9 All About Pets • Volume 3 • Issue 3 • May–Aug 2023 PURR ZONE Ear Infection in Cats Cats rarely get ear infections; but when they occur, it can be difficult to understand the causative agent. Causes Ear mites are the causative organism for nearly half of feline ear infections. The secondary causes could be allergies (food and pollen allergies), a tumor or polyp in the ear canal, or perhaps something stuck in the ear canal. Other causes include bacterial or yeast overgrowth, earwax buildup, excess hair in the ear canal, autoimmune conditions, a torn eardrum, improper ear cleaning, environmental irritants, and illnesses that weaken immunity (eg, feline leukemia virus infection). The most common cause of middle ear infections is an infection that has progressed from the outer ear canal. Signs and Symptoms Ear infection in a cat may cause him/her to scratch or paw at the affected ear, or tilt his/her head in the direction of the affected ear. A strong odor, hearing loss, loss of balance, waxy accumulation in or near the ear canal, redness or swelling of the ear flap, or yellowish or black discharge from the ears are other warning signs to look out for. Treatment A veterinarian could prescribe antiparasitic, antifungal, or antibiotic eardrops or ointments if he/she diagnoses that the cat has ear mites or a yeast or a bacterial infection. Oral or injectable medications are recommended if the middle ear is infected, but the eardrum is healthy. If a chronic ear infection is diagnosed, the veterinarian might suggest medications to reduce the swelling of the tissue inside the ear canal. Surgery may be required in some cases to remove the swollen tissue that closes or constricts the ear canal. Pet parents must examine their cat’s ears routinely to make sure the canal is clear; there is no redness, residue, or odor; and the inside of the ear flap is pink. Source: Edgar J. Ear infections in cats: causes, treatment, and prevention. https://pets.webmd.com/. Reviewed November 7, 2022. Accessed February 13, 2023.
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