Cat's Ears Discharging Pus: Possible Causes & Solutions

When a cat's ears ooze pus, it's typically a sign of a purulent infection, indicating that there's inflammation within the feline's ear canal. This could be due to conditions like otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis externa (outer ear infection). If left unchecked, the inflammation can spread to the inner ear canal or even the meninges, leading to more severe complications.

So, what might cause this symptom, and how should you handle it?

What Are the Common Causes of a Cat's Ear Discharge?

Pus is a mixture formed during the inflammatory process, consisting of dead white blood cells, lymphocytes, skin tissue fragments, blood, exudate, and metabolic products of bacteria.

When a cat's ears produce a discharge resembling pus, it's usually due to an infection or inflammation. The specific causes may include:

1. Ear Mites

Ear mites are a common ear canal parasite that can cause itching, redness, and increased secretions in cats. Severe cases can lead to secondary bacterial infections, resulting in inflammation and pusfilled ears.

2. Bacterial or Fungal Infections

Weak immune systems or excessively moist ear environments can allow bacteria or fungi to thrive, causing infections. These often come with an unpleasant odor, swelling, and discharge.

3. Allergic Reactions

Some cats may be allergic to certain foods or environmental factors like pollen or dust mites, which can also lead to excessive ear secretions.

4. Trauma

Cats can sustain injuries during play or fights with other animals, and these wounds can become infected and lead to pus formation.

How to Handle a Cat's Ear Discharge?

Here's what you can do to address this issue:

Firstly, gently hold a sterile cotton ball in a pair of tweezers and dip it in a small amount of iodine solution. Use it to wipe away the pus on the surface of the cat's ears. Be cautious not to insert the cotton ball too deep into the ear canal, as this could damage the eardrum or push debris further in, potentially causing more severe infections.

Next, apply a few drops of Ear Cleanse (pet ear cleaning solution) into the cat's ears, then gently massage the base of the ears for about 1 to 2 minutes to soften any earwax. Release the cat's head, allowing it to shake out any excess ear cleaning solution and debris. Finally, clean up the remaining residue with a cotton ball.

Finally, apply a few drops of Ear Drop (fluoroquinolonenitroimidazole ear drops) into the cat's ears. Administer this once daily for 7 to 10 days, adjusting the frequency based on the secretion of pus thereafter.

If the infection is severe, oral antibiotics may be necessary to control the infection, such as:

● Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium

● Esomox (cefadroxil tablets)

● Ampicillin

Lastly, during treatment, ensure the cat wears an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from scratching its ears, which could lead to secondary injuries and infections. If the cat's symptoms do not improve after a week of home treatment, it's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly!