How To Tell If Your Cat Has An Ear Infection

January 12, 2020
cat

Cats are lucky – they don’t get nearly as many ear infections as dogs. But when they do get an infection, you need to act on it with quick – and correct – treatment. The reason for this is that cats, generally, are more stoic, so the ear infection may be quite advanced before you become aware of it. This means that you possibly have a much shorter window for a successful outcome, as compared with that for dog ear infections.

cat ears with infectionIt’s not really possible to tell just by observing your cat, if she has an ear infection or another issue with her ears. But there are certain symptoms that indicate a trip to the vet is required to get a proper diagnosis:

  • Shakes head or paws/scratches ears, face and neck
  • Black or yellowish discharge in the ears (discharge that looks like coffee grounds is usually a sign of ear mites)
  • Nasty odor
  • Hair loss or scabs around the face, ears and neck
  • Redness or swelling of the ear flap or ear canal
  • Waxy buildup on or near the ear canal
  • Loss of hearing
  • Tilting of the head
  • Loss of balance or disorientation
  • Irritability or odd behavior (e.g., hiding for long periods of time when that’s not her usual behavior)

Possible Causes of Your Cat’s Ear Infection

Ear infections in cats are usually the result of other infectious conditions affecting your furry friend. Some examples are:

  • Ear mites, which are especially a problem for kittens and are highly contagious for all of your pets. [For more on telling the difference between ear mites and ear infections, see this article] link to appropriate article on Banixx.com
  • Overgrowth of yeast, the most common cause of fungal ear infections in cats.
  • Allergies, usually stemming from food or pollen/environmental issues.
  • cat ear infection home remediesBacterial infections that could develop as the result of a wound or scratch.
  • Growths in the ear canal, including thick hair, tumors/polyps, etc.
  • Ruptured ear drum.
  • Foreign bodies in the ear canal, such as burrs or grass.
  • Immune suppressing diseases like FIV or feline leukemia virus. Cats with diabetes, allergies, or weak immune systems are more susceptible to ear infections.
  • Improper ear cleaning.

Until you identify the cause of your cat’s ear infection, you may be risking more serious conditions like deafness and facial paralysis, as well as chronic recurrences. As soon as you notice signs of ear discomfort, take the cat to a veterinarian, who can prescribe antibiotics, anti-parasitics, anti-fungals or other medications, depending on the results of the examination.

Cat Ear Infection Home Remedy Options

  • cat ear infection home remedyBe vigilant in checking your cat’s ear to make sure the inside of the earflap is pink. Make sure that there’s very little brown waxy build-up, that the canal is clear, and there is no odor. Any changes to this healthy condition may indicate an infection is getting started – and you can nip it in the bud before it gets too far.
  • Keep your cats ears clean. Your vet can show you the proper way to clean them and NEVER put anything such as a cotton swab or Q-tip inside your cat’s ears.
  • Use Banixx Pet Care spray to:
    • Help clear up any fungal or bacterial infection
    • Gently heal damaged tissue (caused by scratching, cuts, wounds, etc.)
    • Keep your kitty’s ears clean

Banixx Pet Care spray is an over-the-counter (OTC) solution that’s perfect for cleaning, treating and nurturing your cat’s ears.  Cats are not fans of sprays so it’s best to wet a small cotton ball with Banixx solution and clean your cat’s ears this way. Always make sure that the Banixx is room temperature; cats don’t like cold liquid in their ears…but then, who does? To be sure, simply run hot water over the Banixx bottle for a few minutes to warm it. It’s non-toxic, has no smell and doesn’t burn.

Moreover, Banixx can be used in conjunction with any medications or treatments your vet has prescribed – and there is no downside to using it frequently and regularly. When applying, make sure that the inside surface of the ear is well moistened so that Banixx makes good contact. Banixx works on contact. Massage Banixx gently into your cats’ ear. Results should be seen in a couple of days. But, do contemplate, Banixx is merely a topical solution. If your cat’s ear infection has already become severe, Veterinary intervention, via systemic antibiotics or similar, will surely be required for a good outcome.

We hope you found this article helpful and if your cat ever gets any cuts, abrasions, ear infections or ringworm, we hope you keep Banixx Pet Care in mind. For more information on how to keep your cat happy and healthy, visit our cat page.

Sources

  • https://pets.webmd.com/cats/ear-infections-in-cats-causes-treatment-and-prevention#1
  • https://www.thesprucepets.com/ear-infections-in-cats-3384627
  • https://www.vetinfo.com/inner-ear-infection-symptoms-cats.html

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