What are ear infections in cats?
Ear infections, also known as otitis, are inflammatory conditions of the outer, middle, or inner ear in cats. The medical term for an outer ear infection is otitis externa, while an inner ear infection is called otitis interna or otitis media.
Common symptoms of ear infections in cats include head shaking, scratching or rubbing the ears, discharge or odor from the ears, redness or swelling inside the earflap, and pain.
There are several types of ear infections in cats:
- Otitis externa – infection of the outer ear canal
- Otitis media – infection of the middle ear
- Otitis interna – infection of the inner ear
Otitis externa is the most common type of ear infection in cats. It is usually caused by bacteria, yeast, ear mites, foreign objects, or allergies. Symptoms include head shaking, scratching, and reddened ear canals.
Otitis media and interna are less common but more serious. They often result from an untreated external infection spreading to internal structures. Symptoms include head tilt, incoordination, and hearing loss.
Causes of ear infections in cats
There are several potential causes of ear infections in cats:
Bacteria – Bacterial infections are a common cause of ear infections in cats. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Proteus can grow rapidly in the ears, especially if the ear canal environment is unhealthy. Bacterial growth leads to inflammation and infection.
Yeast – Yeast infections, most commonly caused by Malassezia fungi, are another frequent cause of feline ear infections. The warm, moist environment of the ear canal allows yeast to thrive. Allergies are a major predisposing factor for yeast overgrowth and infection.
Allergies – Allergies to foods, flea bites, pollen, or other environmental allergens can lead to ear inflammation and make cats more prone to bacterial and yeast infections. The itching and scratching from allergic irritation damages the ear canal skin.
Foreign objects – Foreign material like grass seeds can get lodged in a cat’s ear canal and cause irritation and infection. Cats that go outdoors are more likely to get debris stuck in their ears.
Other less common causes include ear mites, polyps or tumors in the ear canal, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune diseases. Identifying the underlying cause is key for proper treatment and prevention.
When to see a vet
Cats with ear infections often need to be seen by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Signs that indicate a vet visit is needed include:
- Head shaking or head tilting
- Discharge from the ears – especially black, waxy, or foul-smelling discharge
- Loss of balance or disorientation
- Redness, swelling or irritation of the ear flap or canal
- Hearing loss or impaired hearing
- Loss of appetite or lethargic behavior
Leaving an ear infection untreated can lead to chronic ear problems and recurrent infections. It may also allow the infection to spread deeper into the ear canal or cause damage to the delicate structures of the ear. Severe infections left untreated could spread to the inner ear, facial nerve, meninges or brain, so prompt veterinary attention is important (https://www.vscot.com/site/blog/2021/04/15/ear-infection-cats).
Diagnosing ear infections
If you notice symptoms of an ear infection in your cat, it’s important to take them to the vet for an examination. The vet will use an otoscope to look inside your cat’s ear canal and visually inspect for signs of infection like inflammation, discharge, and debris [1].
They may also take a sample of the discharge from your cat’s ear to identify the type of infection with tests like a bacterial culture, fungal culture, or examination under a microscope. Identifying the cause of the infection will allow the vet to choose an appropriate treatment [2].
Treatment options
There are several treatment options that vets may recommend for ear infections in cats:
- Antibiotics – Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is caused by bacteria. Common antibiotics used include enrofloxacin, orbifloxacin, and amikacin. Antibiotics can come in oral, topical, or injectable forms. Antibiotics are often used along with other medications like anti-inflammatories and antifungals to treat the multiple causes of infection (Dutch).
- Anti-fungal medication – If a yeast infection is contributing to the ear problem, vets may prescribe anti-fungal ear medications containing miconazole, clotrimazole, or nystatin. These help reduce fungal overgrowth.
- Anti-inflammatories – Drugs like prednisolone help reduce inflammation and discomfort in the ears. This supports healing.
- Cleaning the ear – Gently cleaning debris and wax from the ear canal allows medication to reach the infected tissue. Vets may recommend using a veterinary ear cleanser before applying medications.
Combining medications that target multiple causes of infection is often the most effective approach. Antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, and cleaning the ear work together to clear up stubborn ear infections.
When Antibiotics are Needed
Antibiotics are often prescribed by vets to treat bacterial ear infections in cats. Common bacteria that can cause ear infections include Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Proteus, and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria or preventing them from multiplying further.
