Feline Ear Infection — Symptoms and Treatment

📍 Veterinary Hospital Sacrum, Vantaa

Ear infections in cats are significantly different from their counterparts in dogs. Whereas in dogs, ear infections are common and often associated with allergies, ear infections in cats are less common.

If a cat begins to scratch its ears or shake its head, then the cause is almost always some tangible stimulus.

Most common cause: Ear mite (Otodectes cynotis)

Especially in outdoor cats and kittens, ear mite is by far the most common cause of itching.

• Symptoms: severe itching, shaking of the head, there is a dark secretion in the ear, resembling “coffee grounds”.
• Treatment: Parasite control solution (topical solution for neck) from a veterinarian. Simply cleaning the ear does not kill ticks.

Other Causes (When It's Not About Ticks)

If an adult indoor cat has an ear infection, the cause may be:

1. Polyps: Benign tumors that block the ear canal. Common in young cats.
2. Allergy: Less common than in dogs, but possible. It often manifests itself as a skin rash in the head and neck area.
3. Foreign object: For example, hay veg.

When to the vet?

If your cat's ear is dirty or it scratches it, make an appointment for an inspection.

• We do not recommend buying an ear mite drug “just in case” without a diagnosis. If there is a bacterial infection or a polyp in the ear, the antiparasitic will not help and the cat will suffer in vain.
• Middle otitis: If the cat keeps its head tilted (dizziness), the inflammation has progressed deeper. This requires prompt treatment.
  

📞 Appointment: 010 739 9130