Cats with too much wax production, lots of ear hair, or abnormally small ear canals may also be predisposed.Įar mites are common causes of ear infections in cats. Predisposing factors, such as abnormal ear shape (like in Scottish fold cats) may increase the risk of ear infections. They may also injure the pinna to the point of developing an ear hematoma (pool of blood). Problems with the vestibular system are similar to vertigo in humans. The vestibular system is involved in balance, motion, and orientation. It is more common for both ears to be affected.Īs the infection and inflammation progress to the inner and middle ears, cats may show signs of incoordination and vestibular issues. Swollen, red, and possibly ulcerated (having sores) pinnaĭepending on the cause, ear infections may affect one or both ears. Most often, cats will have these symptoms: Symptoms of Cat Ear InfectionsĬats with ear infections may experience differences in severity and length of infection. The deep part of the ear canal is a dark, often moist environment that can be a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. The ear canal is lined by skin and has varying degrees of hair. However, a deeper ear canal may get more dirt and wax, contributing to infection and irritation. A deeper canal allows better processing of sound. Cats have very sensitive hearing, partly because of a larger canal as compared to humans. The pinna is shaped like a funnel to help sound waves get into the ear, down the ear canal, and into the parts of the ear that process sounds. The outer ear includes the pinna, or the cartilaginous triangle part of the ear that is covered by skin, and the external ear canal. Chronic and severe outer ear infections can eventually become more serious infections of the middle or inner ear. The eardrum separates the outer ear canal from the middle and inner ear, which houses very sensitive structures involved in hearing and balance. The cat’s ear is divided into three main sections: Otitis externa is a common condition in cats, less common in dogs, and it has a variety of causes. This inflammation may be acute (more recent) or chronic (long-standing). Otitis externa, commonly referred to as an ear infection, is an inflammation (swelling) of the outer ear canal.
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