Inner Ear Infections in Cats

Inner ear infections in cats are very common and most are easily treated. All cats will experience inflammation or the ears, irritation, pain, or swelling at some point in their lives. These symptoms are likely caused by several conditions including allergies, skin problems and ear mites.

Cats, Allergy Ears and Skin Problems

In addition to causing symptoms that affect the ears, allergies and skin problems can also cause sudden redness and flushing of the skin. Other symptoms include an accumulation of dark wax or oily material in the ear. Allergies may be caused by certain foods, pollen or environmental materials such as dust, chemical sprays and cleaners. Foods and chemicals are not direct causes of the infection, but your cat’s reactions to these irritants are. Scratching, biting and rubbing the ears can lead to a bacteria infection.

To detect ear infections in cats, observe your cat. If he scratches his ears excessively, shakes his head, or the skin underneath his fur looks red and flushed, he might have an ear infection.

Cats and Ear Mites

Ear mites are parasites. Cats are the preferred host for these animals, but cats can easily pass them along to dogs. Ear mites spend their lives with the host, so the only way to become infected is from pet to pet. Once the pet has been infected, the mites makes their home in the ear canal where they will feed on ear wax and skin oils.

Ear mites cannot be seen with the naked eye, but the discharge that forms in the ear from them is detectable. The discharge resembles dried coffee grounds and it can be found in the ear canal and on the skin of the insides of the ear. In addition to discharge, other things to look our for are scratching, biting, and licking the ears. The cat will also scratch vigorously whenever you rub its ears.

Inner Ear Infection Treatment Options for Cats

If you suspect that your pet has an inner ear infection, please take him to a vet for a diagnosis and treatment. Conventional treatments include topical treatments that contain insecticides. These treatments are administered for a minimum of 21 days up to 30 days. Other topical treatments include topical prescription antibiotics that kill the mites and treat inflammation and any other bacterial infections that may have occurred from scratching or biting. Your veterinarian may prescribe a single use medication such as Acarexx or Milbemite. These treatments are available by prescription only. Other treatments include Revolution and Advantage Multi. Both are available without a prescription online and at select pet stores.

Alternative Treatments for Inner Ear Infections in Cats

Alternative treatments for ear infections resulting from allergies and skin conditions and ear mites include calendula, aloe vera, sweet almond oil, green tea, and windflower. A mixture of garlic and brewers yeast or a mixture of almond oil or olive oil and vitamin E may be useful as well. Always clean your cat’s ears thoroughly before applying any type of treatment.

 

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