Cat Constantly Scratching Ears: Possible Causes & Solut

If you notice that your kitten is frequently scratching its ears, shaking its head, or rubbing its ears against furniture or corners, it's a sign to pay close attention. Your feline friend might be suffering from ear mites, otitis, or other ear canal issues.

So, what should we do when faced with such a situation? Today, let's delve into the common causes and solutions.

1. Ear Mites

Ear mites are one of the most common causes of ear itching in cats. These tiny parasites reside in the cat's outer ear canal, feeding on earwax and skin flakes. As they reproduce, they stimulate the ear canal to produce a lot of IgE, leading to severe itching. Consequently, cats will scratch their ears repeatedly in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort.

Solution:

Use Pet Ear Care Solution to clean your cat's earwax. Begin with daily cleaning for the first 710 days, then adjust to once or twice a week, maintaining this routine until day 2128.

After cleaning, apply Compound Miconazole Ointment to treat mites, inhibit bacteria, reduce inflammation, and relieve itching.

Administer Pyriproxyfen Moexiphen Dripping Agent to deworm your kitten monthly to prevent recurring ear mite infestations.

2. Bacterial Otitis

Cats may develop bacterial otitis if their ears get wet, their immune systems are weak, earwax accumulates, or they are overcleaned. This can lead to red, itchy ears with watery or puslike discharge.

Solution:

Use a gentle pet ear wash to clean the ear canal secretions. If the ear is particularly moist, avoid direct drops; instead, use a medical cotton ball with tweezers to gently wipe away visible secretions or take your cat to a vet for ear canal flushing.

Apply Fluorophenicol Metronidazole Ear Drop and take Cefahydrate Tablets orally for dual antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects to control ear infections.

3. Malassezia Infection

Malassezia infection is another common cause of ear itching in cats. This lipidophilic yeast is also a fungus. Symptoms of Malassezia infection are similar to those of ear mite infestation, with a lot of brown or black, greasylooking secretions with a strong, sour smell.

Solution:

Clean the ears with Pet Ear Care Solution to keep the ear canal clean and fresh.

After cleaning, apply a cream or spray containing ketoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine for antifungal properties, applying 12 times daily.

In severe cases, oral itraconazole may be necessary; consult a veterinarian before administering the medication.

4. Allergic Reactions

Some cats may have allergic reactions to food, pollen, dust mites, or other environmental substances, which can manifest as ear itching. If your cat is also sneezing, watery eyes, or has red skin, it might be an allergic reaction.

Solution:

Identify and avoid the allergen to prevent future exposure.

Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent your cat from scratching its ears.

Administer Clorpheniramine Maleate Tablets to block allergic reactions promptly.

5. Injuries or Foreign Objects

Occasionally, a cat's ear itching may be due to an injury or a foreign object in the ear canal. For instance, outdoor play can lead to small twigs, grass seeds, or other debris entering the ear, causing discomfort and itching. In such cases, it's best to seek professional veterinary help rather than attempting to handle it yourself to avoid further injury.

6. Skin Diseases

Certain skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, ringworm, eczema, and allergic dermatitis, can also cause ear itching in cats. These diseases often present with symptoms like dandruff, bumps, hair loss, and itchy papules.

Solution:

Take your cat to a vet for a skin scraping test to diagnose the type of skin disease and choose targeted medication.

In summary, when you observe your kitten scratching its ears frequently, don't ignore this sign. Communicating with your veterinarian, diagnosing the exact cause accurately, and providing appropriate treatment are crucial for ensuring your pet's health. Additionally, regular ear cleaning can effectively prevent these issues, keeping your beloved pet in prime condition.