What Does it Mean When a Cat's Ears Smell?

If a cat's ears smell bad, it is likely that an ear infection is present. Cats have ears shaped like the letter "L." Thus, cat ears collect more dirt and debris than human ears, leading to infections, according to Peteducation.com.

  1. Potential Causes

    • Odor in the ears may be caused by infections that are bacterial and yeast-related. Infections can also result from ear mites, plant awns and allergies.

    Abnormalities

    • Odor in the ears may also be caused by hormonal dysfunction. Some cats may suffer from immune disorders that affect the ears.

    Other Symptoms

    • Odor in the ears can indicate an infection and may be accompanied by other symptoms. Odor in the ears may be present along with pus, redness and parasites.

    Behavioral Signs

    • A cat with an ear infection may shake its head vigorously or appear to have lost its balance.

    Warning

    • Ear infections can make cats sad. But they can also increase a cat's level of anxiety. Be careful with a frustrated cat who has an ear infection.