Otitis in cats pops up more often than you might think.
It causes inflammation or infection in the ears, which can hit the outer ear (otitis externa) or the middle ear (otitis media).
Cats end up itchy, uncomfortable, and sometimes struggle with hearing.
The big thing to remember? Spotting it early and getting the right treatment make a huge difference for your cat’s comfort.
If your cat starts scratching at their ears, shaking their head, or you notice a weird smell coming from their ears, otitis might be the culprit.
Causes run the gamut—sometimes it’s allergies, other times it’s ear mites or infections.
A vet needs to figure out what’s going on before starting treatment.
Interestingly, diagnosing otitis in cats is often a bit simpler than in dogs.
Their ear canals are shorter, so vets can see what’s happening more easily.
Knowing about otitis lets cat owners catch little problems before they get big.
You’ll also understand what to expect if your cat needs treatment.
Let’s check out what otitis looks like, the usual causes, and how vets handle it so your cat can stay comfy and healthy.
Understanding Otitis in Cats
Otitis in cats usually means the ear canal is inflamed or infected.
Sometimes it goes deeper.
Cats with otitis might act cranky or seem in pain.
You’ll notice changes in their behavior, like hiding or being more vocal.
Symptoms can get pretty serious if you ignore them.
What Is Otitis and How Does It Affect Cats
Otitis simply means the ear’s inflamed.
In cats, it usually starts in the outer ear canal (otitis externa), but it can move into the middle ear (otitis media) or even the inner ear (otitis interna).
When this happens, the ear turns red, swells up, and feels painful.
If the problem goes beyond the outer ear, the eardrum might get involved.
Cats will often shake their heads or scratch their ears a lot.
If the inner ear gets inflamed, you might see your cat lose balance or act disoriented.
They could even walk in circles.
If inflammation sticks around, it can cause hearing loss or, in some cases, deafness.
Common Causes of Feline Otitis
Lots of things can trigger otitis in cats.
Bacteria or yeast like Malassezia often start infections.
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are another big cause, especially in kittens.
Allergies and stuff like grass or dirt getting stuck in the ear can also cause trouble.
Tumors or polyps might block the ear canal.
Cats that scratch a lot sometimes injure their own ears, which doesn’t help.
The way a cat’s ears are shaped and poor cleaning habits can make things worse.
Once inflammation sets in, ongoing infection or allergic reactions can keep the problem going.
Recognizing Symptoms of Ear Problems
Watch for head shaking, constant scratching, and redness or swelling in the ear.
You might spot dark or yellow discharge, and sometimes the ear just smells awful.
Earwax can build up more than usual.
If you touch your cat’s ear and they pull away or act upset, that’s a sign of pain.
In more serious cases, cats might lose their balance or hide because their ears hurt.
Hearing loss or odd behavior can also signal ear problems.
If you catch these signs early, you’ll save your cat a lot of trouble.
Chronic infections are much harder to fix.
You’ll find more details about managing ear infections in cats in this clinical discussion on chronic otitis in cats.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Otitis in Cats
Most of the time, otitis in cats means there’s a bacterial or yeast infection in the outer ear.
Treating it right takes a careful exam and picking the right meds or, sometimes, surgery.
Cleaning and keeping inflammation down are really important for recovery.
Diagnostic Methods and Veterinary Care
The vet usually starts with a physical exam of your cat’s ear.
They’ll use an otoscope to look deep inside, which is easier in cats since their ear canals are short.
They might take a sample with a cotton swab for cytology and check it under a microscope.
This helps spot bacteria, yeast, or mites causing trouble.
If things still aren’t clear, the vet might suggest a biopsy or allergy testing.
These tests can find allergies or chronic inflammation hiding in the background.
Early diagnosis keeps infections from getting worse or spreading.
Medical Treatments and Home Care
Treating otitis usually means using a few different medicines. Antibiotics fight off bacterial infections, and antifungals go after yeast.
If parasites are the problem, the vet will prescribe antiparasitic meds.
Cleaning your cat’s ears at home helps remove debris and leftover medicine.
Your vet should show you how to clean ears safely so you don’t hurt your cat. Ear drops deliver medication right where it’s needed.
If swelling or pain is bad, the vet might add glucocorticoids or other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Keep an eye out for any new signs of infection or if your cat’s ears just don’t seem to get better.
It’s smart to go back for a check-up if things aren’t improving.
Surgical Options and Managing Complications
Sometimes medicine just isn’t enough.
If infections keep coming back or the ear is badly damaged, surgery might be the answer.
The vet might remove part of the ear canal or the whole ear flap while your cat is under anesthesia or sedation.
This usually helps when nothing else works.
Surgery has its risks, but it can make life much better for cats with stubborn, painful ear problems.
To manage complications, catch flare-ups early, clean ears as your vet suggests, and keep up with regular check-ups.
Stopping infections before they become chronic helps your cat feel better and stay healthier.
You can read more about this in Diagnosis and treatment of otitis media in dogs and cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cats battling ear infections usually show obvious signs—think scratching, head shaking, or red, irritated ears.
Treatment and prevention really depend on what’s causing the problem and how bad it is.
Some cases need medication, but sometimes just keeping the ears clean helps a lot.
What are the common signs that my cat might have an ear infection?
Your cat might scratch their ears a lot or tilt their head.
Redness, swelling, or a nasty smell from the ears are big clues.
You might also see dark wax or discharge.
How can I treat my cat’s ear infection at home?
Try cleaning the ear gently with a solution your vet recommends.
Don’t use cotton swabs deep in the ear—they can do more harm than good.
If your cat’s symptoms stick around or get worse, it’s time to call the vet.
What’s the best way to prevent my cat from getting otitis?
Keep your cat’s ears dry and clean.
Too much bathing can cause moisture to build up, so don’t overdo it.
Check your cat’s ears regularly to catch problems early.
Are there any specific treatments for otitis externa in felines?
Treatment usually means cleaning the ears and using drops with antifungal or antibacterial medicine.
It’s important to find and fix the root cause—like allergies or parasites—so the infection doesn’t keep coming back.
For more details, check out this source on feline otitis.
How is otitis media diagnosed and treated in cats?
A vet will usually use an otoscope to look inside the ear and might take samples to find the infection.
Treatment can mean antibiotics, antifungal meds, or pain relief.
If it’s really bad, your cat might need more intensive care.
Can chronic otitis lead to other health issues for my cat?
Yes, if your cat keeps getting ear infections, it can lose some hearing and the ear canal might get damaged.
Chronic inflammation usually makes the ear more sensitive, so future infections get easier.
Treating ear problems early really helps your cat avoid these issues.
If you want more info about managing long-term otitis, check out this clinical management review.