Some of the antibiotics that may be prescribed by vets for bacterial ear infections include:
- Amoxicillin
- Cephalosporins like Cefpodoxime and Cefovecin
- Enrofloxacin
- Gentamicin
- Orbifloxacin
Whether antibiotics are necessary depends on the severity of the infection. For mild cases confined to the outer ear canal, topical antibiotics along with cleaning may be sufficient. But for severe or inner ear infections that have spread deeper, oral or injectable antibiotics are usually needed to treat the infection fully. Kittens, seniors, and cats with weak immunity are also more likely to need antibiotics for an ear infection.
If the infection has persisted for some time or keeps recurring, extended antibiotic treatment may be required. Vets usually prescribe a 2-4 week course but monitor progress to determine if longer treatment is warranted. This ensures the infection is eliminated fully and does not relapse after antibiotics are stopped.
Risks and Side Effects
While antibiotics can be an effective treatment for bacterial ear infections in cats, they do come with some risks and potential side effects to be aware of.
One major risk associated with antibiotic use in cats is the development of antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are overused or misused, bacteria can adapt and become resistant over time. This makes future infections much harder to treat. To reduce this risk, it’s important to use antibiotics only when truly necessary, as directed by your veterinarian. You should also always complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.
Some common side effects of antibiotics in cats include:
- Gastrointestinal upset – Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
- Lethargy – Some cats may become less active or sleepy when on antibiotics.
- Skin reactions – Antibiotics may cause itching, rashes or other skin irritations in some cats.
If your cat experiences any unusual symptoms or side effects while on antibiotics, contact your vet right away. Never stop an antibiotic early without vet approval. With close monitoring, most side effects can be managed and are reversible once the medication is complete. Knowing the potential risks can help you make an informed decision about whether antibiotic treatment is the right choice for your cat’s ear infection.
Caring for cat during treatment
Giving medication: It’s important to give your cat all medications as prescribed by your vet to fully treat the infection. Oral antibiotics or antibiotic ear drops may need to be given daily. Make sure to give the full course even if symptoms improve. Tips for giving cats medication include pilling (hiding in food/treat), using a piller tool, or applying ear drops gently.
Follow up vet visits: Your vet may want to do a recheck exam during treatment to see if the infection is responding. They may also take a culture to identify the bacteria and ensure the medication is appropriate. Follow your vet’s advice on when to schedule follow ups.
Keeping ears clean and dry: While medication treats the infection, you still need to gently clean debris from ears daily. Use a soft cotton ball dampened with an ear cleanser recommended by your vet. Wipe outer parts of the ear canal only. Then dry the ears thoroughly with a soft towel. Limit baths and swimming until healed.
Preventing Future Ear Infections
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent painful ear infections in their feline companions:
One of the most common causes of recurrent ear infections in cats is food allergies. Switching to a hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diet may help reduce allergic reactions that can lead to inflammation and infection in the ears.
Treating any ear mite infestations can also prevent future ear infections. Ear mites are highly contagious parasites that can cause intense itchiness and irritation. Regularly using a veterinarian-recommended mite treatment medication can eliminate these pesky critters.
Finally, keeping foreign objects out of your cat’s ears is important. Things like grass seeds can get lodged in the ear canal and cause trauma, wax buildup, and infection. Gently inspect your cat’s ears every week and remove any debris with an approved ear cleaning solution.
With vigilance and proactive steps, cat owners can help reduce the frequency of painful ear infections in their pets.
When to Seek a Specialist
In most cases, ear infections in cats can be successfully treated by a general practice veterinarian. However, there are some situations where you may need to seek out a specialist:
Chronic or resistant infections: If your cat has frequent ear infections that keep coming back despite treatment, or if the infection doesn’t respond to initial antibiotic treatment, this suggests an underlying problem. A specialist like a veterinary dermatologist can help get to the root cause and find more effective treatments.
Underlying conditions: Certain illnesses like allergies, autoimmune disease, or an underlying tumor can make cats prone to stubborn ear infections. A specialist can run advanced tests to diagnose these conditions and provide tailored treatment.
According to veterinary dermatologists, cats that don’t respond to at least three treatments from the regular veterinarian should be referred to a specialist [1]. The advanced equipment and expertise of specialists gives them an advantage in diagnosing tricky ear infections. This helps avoid prolonged suffering and permanent damage to the ear canal.
While most ear infections can be managed by a general practitioner, it’s important not to delay involving a specialist when needed. This provides the best chance of getting to the bottom of recurrent or non-responsive infections.
