Cat Ears

The most common problems with feline ears are excessive ear wax build up, ear mites (Otodectes cynotis), and ear infections. Infections may be bacterial or fungal, and may be limited to the outer ear (otitis externa) or may also include the middle ear (otitis media). Allergies can also be the cause such as feline atopy or yeast infections.

Cat Ears - Symptoms

The inside of a feline ear should be pink with the possibility of a little brown or black discharge. Common symptoms associated with feline ears include:

* Heavy wax build up in the ears
* Redness
* Dirty looking ears
* Discharge
* Bad smell or odor from the ears
* Ear scratching
* Excessive head shaking or tilting the head from side to side
* Rubbing ears against other surfaces

Cat Ears Problem Diagnosis

Feline ears have problems are usually easy to diagnose. Your vet can often diagnose them simply by looking into your cat�s ears. To make sure of the type of infection, your vet may use a cotton swab to take a sample of the wax or discharge from your dog's ear and look at it under a microscope.

Canine Ear Problems Treatment

When your cat is healthy, it is generally recommended that you clean her ears periodically. This will help prevent wax build up. Ask your vet for a cleaning solution. Dampen a gauze pad with the solution and wipe the inside of your cat's ear. Don't use cotton balls as they can leave behind wisps of cotton inside your dog's ears. Clean her ears as far as you can reach. Your vet can demonstrate the procedure for you.

If your cat has ear mites, her ears will need to be cleaned with a special cat ear infection medicine medicated solution. Usually only one cleaning is required and your vet will do this when he or she diagnosis your cat with ear mites. If additional cleanings are required, your vet will show you how to do them.

If your cat has an ear infection, she will need antibiotics. These will come in the form of pills that your cat will need to take for 10 - 14 days. Clean her ears daily during this time. Your vet may give you a medicated solution to clean her ears with, and may also prescribe medicated ear drops.Prevention of Canine Ear Problems

One of the simple things you can do to help with cat ear health is to keep your cat's hair from blocking the opening of the ear. Plucking a few hairs to allow good air flow into the ear with help prevent infection.

Natural Option for Cat Ear Health

If your cat continually gets ear infections, you might want to try supplementing their diet with herbal ear drops to see if it cuts down on the frequency. A good source to research is Pet Alive Ear Dr. which is made specifically to help with cat ear mites and ear infections.. Look for ingredients such as:

Melaleuca alternifolia: for external inflammation and to treat various skin conditions

Tea Tree Oil: soothes and reduces inflammation in the ear as well as treat any bacterial, fungal or mite infection that is present)

Rosmarinus officinale (Rosemary): topical pain reliever and antiseptic/disinfectant herb. Several of the compounds in rosemary have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Calendula officinalis (Marigold): herbal ingredient used to treat skin problems and promote healing of wounds. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory and prevents infection with its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Marigold has been shown to assist the regeneration of damaged skin tissue.

Verbascum thapsusis: anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herb. Good for healing of skin when applied topically and has a long history of use for ear conditions and in ear drops.

Pet Alive combines all of these ingredients. Discuss this option with your veterinarian so that they can track progress.

Sources

Washington State University
Veterinary School

www.thepetcenter.com

www.healthypet.com

Diseases of the Outer Ear
Haar, G. Ter DVM

From Cat Ears to Cat Health Guide Home