Symptoms of Cat Middle or Inner Ear Inflammation

Section 1: Symptoms of Feline Middle Ear Inflammation

1. Tossing the head and tilting the ears are classic signs of feline middle ear inflammation. Often, owners may mistakenly think their cat is being cute, but if these behaviors occur frequently, it's a red flag. It could indicate that your beloved pet is suffering from otitis media.

2. Cats with middle ear inflammation may experience severe itching around their ears, leading them to scratch excessively. In some cases, this scratching can be so vigorous that it results in bleeding ears.

3. Chronic itching can cause cats to become restless, irritable, and less willing to move around. They may also show a decrease in appetite.

4. Severe middle ear inflammation can affect the facial nerve, causing symptoms like drooling, paralysis of the ear flaps, and widened eye pupils.

Section 2: Symptoms of Feline Inner Ear Inflammation

1. Cats with inner ear inflammation may exhibit dark, sticky discharge from their ears, accompanied by an unpleasant odor. They may appear listless and anxious, frequently shake their heads, scratch at their ears, and circle. Their heads may tilt towards the affected ear, and they may show a decrease in appetite and an increase in body temperature. In severe cases, meningitis can occur, which can be lifethreatening.

2. The head may tilt more明显 towards the affected side, and cats may have difficulty standing. They may exhibit ataxia, causing them to walk unsteadily and potentially fall over.

3. As inner ear inflammation worsens, it can disrupt the connection between the vestibular system and the brainstem's vomiting center, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Many cats with middle or inner ear infections may also suffer from tympanic membrane perforation, resulting in hearing loss.

Dr. OxygenPet has shared the symptoms of feline middle and inner ear inflammation. We hope this information has been helpful. If you notice any early signs in your pet, it's crucial to seek treatment promptly to prevent the condition from worsening. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below. Dr. OxygenPet is here to provide online veterinary advice.