Alert: Cat Ear Discharge - How to Treat Pus in Feline E

When you notice your feline friend's ears are oozing pus and emitting a foul odor, and they frequently tilt their head or shake it off, it's a sign that something's amiss.

These symptoms indicate that your pet is suffering from a severe ear infection. The causes can range from bacterial, fungal, or mite infections to more serious conditions. If left untreated, this condition can lead to hearing loss in your cat!

Let's delve into the common reasons behind pus in a cat's ears and how to address them effectively.

What Causes Pus in a Cat's Ears?

When pus accumulates in a cat's ears, it's typically a sign of suppurative otitis, which can be triggered by a variety of factors:

1. Ear Mites: These pesky parasites can thrive in a cat's ear canal, leading to inflammation and the production of pus.

2. Bacterial/Fungal Infections: Bacteria like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, as well as fungi like Malassezia, are common culprits behind ear canal inflammation.

3. Malignant Tumors: Though rare, cats can also develop tumors in their ears, which can cause inflammation, ulceration, and pus discharge.

4. Foreign Objects: Insects, grass seeds, or even bathwater can enter a cat's ear, causing irritation and damage that lead to ear canal inflammation.

Common Symptoms

• Your cat may frequently scratch at their ears with their paws.

• You might notice redness and an unpleasant smell coming from the ears.

• The outer ear canal may show yellow or green puslike discharge.

• Your cat may exhibit signs of pain or discomfort, such as head tilting or instability.

Home Remedies

Step 1: Cleaning

Start by gently drying the pus with a medical cotton ball. Then, use a pet ear cleaning solution like Ear Cleanse (Pet Ear Care Solution). Simply drop the recommended amount into the ear canal, gently massage the base of the ear for about a minute to soften the earwax, let your cat shake out the excess fluid, and finally, wipe the area clean with a cotton ball.

Step 2: Topical Treatment

Apply a petspecific ointment containing neomycin sulfate, nystatin, permethrin, and triamcinolone acetonide, such as Healing Balm (Combination Nystatin Ointment), twice a day for the first seven days. After symptoms improve, you can reduce the frequency to once a day or every two to three days.

Step 3: Oral Antibiotics

Administer antibiotics to provide systemic antiinfection, such as amoxicillinclavulanate potassium, Esomar (Cefadroxil Tablets), or ampicillin. Be sure to use petspecific antibiotics to avoid toxicity in your cat.

During treatment, it's crucial to fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from scratching the affected area and causing a secondary infection.

Regularly deworm your cat with medications containing ivermectin or selamectin to treat and prevent ear canal inflammation caused by ear mites.

——If there's no significant improvement after 5 to 7 days of treatment, it's advisable to seek veterinary care promptly. Severe otitis media often requires professional treatment, and delaying can increase the risk of your cat becoming deaf.