Mary Allen
Unfortunately, cats are quite prone to ear diseases because the shape of their ear canals makes cleaning them difficult. In addition, bacteria and fungi feel very comfortable in the warm, dark, and damp ear canal and can multiply there quickly.
However, ear diseases in cats can also be caused by parasites, particularly ear mites. Untreated injuries or allergies also ensure that the cat’s ears become inflamed.
Ear Diseases Caused by Parasites & Bacteria
Ear mites are stubborn beasts that lodge in cats’ ears. They can also spread to the fur of the cat’s back, making them very difficult and time-consuming to get rid of. The parasites trigger inflammation that causes severe itching. If cats then scratch their ears, the inflammation can worsen. The ear diseases caused by mites are sometimes also called ear mange. If you see small, dark spots or a noticeable dark coating on your cat’s ears, take him to the vet as soon as possible. He can carefully remove the ear mites and show you how to care for the cat’s ears in the weeks that follow.
If the cat’s ears smell strong and you notice a discharge, there are ear diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Normally, cats have a strong immune system that fights off such pathogens. However, an allergy or a hormonal disorder can weaken the immune system, making it easy for pathogens. Very young and very old cats are also at risk because their immune systems are not yet or no longer strong enough. Your veterinarian can determine where the infection is coming from and prescribe appropriate cleaning products and medication. However, you should not clean a cat’s ears on your own – certainly not with cotton swabs. You could injure your cat with it.
Other Causes of Diseased Cat Ears
Hormonal disorders such as an overactive thyroid and allergies can promote ear diseases due to a weakened immune system. However, allergies can also cause the ears to become itchy, causing cats to scratch and injure themselves. Ear injuries are also often the result of turf wars among outdoor cats. If the wounds are treated too late, they can become infected.
In addition, cats sometimes get tumors on their ears. One possible cause of this is untreated sunburn on the ears. Cats with light-colored ears in particular are at risk of sunburn, which in the worst case can develop into what is known as squamous cell carcinoma. In summer, as a precaution, use sunscreen on outdoor cats with light-colored ears.