Symptoms of Feline Ear Infection

Veterinarians diagnose feline ear infections based on the part of the ear that is affected. Otitis Media is the name for infections in the middle ear, while Otits Interna affects the inner ear. The leading cause of both is bacteria---often from ear mites---but yeast, fungi and viral agents also can cause ear infections. A cat with an ear infection is an unhappy creature, as the cat's ear canals are one of its body sensitive body parts.

  1. Head Tilt/Shake

    • A cat with an ear infection leans its head in the direction of the affected ear. It is as if the cat is trying to "roll" the infection out by turning its ear to the floor or ground. Cats with ear infections often shake their heads as well, in an effort to shake out the debris or fluid from the ear. This is particularly true when both ears are infected.

    No Chewing

    • Cats with an ear infection also experience mild to severe pain associated with opening their mouth. This means the cat might wince in pain when trying to eat and/or is unwilling to chew.

    Pawing At Ear

    • While cats do use their paws to groom their ears, a cat that is excessively pawing at an ear likely has an infection in that ear. The cat is trying to remove the infection by pawing at it. The cat may also rub its ear against carpet or furniture.

    Uncoordinated Movement

    • Cats are agile by nature. A cat that is stumbling may have lost equilibrium in the inner ear due to an infection. In veterinary terms, this condition when related to an ear infection is called vestibular deficits. It is a serious sign not to ignore. If the cat is having trouble with basic movement due to an infection, the chances are elevated that the infection is in advanced stages and could cause deafness.

    Redness and Discharge

    • The lining of an infected ear often becomes red due to the irritation of the infection and the cat's excessive rubbing of the ear. Along with redness, infections may include a foul-smelling discharge depending on the severity. The color of this discharge can be black, brown or yellow.