Symptoms of a Cat Ear Infection

Ear infections are a common problem for cats, with Persian cats seeming to be the most prone. This type of infection may be caused by bacteria or yeast, but also can be caused by a foreign object or other debris getting lodged in the ear. Correctly identifying the signs of feline ear infection will ensure that your cat gets swifter treatment.

  1. Shaking Head/Pawing at Ear

    • If there is debris lodged in the ear, the cat will often shake its head, trying to dislodge the foreign material. It might also paw at its ear persistently, and it might even seem frantic when pawing at the ear. Foreign material in the cat's ear will irritate the sensitive ear canal, and this can contribute to infection.

    Aural Hematoma

    • An aural hematoma is a large clot of blood located under the skin of the ear flap. It will appear extremely swollen, and it may even feel hot. An aural hematoma can be visually observed, and it is a sign that the cat needs to be taken to a veterinarian.

    Discharge

    • A cat with an ear infection may be leaking a watery black or yellowish discharge from its infected ear. The discharge may appear wet, or it might have dried to the cat's fur.

    Odor

    • There may be a stale or unpleasant odor to the cat's ear, when an infection is present. This may be faint, or it may be a strong odor that is easy to detect.

    Change in Behavior

    • A cat who is troubled by an ear infection may demonstrate a change in behavior. Friendly cats may suddenly become aloof or even aggressive. If the infection is sapping the cat's energy, it may also seem lethargic and less inclined to play, despite having been energetic just a few days earlier