Surprising Reasons Why Cats Shake Their Heads: A Concer

In everyday life, you might notice your cat shaking its head occasionally. This could be due to dirt on its face, tiny insects, or other foreign objects. Your feline friend is likely trying to dislodge these intruders by shaking its head. However, if your cat frequently shakes its head or scratches at its ears, it's advisable to inspect its external ear canal for any abnormalities.

Next, let's delve into the common reasons behind a cat's frequent headshaking and offer guidance on how you, as a pet parent, should handle this situation.

What's Causing Your Cat to Constantly Shake Its Head?

In most cases, a cat that frequently shakes its head is likely experiencing ear or head itching. The causes can include:

1. Ear Inflammation

Ear Mites: These tiny parasites can cause severe itching, prompting your cat to shake its head and scratch its ears. You might notice a lot of dark, waxy earwax with a distinct odor.

Malassezia Infection: This fungus can lead to itching without the intensity of ear mites. Your cat may exhibit greasy, darkbrown discharge with a strong, sour smell.

Bacterial Otitis: This condition often results in itching, redness, and pain, with watery or puslike discharge and a foul odor.

2. Ear Tumors

While rare, ear tumors can be a cause. They can lead to pain and itching, prompting your cat to shake its head. Symptoms may include ear bleeding and an unpleasant smell.

3. Foreign Objects

If your cat's ears get into grass seeds, insects, or other foreign bodies, it can cause itching. Your cat will shake its head or scratch at its ears to try to remove the irritant.

How to Properly Handle the Situation

When you notice your cat shaking its head frequently, it's best to check its ears immediately. If you observe redness, unusual discharge, or an odor, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian or seek medical attention promptly. This will help determine the type and severity of the infection, allowing for targeted treatment.

AtHome Treatment Guide:

Ear Mites: Use Erwinase (pet ear cleaning solution), Xin'er Ning (miconazole nitrate ointment), and Dipai (pyriproxyfen moxidectin drops).

Malassezia Infection: Employ Erwinase ear cleaning solution, ketoconazole ointment, and oral itraconazole.

Bacterial Otitis: Utilize Erwinase ear cleaning solution, Erdi Ke (fluoroquinolone nitrofurantoin ear drops), and Aisuoda (cefadroxil tablets).

If your cat's ears appear clean but the earflaps or surrounding skin show redness, bumps, hair loss, or scabbing, it might be suffering from ringworm, seborrheic dermatitis, mange, or demodicosis. A visit to the vet for a skin scraping test is recommended to identify the pathogen and determine the appropriate treatment.

AtHome Treatment Reference:

Fungal Infection: Use iodine, Dashi Ning (ketоконазол ointment), and Shi Wei Bi (vitamin B complex solution).

Bacterial Infection: Use iodine and Fuan Te (zinc oxide ointment).

Mite Infection: Use Dipai, sulfur ointment, and cefadroxil tablets.

Lastly, if your cat's discomfort is due to an ear canal foreign object, it's essential to have a vet handle the situation to prevent ear canal damage.

Additionally, some neurological issues can lead to cats frequently shaking their heads, which often requires specialized testing and treatment.