Cat Ear Problems: Types and How Pet Parents Can Help

Key Takeaways

Cat ear problems can include conditions such as ear mites, infections, allergies, polyps, hematomas, foreign objects, and even cancer, all of which can cause discomfort and require veterinary care.
Common symptoms of ear issues in cats include head shaking, scratching at the ears, discharge, odor, swelling, and sometimes balance problems or hearing loss.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, ear cleansers, parasite prevention, allergy management, or surgery in more severe cases.

Types of Cat Ear Problems

Ear problems refer to any condition that negatively affects any part of the cat’s ear. These can range in severity from mild to severe, and they all require treatment by a veterinarian.

Here are some of the most common cat ear problems pet parents should be aware of.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are microscopic parasites that live in and around a cat’s ear.

They cause intense itching, dark ear debris that resembles coffee grounds, and hair loss around the ear. Ear mites are common among kittens, outdoor cats, and cats in close contact with one another, such as in shelters or multi-cat households.

Ear Infections

While this condition is relatively uncommon in cats compared to dogs, felines can get ear infections due to bacteria or yeast.

Infections cause a bad ear odor, thick discharge, and itching. Without treatment, ear infections can get much worse and affect hearing.

Allergies

Cats can develop allergies to ingredients in their food or environmental allergens, such as pollen or dust. Typically, cats with allergies will have itchy, inflamed (swollen) ears along with skin and fur changes like hair loss.

Allergies can lead to ear infections.

Ear Polyps

Ear polyps refer to small bumps that grow in the cat’s ear canal. These bumps are not cancerous but cause head shaking and increase the risk for ear infections.

They can happen in any cat, but kittens are most often affected.

Hematoma

When cats shake their heads too much or scratch their ears (from infections or allergies), a pocket of blood can form in the outer part of the cat’s ear.

This causes one ear to appear swollen, and it can be painful.

Foreign Objects

Cats can get foreign objects, such as grass or insects, stuck in their ear canals. This can cause discomfort and symptoms like head shaking and pawing at the ear to try to get rid of the object.

Ringworm

Cats can also get a fungal infection called ringworm on the tips of their ears. This causes red, crusty skin and itching. Ringworm can affect any cat, but it is most common in kittens.

Cancer

Cats can have cancer in and around their ears, although this is rare. The most common types affecting cats are squamous cell carcinoma and ceruminous gland adenocarcinomas.

Ear cancer causes pain and bleeding, and it can lead to hearing loss.

Symptoms of Cat Ear Problems

The most common symptoms of cat ear problems include:

Head shaking

Itchy ears

Pawing at ears

Ear discharge

Ear odor

Ear swelling or redness

Fur loss or scabs in and around ears

Head tilt

Sensitivity to touch

Balance issues

Hearing loss

Hiding

Decreased appetite

Lethargy

Causes of Cat Ear Problems

There are various underlying reasons why cats get ear issues, and they range in severity. Some of the most common causes for cat ear problems include:

Ear mites

Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus or Pseudomonas

Yeast, such as Malassezia

Ringworm (dermatophytosis)

Environmental allergens, such as grass or pollen

Food allergies

Chronic inflammation leading to hematomas or polyps

Foreign objects, such as insects

Cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma

How Vets Treat Cat Ear Problems

Treatment for cat ear problems varies widely depending on the underlying cause. Because of this, an accurate diagnosis by a veterinarian is important before starting treatment.

Potential treatment options include:

Ear cleansers, such as Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced, to remove ear discharge

Topical medications, such as Revolution Plus, to treat ear mites

Ivermectin drops to treat ear mites

Topical ointments, such as Animax, to treat infections and inflammation

Oral antibiotics, such as Clavamox, to treat bacterial infections

Oral antifungals, such as itraconazole, to treat yeast infections and ringworm

Corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, to reduce inflammation

Antihistamines, such as cetirizine, to treat allergies

Hydrolyzed protein diets, such as Royal Canin, to treat food allergies

Surgery to remove polyps or tumors and to drain hematomas

Otoscopy to remove foreign objects

Pet parents can help their cats during recovery by following their veterinarian’s instructions closely to support the best treatment outcome.

A cone, like The Comfy Cone, may be needed to prevent recovering cats from scratching their ears.

How To Prevent Cat Ear Problems

Pet parents can take important steps to reduce the risk of cat ear problems, including:

Cleaning your cat’s ears regularly to keep them free of debris

Keeping your cat up to date on topical parasite prevention

Ensuring your cat gets regular veterinary well-care to identify issues early

Keeping your cat indoors to reduce exposure to allergens and foreign objects

Controlling allergies through medication or diet to reduce ear inflammation

Cat Ear Problems FAQs

What can I do if my cat’s ears are bothering them?

There are many different reasons your cat’s ears may be bothering him. If your cat begins scratching his ears or shaking his head, it is important to see a veterinarian for the right diagnosis.

What are common ear problems in cats?

Common ear problems in cats include infections, mites, tumors, polyps, allergies, and foreign objects. Treatment for these issues varies depending on the underlying cause.

How do I treat my cat’s ear infection at home?

When a cat has itchy ears and you suspect an ear infection, it is important to see a veterinarian before giving your cat any over-the-counter treatments or home remedies. A veterinarian can provide an accurate diagnosis so that the right treatment can be prescribed to clear up the issue.