Introduction
Ear infections are one of the most common health issues affecting cats, with some studies estimating that up to 20% of cats suffer from ear infections at some point in their lives. While ear infections can occur for many reasons, there is increasing evidence that diet may play a contributing role for some cats.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the possible links between diet and feline ear infections. We’ll look at ingredient sensitivities, appropriate food choices, and other tips to help promote ear health in your cat.
What Causes Ear Infections in Cats
The most common causes of ear infections in cats are ear mites (otodectic mange), allergies, and moisture levels in the ear.
Ear mites https://www.veterinarians.org/cat-ear-infection/ are highly contagious parasites that live in the ear canal and cause severe itchiness. They are spread through contact between cats and can also be transmitted from dogs to cats. Ear mites increase the risk of ear infections as they lead to inflammation, irritation, and damage to the ear canal.
Allergies https://www.holistapet.com/blogs/home-remedies-for-cats/feline-ear-infection to food or environmental substances like pollen or dust are another major cause of ear infections in cats. Allergies cause inflammation and excess production of wax which allows yeast and bacteria to overgrow. Both food and environmental allergies should be addressed to prevent recurrent ear infections.
Excess moisture in the ears creates an ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to thrive. Things like swimming, baths, humidity, and ear conformation can lead to increased moisture levels. Yeast infections from overgrowth of organisms like Malassezia are common. Bacterial infections from organisms like Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Proteus may also occur.
The Link Between Diet and Ear Infections
There appears to be a connection between food allergies and chronic ear infections in cats. Food allergies can cause inflammation and compromise the skin barrier in a cat’s ears, allowing bacteria, yeast, and mites to more readily take hold and cause infection.
According to Just Cats Clinic, “Allergies – Food and environmental allergies can also predispose cats to ear infections. Allergies compromise the skin barrier and cause inflammation that alters the environment in the ear canal making it easier for microbes to proliferate” (https://justcatsclinic.com/what-cat-owners-should-know-about-ear-infections/).
Cats with food allergies tend to get recurring outer or middle ear infections. The inflammation from the allergic response creates a welcoming environment for infection-causing microbes. Common food allergens for cats include beef, dairy products, chicken, fish, corn, wheat, and soy.
According to Cimarron Animal Hospital, “Ear infections are commonly caused by food allergies in cats…If your cat has chronic, recurring ear infections, we recommend trying an elimination diet or switching to a hydrolyzed protein feline diet” (https://cimarronah.com/ear-infection-cats/).
Therefore, cats with chronic ear infections may need to switch to a hypoallergenic diet without common feline allergens to reduce inflammation and allergic responses that can contribute to recurrent infections.
Ingredients to Avoid
Certain ingredients commonly found in cat food can trigger allergic reactions in some cats. These ingredients include:
- Corn – A common filler ingredient, corn is a common allergen for cats. The proteins in corn can cause itching, ear inflammation, and other allergy symptoms (source 1).
- Wheat – Like corn, wheat proteins can also cause allergic reactions in cats. Wheat gluten is a protein isolate that should be avoided (source 1).
- Soy – Soy proteins are another allergen for many cats. Soybean meal is commonly used as a protein filler in cheap cat foods (source 1).
- Meat meals – Generic meat meals made from unspecified meat sources tend to contain higher amounts of allergenic proteins.
- Food dyes – Artificial food coloring dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2 can cause allergic reactions in cats.
Checking the ingredients list and avoiding foods containing common feline allergens is key to preventing adverse reactions. Opting for cat food made with fewer, simpler ingredients can help minimize exposure to potential triggers.
Choosing a Hypoallergenic Diet
If you suspect your cat’s ear infections are linked to a food allergy or intolerance, switching to a hypoallergenic diet may help. Hypoallergenic cat foods are formulated without common feline allergens like certain proteins, grains, and additives.
Look for a limited ingredient cat food made with a novel, single source protein like duck, rabbit, or venison that your cat hasn’t eaten before. Avoid foods with chicken, beef, fish, corn, wheat, soy, and dairy products. Carefully read all ingredients on the label.
It may take 6-8 weeks on the new diet to see improvement in ear health as your cat’s system clears the allergen. Be patient and do not switch foods suddenly, instead transition slowly over 7-10 days. Stick with the new diet for at least 2-3 months to determine if it helps.
Your veterinarian can also prescribe a hydrolyzed protein diet made with highly digestible proteins to reduce the risk of an adverse reaction. These prescription foods can help identify food allergies and intolerances affecting your cat’s ears and overall health.
Other Tips for Prevention
Regular ear cleaning can help prevent ear infections in cats. Gently wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball dampened with a vet-approved ear cleaner to remove dirt, debris, and wax. Be careful not to insert anything into the ear canal. Cleaning should be done once a week for healthy ears and more frequently if infections are common.
