Ear Problems in Cats

Because they are so prominent, the cat's ear flaps are easily torn, bitten, or scratched in cat fights. Deep wounds should be examined and treated by a veterinarian to avoid the risk of ear infections. Cats with white or white-tipped ears are particularly prone to sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer. If you see any sign of redenning, swelling, or hair loss, lose no time in having the vet investigate it; these conditions could be precancerous. If acancer has already developed, it may be necessary to remove some or all of the ear flap to prevent the cancer spreading to the head. This will not affect normal hearing.

Frequent head shaking and scratching of the ear, especially in kittens, may be a sign of infestation by ear mites. These tiny parasites are normally present in small numbers bbut sometimes multiply, causing extreme irritation. There may be a discharge of brown wax. Treatment is with parasiticidal ear drops; all cats and dogs in contact with the infested cat should be dosed. Also treat the neck area with a flea powder for cats, to prevent mite eggs from sticking to the fur and causing reinfestation.

Fungal and bacterial infection of the ear, a foreign body such as a grass seed, and inflammatory polyps or tumors of the inner or moddle ear may cause signs. Have any problem investigate without delay, as any untreated infection may lead to deafness. The vet will examine the ear with an oroscope, an illuminated tube with a magnifying lens, and may also take X-rays. The cat may need a sedative or anasthetic. Infection is usually treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

The medicine kills only the mites themselves, not the eggs they have already laid inside the ear. These may take up to 6 weeks to hatch. The drops should be given for this length of time.

Cats can also develop an aural hematoma, a fluid-filled swelling of the outer ear. The fluid often looks like a watery blood when it is drained. It is thought to result from ruptured blood vessels in the ear caused by the cat constantly scratching the area and shaking and rubbing its head, possibly because of an infected wound or parasites. Drainage is the usual treatment. If left untreated, the condition may lead to scarring and a "cauliflower" ear.