Pus in My Cat's Ears

Pus draining from a cat's ear is a sign of infection, the causes of which can vary widely. The animal should be immediately taken to a veterinarian and evaluated. Untreated feline ear infections can lead to serious problems, including permanent ear damage, hearing loss, permanent balance issues and neurological disorders.

  1. Anatomy

    • The inner structures of a cat's ears are very delicate, easily damaged by infections and even well-intentioned cleaning. The outer ear canal is separated from the middle ear by the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, which is very thin. The middle ear, in turn, has several delicate structures: 3 small bones, an air-filled cavity known as the bulla and the eustachian tube, which connects the bulla to the back of the mouth. The inner ear, then, has nerves and balance centers that connect to the brain. Any serious injuries sustained by these middle and inner structures can cause permanent hearing, balance and neurological damage. Pus oozing from the ear, therefore, is a sign the cat needs immediate medical attention.

    Possible Causes

    • Discolored debris or liquid, especially if it smells foul, is usually a sign of a bacterial or yeast infection. However, the bacterial or yeast overgrowth can be secondary to another, primary, problem. A foreign object lodged in the ear can cause infections. Ear mites are common in cats; their biting and ability to cause severe itching can open up wounds as the cat scratches, leaving the skin vulnerable to pathogens. Your cat might also be suffering from food or environmental allergies that can cause intense itching, as can hormonal changes.

    Other Symptoms

    • Unsightly drainage is often, but not always, accompanied by other symptoms. Redness, as opposed to a light pink color, around the inner flap and canal is a general sign something is amiss. Itching and pawing at the ear, head shaking, inflammation and obvious pain are also key indicators of an infection or allergy. As the problem becomes more serious, the cat might exhibit head tilting or circling and facial paralysis, indicated by drooling, facial drooping or problems swallowing.

    Treatment and Prevention

    • Bacterial and yeast infections, when caught early, are easily treated by antibiotic and anti-fungal treatments. Mites can also be eliminated with the proper medications and while the cat might have to be sedated, foreign objects can also be removed. Allergies are trickier to deal with; owners must monitor their pets' behaviors after eating certain foods or being around certain plants to determine the root cause. Sometimes there is no definite answer to what a cat might be allergic to and general allergy medications are prescribed. Ear hygiene is important for feline health; examine a cat's ears every week but avoid excessive cleaning. Ask your vet for suitable ear cleaning products and methods.