Ear infections are quite common disorders in our feline companions. They are often detected when they scratch their ears a lot or keep their head tilted. In cats, ear infections are mostly due to the presence of parasites in the ear, but not only. The signs of otitis require a consultation in order to determine and treat the cause correctly but also to limit the progression of the disease.

Otitis is inflammation of one or more parts of the ear. When only the external ear canal is affected, it is called otitis externa. If the inflammation goes beyond the eardrum, we will speak of otitis media.

In cats, the most common ear infections are otitis externa. They are manifested by the following signs: 

• Itching in the ears: rubbing or shaking of the head, scratching of the ears;
• Lesions of the auricular pinna due to scratching;
• Secretions which may vary in appearance (brown and dry to yellowish and liquid);
• Pains;
• Bad smells ;
• Head tilted.

Otitis media are considered rare in cats. They can be secondary to chronic otitis externa but some pathologies will directly affect the middle ear. They will cause neurological signs and / or hearing loss.

Given their frequency and importance in consultation, we will focus on otitis externa for the remainder of the article. 

The main causes of otitis externa in cats are as follows.

Parasitic cause

This is the most common cause in cats. Otitis is caused by the presence of mite-like parasites called Otodectes Cynotis and which develop in the external ear canal. We speak of ear mites or otacariasis. This parasite represents 50% of cases of otitis in cats and is found in particular in young people.

Cats are very itchy and have heavy secretions, typically blackish and dry. Both ears are often affected. 

The parasite is very contagious and is spread by contact between cats. Ear mites are therefore very often found in cats living in communities. Particularly in stray cats who have not received antiparasitic treatment.

Foreign body or obstructive phenomenon

Unlike dogs, the presence of a foreign body in cats is rather rare but not impossible. It is necessary to think in particular of the blades of grass or the ears of grasses which can slip into the ear.

Cats’ ear canals can also be clogged with earwax plugs, polyps, or tumors. This obstruction then leads to otitis by accumulation of earwax and natural debris. These causes are mostly found in older cats.

Allergic cause

This cause is very rare, but some cats with a systemic allergy (such as an allergy to flea bites) may develop otitis externa.

Once otitis has declared, the disease can be perpetuated with the appearance of aggravating factors: 

• secondary bacterial or mycotic infections;
• change in the skin of the ear;
• spread to middle ear, etc.

It is therefore important to introduce your cat without delay when he shows signs of otitis.

Your veterinarian will first perform a comprehensive general exam on your cat. An examination of the ear (otoscopic examination) is then indicated. It is not uncommon to have recourse to a sedation for this examination which is essential. 

To find the primary cause of the ear infection and assess the presence of superinfection, your veterinarian may perform additional examinations: 

• microscopic examination of earwax; 
• cytological examination. 

In some cases, samples can be taken and sent to the laboratory.

The first step in treatment is effective ear cleaning. To do this, you must apply a suitable ear cleaner in the ear canal, gently massage the base of the ear to loosen the debris present, let the cat shake its head to remove the product, then remove the excess product with a compress. Your veterinarian can show you how to proceed during the consultation.

Considering the main cause of ear infections in cats, which is the parasite Otodectes Cynotis, care often includes antiparasitic treatment. Depending on the product used, the treatment has to be repeated several times. It is also recommended to treat all cats in contact with the affected cat. 

In most cases, local intra-auricular treatment is sufficient. It is then a question of applying drops or ointment in the ear at a variable frequency depending on the product used.

Oral treatments are rare but may be necessary if the animal is very painful or if a deeper ear infection is observed.

Warning: the administration of inappropriate treatments or too frequent cleaning of the ears can promote the appearance of otitis. A healthy cat rarely needs an ear cleaning. Unless veterinarian advice, it is therefore unnecessary to regularly clean your cat’s ears. 

If cleaning must still be done, be careful to use products suitable for the ears of animals. Some products may be irritating or contain medications that should not be used.