Common Cat Ear Diseases and Essential Care Tips

Symptoms and Causes

External Otitis

External otitis refers to the inflammation of the outer ear canal or the outer ear shell.

The primary causes of external otitis are primarily bacterial and mite infections, food allergies, and allergic diseases. Inflammation can lead to redness and narrowing of the ear canal, the production of large amounts of dark brown earwax, and ultimately, the obstruction of the outer ear canal. This can result in hearing loss, and the moist, warm environment within the ear canal is conducive to bacterial growth.

Bacterial and Fungal External Otitis

This is mainly caused by bacterial and fungal infections, often due to changes in the ear canal environment that promote the rapid growth of bacteria and fungi. You may notice a large amount of blackishbrown or yellowgreen earwax, and in severe cases, it may be difficult to see inside the ear canal.

Home treatment typically involves using antibiotics and antifungal agents in the form of ear drops. It is best not to use cotton swabs to clean the ear, as this can push earwax further into the ear canal.

Food and Allergic External Otitis

Allergic external otitis is more common than foodrelated external otitis and often appears earlier than other skin allergies. It can lead to ear hematomas and secondary bacterial and fungal infections.

Food and allergic external otitis may be accompanied by large amounts of yellowbrown discharge, excessive ear scratching, head shaking, and even the sound of water in severe cases.

Home treatment for allergic external otitis mainly focuses on alleviating secondary infections and removing earwax. For foodrelated external otitis, it is necessary to slowly eliminate allergenic foods or switch to hypoallergenic diets.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are very small external parasites that live in a cat's ears, causing the production of large amounts of dark brown earwax. The main source of infection is contact with an infected mother cat or other cats.

Infection can cause a cat to scratch and shake its head more frequently, and the earwax will increase abnormally and be difficult to clean.

Home treatment generally focuses on prevention, such as regular use of external deworming medication or ear treatments.

Ear Hematomas

External otitis or ear mite infection are the most common causes of ear hematomas in cats, as scratching and other behaviors to relieve itching can cause bleeding in the ear, leading to hematomas.

Home treatment primarily involves determining the cause of the hematoma, whether it is external otitis or ear mite infection, and treating the symptoms accordingly.

Ear Care Routine

Healthy cats typically have little earwax and no odor. When the ears become overly moist or poorly ventilated, it is easy for mold and bacteria to grow, leading to ear inflammation. Ear cleaning should not be done too frequently, as this can also cause inflammation.

Here are the general steps for cleaning:

1. Dampen a small piece of cotton with ear cleaning solution.

2. Use one hand to gently pull the earflap back and hold the cat's head steady.

3. Use the other hand to hold the dampened cotton and wipe the visible areas.

4. When cleaning the ear canal, be sure to avoid using cotton swabs to prevent pushing earwax further into the ear canal.

Of course, if more severe symptoms arise, it is best to consult a veterinarian for professional diagnosis and treatment.