the shade during the hottest part of the day. You can also use a cat-safe sunblock on their ears and nose. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. An ear cleaner is often recommended as the mainstay of treatment if the ears have an obvious build-up of wax.
Why does my cat have an ear infection?
Causes can include bacterial or fungal infection, foreign material (grass seeds), and parasites (ear mites).Continue reading to learn about the common symptoms, treatments, and prevention of ear problems in your cat. Did you know that FirstVet offers video calls with experienced vets?
Ear problems in cats are a common cause of scratching and head shaking. Causes can include bacterial or fungal infection, foreign material (grass seeds), and parasites (ear mites).Continue reading to learn about the common symptoms, treatments, and prevention of ear problems in your cat.
If your cat is displaying signs of an ear infection, like ear sensitivity, excessive scratching, ear discharge, balance and coordination problems, or ear swelling, take it to the vet for an exam.
How can I tell if my cat has ruptured her eardrum?
A ruptured eardrum can be the result of trauma, infection, exposure to toxins, sudden severe changes in atmospheric pressure, very loud noises, and foreign objects. How can I tell if my cat has ruptured her eardrum or has a middle ear infection? Most cases of ruptured eardrum and middle ear infection will be identified by your veterinarian.
What to do if your cat has ear mites?
However, if your cat does not have ear mites or if appropriate treatment for ear mites fails to rid your cat of the infection, further diagnosis may be necessary. The diagnosis starts with an examination not only of the ears but of the entire cat. This is because some of the causes of ear infections in cats can signal a systemic health problem.
What happens if your cat has an untreated ear infection?
Untreated ear infections can lead to problems with the eardrum, in addition to causing your cat unnecessary pain. First, notice any symptoms, like ear sensitivity, ear discharge, and balance problems.
Why does my cat always have an ear infection?
Any cat can develop chronic otitis. Ear mites are responsible for approximately 50 percent of ear infections in cats, but prompt diagnosis and treatment of ear mites generally prevents an ear infection from becoming chronic. Environmental allergies ( atopy) and food allergies can also cause the problem.
How can you tell if your cat has otitis interna?
The signs of otitis interna depend upon the severity and the extent of the infection. Some cats may show no outward signs at all, but you may notice your cat is reluctant to chew or seems to be in pain when opening her mouth. She may shake her head or paw at the affected ear.
How can you tell if your cat has ear problems?
Your cat may demonstrate the following signs if he is in pain: He will shake his head frequently and paw at his ears; You may notice hair loss or scabs on or around his ears, on his neck or on his face as a result of him scratching; You may notice an unpleasant odor coming from your cat; or
Is it safe to wash my cat’s inner ear?
Routine ear cleaning may reduce chances of infection. Be warned, however, that too frequent and overly vigorous inner ear washes may be damaging to the inner ear. Your veterinarian will determine and advise you on proper care procedure for your cat.
