What Are the Causes of Yeast Infection in the Ears of Felines?

Yeast infection in a cat's ears is also called yeast otitis or fungal otitis. No matter what the cause, feline fungal otitis can be managed and sometimes cured through a vet visit and the use of anti-fungal topical medications.

  1. Significance

    • According to veterinarian Holly Nash, the yeast called Malassezia pachydermatis usually resides in a cat's ear without doing any harm. But if it grows out of control, then they can cause a bad-smelling and painful infection.

    Primary Causes

    • Illnesses like allergies, tiny objects in the ears or too much moisture and hair can cause yeast infections. These plug up the ear canal and make a moist environment for yeast to grow uncontrollably.

    Secondary Causes

    • Cat yeast otitis can also be the result from the antibiotics used to treat other types of ear infections, according to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook;" by veterinarian Delbert G. Carlson.

    Consideration

    • Veterinarian Ron Hines claims that yeast ear infections in cats can be contagious. In a multi-cat household, all of the felines' ears need treatment.

    Prevention

    • Hines also states that the best way to prevent yeast infections in a cat's ears is to keep the ear as dry, clean and hair-free and as parasite free as possible. This will help keep any yeast spores from rapidly reproducing.