Lend Me an Ear

You’ve seen it before. You know exactly what it is. Your cat has ear mites. It is that black, yucky stuff that builds up in your cats’ ears. You went to the local pet store, bought medication guaranteed to kill mites and the problem still hasn’t gone away.

Ear mites are typically seen in kittens or cats that have been obtained from the shelter. They often cause a horrifically itchy ear. It can also spread to other cats in the family.

Other reasons why your feline friend may be experiencing ear problems can range from an inhaled allergic response called atopy, food allergies, a bacterial or fungal ear infection, cancer or polyps that form in the Eustachian tubes that lead from the ear to the throat.

Ear mites are typically seen in kittens or cats that have been obtained from the shelter.

How can you tell the difference between the various causes of feline ear maladies? Sometimes it is very difficult. Ear mite debris is usually black and crumbly. Ear infections often have a very strong odor and can be very painful. If your cat has a head tilt and the ears look OK from the outside, polyps should be higher on your list. Older cats are more prone to tumors in the ear canals. More than 50% of feline ear canal tumors are malignant and can spread to distant parts of the body.

If you notice your cat pawing at its’ ears, seem suddenly uncoordinated, or has a foul smelling scent to its ears, take your cat to your veterinarian for a thorough examination. Why? Because it is “Your Pet…Health Matters.”