It’s also important to address any underlying issues that could be contributing to chronic ear infections. Allergies, both food and environmental, are a common cause. Work with your vet to identify and manage any allergies your cat may have. This could involve transitioning to a hypoallergenic diet, avoiding irritants, and medications.
Good parasite control is also recommended, as ear mites can cause infection. Regular flea, tick and parasite prevention medication can reduce the risk.
Keeping your cat’s ears dry when bathing and grooming will help prevent yeast and bacteria from growing. And prompt treatment of any infection is key to avoid chronic recurrence.
When to See the Vet
While mild ear infections can sometimes clear up on their own, it’s important to have your cat examined by a veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen. According to the ASPCA, you should seek veterinary care if your cat has discharge, swelling, scratching, head shaking, or signs of pain. Other symptoms that warrant a vet visit include:
- Loss of balance or trouble walking
- Foul odor coming from the ears
- Crusty buildup in or around the ears
- Shaking or tilting of the head
- Swelling of the face or area around the ears
- Changes in behavior like lethargy or appetite loss
A chronic, untreated ear infection can lead to permanent damage of the ear canal or eardrum. Severe infections may also spread to the inner ear and cause neurological problems. It’s crucial to have a veterinarian examine your cat if any of these emergency warning signs are present. The vet will be able to diagnose the type of infection through an otoscope exam and prescribe appropriate medications to treat it.
Medications and Treatments
Once diagnosed with an ear infection, a cat will typically be prescribed medications by a veterinarian to treat the infection. Common medications and treatments include:
Antibiotics – Antibiotics like amoxicillin are commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing the bacteria causing the infection.
Anti-fungal medication – Ear infections caused by yeast are treated with anti-fungal medications like miconazole, clotrimazole, or ketoconazole. These work to kill the fungal overgrowth.
Steroid creams or ointments – Hydrocortisone and other steroid creams help reduce inflammation and itching. They provide relief while other medications work to clear the infection.
Ear cleaners – Veterinarians often prescribe an ear cleaner containing products like acetic acid, salicylic acid, or chlorhexidine to help flush debris and germs out of the ear canal.
Analgesics – Pain relievers like meloxicam are sometimes prescribed to reduce pain and discomfort.
Home remedies like diluted vinegar or rubbing alcohol can help dry the ear canal. However, these should only be used if recommended by a vet, as they can disturb the delicate pH balance in a cat’s ears. Never attempt to flush a cat’s infected ears at home.
With medications from a vet and proper aftercare, most ear infections in cats can be successfully treated. However, chronic or resistant infections may require long-term treatment. Be sure to follow up with all recheck appointments until the infection has fully resolved. (Source: https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/ears/8-steps-treating-cat-ear-infections)
Caring for a Cat with Chronic Ear Infections
If your cat continues to have recurring ear infections despite treatment, chronic ear infections may be an ongoing issue. This can be very frustrating for both you and your cat. Here are some tips for caring for a cat with chronic ear problems:
– Work closely with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. Tests like allergy testing, CT scans, or sedated ear exams may be needed to fully diagnose the problem (1).
– Follow your vet’s treatment plan for medications, ear flushes, and any needed prescription diets. Consistency is key in managing chronic conditions.
– Keep ears clean and dry. Gently wipe out debris after baths and before medications. Avoid wetting ears during baths (2).
– Identify and avoid potential allergens or irritants. This may require an elimination diet trial. Keep litter clean and limit environmental irritants.
– Consider referral to a veterinary dermatologist for advanced testing and treatment options. New minimally invasive procedures like video otoscopy and steroid-releasing ear implants may help (3).
– Be patient and keep a positive attitude. Working together with your vet, you can improve your cat’s quality of life despite recurring ear troubles.
Conclusion
In summary, there are certain cat food ingredients that can potentially contribute to ear infections in cats, though diet is not the only cause. The main ingredients to avoid are corn, wheat, soy, and dairy products, which may trigger inflammatory responses or allergies leading to ear issues. Switching to a hypoallergenic, grain-free diet without these problem ingredients can help prevent recurring ear infections in many cats.
However, ear infections can also be caused by other factors like ear mites, viruses, bacteria, or yeast. Make sure to have your vet examine your cat to properly diagnose the underlying cause. Even with diet changes, infections may still occur and require medication. Work closely with your vet to find the right food and treatment approach for your individual cat.
To answer the original question – yes, cat food ingredients can potentially contribute to ear infections in some cats. But a hypoallergenic diet alone may not resolve the problem. Preventing chronic ear issues involves addressing all possible causes with your vet.