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In many cases, the first sign of an ear infection is scratching at the ears. Some cats may also shake their head or hold their ear differently than usual . Your veterinarian may also ask you to return for a recheck appointment in one to two weeks. This recheck ensures that your cat is responding to the prescribed treatment. If your cat is not responding as expected, your veterinarian may recommend further testing or may change medications. When your cat shows signs of a possible ear infection, a veterinary visit is essential.
Natural remedies for ear infections are olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils. But we do not recommend ever using these products in your dog’s ear! If there is damage to the eardrum, these fluids will pass through into the middle ear and have the potential to cause pain and further infection. You can easily find over-the-counter miticides in local pet stores.
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We use nutritious and planet-friendly insects to manufacture protein-rich premium-quality pet food for your cats, dogs, and horses. Start by regularly removing dust from the bedding and pillows your cat comes in contact with. Thorough vacuuming is also essential if you have an animal in your household, be it a dog or a cat. Since mites can survive even outside of their host, reinfection is possible if you don’t clean your home regularly.
Early intervention, fully completing any medications, and treating underlying factors are the keys to success. Healthy ear canals can fight off and defend against bacterial and yeast overgrowth, but that ability is lost when it becomes diseased. The secondary infections are some of the most common types of ear infections. The eardrum separates the outer ear canal from the middle and inner ear, which houses very sensitive structures involved in hearing and balance.
Cat Ear Infection Home Remedies [Real Results]
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers. The first sign of an ear infection is usually excessive scratching or rubbing at the ear.
Banixx can then be applied twice daily as a soothing, healing agent to treat the infection and irritation caused by the biting mites. Ear cleaning is also a component of treating an ear infection. Removing excess debris from the ears helps the medication work effectively. Your veterinarian will also prescribe or recommend an appropriate ear cleaner for your cat. It’s important to not try cleaning your cat’s ears with ingredients you may have at home because they can be very painful and can actually worsen your cat’s ear infection.
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Most ear drops contain a combination of antibiotic and antifungal drugs, combined with a corticosteroid to relieve pain and inflammation. Microscopic examination of the debris within your cat’s ear is often required to obtain a diagnosis. Your veterinarian will obtain a sample of debris on a cotton swab, then prepare slides that can be examined under the microscope.
A cat’s ear canal is shaped like an “L,” and it is important to get the medication into the lower part of the ear canal – the horizontal ear canal. For best results, make sure that you have explored with your vet the proper way to administer ear drops to your cat. Initially, you may need to secure your cat from scratching, struggling, or even biting you through this process.
Do not use too much liquid, as cats are much more sensitive to having fluid in their ears than dogs, and excessive fluid can result in incoordination. If you’ve forgotten which ear requires treatment, refer to the directions or call your vet. Often, pet parents describe their pet’s problem area from their perspective (e.g., head-on) instead of from their pet’s perspective. First, establish a comfortable and quiet area where you will treat your cat. Take them to this area routinely and give them a special treat. For more severe or painful conditions, you can get your cat accustomed to being held in your lap by wrapping them in a towel, blanket, or pillowcase.
This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. While it’s not common, some cats can develop sensitivities to the medication, and the above signs may be indicative that your cat has developed an allergic reaction.
If you bring your cat to the vet, your vet will take a sample of the ear to be able to determine the type of the yeast. However, if it is severe, your cat might need to be given anesthesia during the cleansing. If your cat has an ear infection, your veterinarian will prescribe antiparasitic medication, antibiotics, or another medication, depending on the type of infection. In some cases, especially in the case of repeated ear infections, more advanced testing is necessary.
Your veterinarian will go through a series of steps to diagnose your cat's condition. He will begin by taking a thorough medical history regarding your cat's health. Be sure to include any information such as previously diagnosed medical conditions, contact with chemicals, recent illnesses and the date symptoms began. Your doctor will also take vital signs and draw blood for a biochemical profile and a CBC.
Diagnosing the condition starts with looking in the ear canal with an instrument called an otoscope. Then a sample of the ear debris is looked at under the microscope to determine if there is yeast, bacteria, or ear mites. Further workup may require sedation or X-rays, but treating ear infections usually isn’t complicated. Antibiotics, anti-parasitics, antifungals, and corticosteroids are the most common treatments. It is estimated that about half of all feline ear infections are caused by ear mites.
Ear infections are also quite painful and can result in the loss of balance since cats use their ears to navigate. The most common cause of ear infections in cats is ear mites. The parasite Otodectes cynotis is a tiny, bug-like parasite that is about the size of a pinhead. These mites feed on wax and skin cells within the ear, causing significant irritation.
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