Cat ear problems



If your cat starts to scratch their ears, shake their head more than normal, hold their head to one side or rub one side of their face, they might be trying to let you know something’s not quite right, and you should take them to the vet to have their ears checked. Severe cat ear problems can have more serious effects, such as the loss of balance, but this can be due to other causes so it’s always a good idea to visit your vet for advice.
There are lots of reasons why cat ear problems can occur, but thankfully your vet will be able to examine your cat’s ears safely and tell you what tests or treatment might be needed to get them back to tip-top condition.
Helping to prevent cat ear problems

You can help keep cat ear infections to a minimum by keeping their ears clean and checking them regularly for anything unusual – after all, the sooner you see that something is amiss, the sooner you can get it sorted. Some cats might benefit from regular ear cleaning with special ear cleaners, as recommended by your vet, but remember that cat ears are very delicate and the eardrum can be very easily damaged, so never poke anything into your cat’s ears.
Your vet will be able to recommend a gentle cleaner that will be kind to your cat’s ears, and they’ll also show you how to use it properly. There are lots of different types of ear treatments available, from external drops to medicines that need to be administered straight into the ear canal. If you’re not sure how they should be administered, chat to your vet to get them to clarify it for you. Make sure you use a vet-approved treatment – don’t use an over-the-counter remedy without your vet confirming that it’s okay first.
Cats with white-tipped ears are more at risk of sun damage to their skin on their ears, which can potentially lead to cancer, so consider massaging a small smear of sunscreen lotion onto them to protect them during hot and sunny days.
How to tell if your cat is deaf
Identifying whether your cat is deaf can be quite tricky as they rely on a lot of other senses to get around, such as the touch of their whiskers. However deaf cats won’t hear you approach them, and they won’t twitch their ears when there’s a sound, or turn to look at where a sound is coming from. If you’re concerned, talk to your vet, who will be able to assess your cat’s hearing.



If you’d like more information on ear problems in your cat or have any other queries, contact our PETCARE EXPERT TEAM.