How do you know when a cat has an ear infection?

Will cat ear infection go away on its own?

Outdoor cats and kittens are more prone to ear infections but even older, indoor felines may develop this pesky condition. Ear infections are painful and won't go away on their own, so it's important to be familiar with the signs that indicate there's a problem.

What are signs of ear infection in cats?

How can I treat my cat's ear infection at home?

Heavily moisten a cotton ball with the ear cleaner. Apply the cotton ball to the base of the ear and fold the ear flap over onto the cotton ball. Massage the base of the ear (you should hear a squishing sound), and then allow your cat to shake his head.

What can I give my cat for ear infection?

Antibiotics, anti-parasitics, antifungals, and corticosteroids are the most common treatments. What's essential is that you get your cat in for treatment as soon as you notice signs of ear discomfort.

Ear Infections in Cats - Pet Doctor

When should I take my cat to the vet for an ear infection?

Left untreated, ear infections can lead to hearing loss or more serious systemic infections. If you notice your cat scratching an ear or tilting its head, schedule a vet visit to investigate.

How do you check a cat's ears?

To check the inner ear, gently fold back your cat's ear flap and look into the ear canal. If your cat's ears are healthy, they should be a light pink, with minimal earwax and no obvious signs of inflammation. If you smell an unusual odor or see a lot of earwax, you'll want to have your cat examined by a vet.

How can I clean my cat's ears at home?

Use gauze to clean, wipe, and dry the inside of your cat's ears. You can pick up gauze squares at most human pharmacies. You can also use cotton balls, cotton makeup rounds, or even a tissue. Just don't use cotton swabs to clean out your cat's ears, as you could damage their eardrums.

What's the inside of a cat's ear supposed to look like?

The inner side of the ear should be a healthy pink color. A small amount of black discharge may be observed in some cats. A large amount of black wax is often seen in cats with ear mites.

How long do ear infections last in cats?

That said, most cats with otitis interna respond well to medical management. Expect a two- to four-month course of oral antibiotics to prevent a relapse. The altered sense of balance that generally accompanies otitis interna typically improves within two to six weeks.

Do ear infections make cats sick?

Ear infections cause pain and discomfort, and the ear canals are sensitive. Many cats will shake their head and scratch their ears attempting to remove the debris and fluid from the ear canal. The ears often become red and inflamed and may develop an offensive odor.

Do cats feel pain in their ears?

Ear infections cause pain and discomfort, and the ear canals are sensitive. Many cats will shake their head and scratch their ears attempting to remove the debris and fluid from the ear canal. The ears often become red and inflamed and may develop an offensive odor.

How much does it cost to treat cat ear infection?

Depending on each individual case, the cost to treat a dog or cat ear infection will vary greatly, but can initially cost anywhere from $50 to $300.

What is the brown stuff in my cat's ears?

As with humans, it's completely normal for a small amount of earwax to form in your cat's ears. However, excessive wax buildup can occur if your kitty has allergies, a bacterial infection, systemic inflammation, ear mites, or a yeast infection. A cat's brown earwax often resembles dirt or dried blood inside the ears.

What happens if you let an ear infection go untreated?

An untreated infection can spread to other nearby tissue in and around the ear, and in rare cases even into the skull, resulting in meningitis. Infections will more commonly spread to the mastoid, just behind the ear, which can damage the bone and form pus-filled cysts.

What does a yeast infection in cats ears look like?

A thick brown or black discharge is a hallmark of yeast infection, although other types of ear infections and also ear mites can result in a dark discharge. Ears and skin with Malassezia overgrowth or infection often have an odor and some owners become adept at recognizing the yeasty smell.

Can cats spread ear infections to humans?

Ear infections are generally not contagious for humans or other pets, with one exception: those caused by parasites. Parasites like ear mites are highly contagious for other cats in the household. If one cat is affected, talk to your veterinarian about preventative treatment measures for your other cats.

Do cats ears need to be cleaned?

Do all cats need to have their ears cleaned? No. While it is important to clean your cat's ears when needed, over-cleaning may cause irritation in the ear canal and this can lead to infection. Most cats have healthy, clean ears and never need to have their ears cleaned.

Why do cats get ear infections?

Cat ear infections are usually the result of overgrown bacteria, yeast, or both. They can also be caused by: Food or environmental allergies. Wax build-up.

Can you clean cat's ears with Q Tip?

Never use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to clean your cat's ears — these substances just aren't safe for your kitty. Also, never use cotton-tipped swabs, like Q-tips, in a cat's ear at home. It's just too easy to push debris and wax further down into the ear canal.

Can indoor cats get ear mites?

Ear mites are the leading cause of feline ear problems. These microscopic parasites can be extremely itchy for your pet if undiagnosed. Whether your cat is an outdoor or indoor cat, they can be easily affected by these mites.

How can you tell the difference between ear wax and ear mites in cats?

How do you get the black stuff out of a cat's ear?

Cleanse: The black, waxy ear build-up and dirt must be thoroughly flushed and cleaned from the ear canal before any medication can be applied. We strongly encourage pet owners to have their vet do the initial cleanse to ensure all the debris is removed and to avoid damaging your cat's delicate ear drum.