Are Feline Folded Ears Symptoms of a Disease?

Normal Feline Ear Anatomy

• The normal feline ear consists of a curved flap of cartilage (the pinna) covered with short, fine hairs on its outer surface. The normal ear is typically carried erect and swivels freely on its base. The ear canal is vertical and should be free of debris, although a small amount of hair may be present. The ear canal makes a nearly right angle turn toward the middle and inner ear.

Hematomas

• A clot or pool of blood trapped under the skin of a cat's ear is called a "hematoma." A hematoma results from trauma to the ear, usually resulting from the cat scratching due to mites or infections in the ear. Hematomas can be quite heavy in relation to the ear leather, resulting in it folding to the surface of the cat's head. The ear leather may also take on a "cauliflower" appearance.

Mites and Infections

• Parasites, such as ear mites, can lead to trauma as described above. However, mites can also cause their own damage or lead to infections, both of which can lead to the cat holding the ear close to its head in a folded position due to the pain or irritation it is experiencing. Any foul odor or any "squishy" sound emitted by the ear when the base is rubbed can be a sign of infection. Many effective over the counter ear mite treatments are available; however, if there is any doubt as to what is causing the smell or irritation, the cat should be taken to a vet for a diagnosis.

Surgery to Correct Folded Ears

• If trauma to the external ear or ear canal is extremely severe, surgery might be needed to correct the situation. An aural resection can be used to re-open the structure of the ear or the ear canal to improve air flow or to remove any obstructions that have resulted due to injury, infection, condition or disease.

Breeds with Ears Different in Appearance

• Scottish Fold: According to the Cat Fancier's Association website, the Scottish Fold originates from a single barn cat from the Tayside region of Scotland. The recessive genetic mutation that causes the ear folds in this breed is responsible for stiffened spines and tails if folded ear cats are bred to others with folded ears. Scottish Fold ears start to fold when the kittens are around 3 weeks of age.

  American Curl: The American Curl originated from a mutation that occurred in a longhaired stray cat named "Shumalith," found in Lakewood, California. Unlike the Scottish Fold, the mutation responsible for the American Curl results from a dominant gene. Because only one gene is required for the expression of the curled ear, the curled ear is not associated with any condition or disease.