Cat Ear Discharge: Newbies' Guide to Treatment!

Our feline friends have a unique ear canal structure that makes them prone to inflammation due to issues like ear mites, bacteria, fungi, trauma, and allergies. If left untreated, these infections can lead to deafness in cats and even more severe complications. When you notice your furry companion's ears are oozing pus, it's crucial to act promptly. Today, we're here to shed some light on how to handle such situations with care and precision.

What Causes Cats' Ears to Ooze Pus?

Ear discharge in cats is often a sign of an infection in the ear canal. Early stages may result in itching and the cat may exhibit behaviors like frequent ear scratching and head shaking. As the condition worsens, you might notice脓性或水样的分泌物, along with redness, swelling, pain, and fever in the ear canal.

How to Treat Cats with Oozing Ears?

It's important to note that ear discharge is a serious matter. If the infection spreads to the middle or inner ear, it can lead to hearing loss. In severe cases, it can even cause meningitis, which can be fatal.

Therefore, if possible, it's best to take your cat to a veterinarian for a proper examination to identify the causative agent and the extent of the infection before beginning treatment.

In cases where veterinary care isn't immediately available, here are some steps you can follow:

1. Initial Examination and Cleaning

When you notice pus in your cat's ears, avoid inserting cotton swabs deep into the ear canal as this can harm the ear or eardrum. Also, don't directly pour ear cleaning solution into the ear, as it might mix with the pus and lead to deeper infection.

Instead, follow these steps:

（1）Gather a pair of tweezers and medical cotton balls. Wrap a small piece of cotton around the tweezers to form a ball, as shown in the image:

（2）Dip the medical cotton ball into a small amount of Ear Clear (pet ear care solution), which effectively softens earwax without being harsh on the ear.

（3）Gently wipe away visible pus and dirt from the ear, repeating this process until the ear appears clean.

2. Medication Treatment

After cleaning the ear, apply a small amount of Ear Drop (fluoroquinolonenitrofurantoin ear drops) to the ear canal to combat bacteria and inflammation. Additionally, administer oral antibiotics to control the infection, such as Esomox (cefadroxil tablets) or Clavamox (amoxicillinclavulanate potassium).

3. Daily Care

（1）If your cat is excessively scratching or shaking its head, consider using an Elizabethan collar to prevent further irritation and infection of the surrounding skin.

（2）Regularly inspect your cat's ears and clean them promptly if you notice any wetness or pus.

（3）Maintain good hygiene and deworming practices, as ear infections often stem from ear mites. Use Dropcare (pyriproxyfen moxidectin drops) to deworm your cat monthly.

In summary, when your cat's ears are oozing pus, timely and proper care is essential. During routine care, remember to regularly use petspecific ear cleaning solutions to prevent bacterial growth and ear mites.