While many people assume ear infections are only something that impacts people, they can actually be just as frequent for cats. This uncomfortable condition can interfere with their normal daily function. However, by knowing the causes of an ear infection, spotting the signs, and seeking pet care early, you can protect your cat from an ongoing problem. Below, learn more information on how to tell if your cat has an ear infection. 

Causes of Cat Ear Infections 

Ear infections in cats have many causes, but can be due to a buildup of wax and bacteria due to improper cleaning, tumors or polyps in the ear, thick hair growth within the inner ear canal, foreign bodies stuck in the ear, and environmental irritants.

Ongoing medical conditions that suppress the immune system can also lead to ear infections. For instance, if your cat is living with FIV, diabetes mellitus, or leukemia, they may be more prone to developing ear infections. 

Signs of Ear Infections

Ear infections can be difficult to spot in pets if there are no visible signs and they are not scratching the area. However, redness, swelling, or yellow or black ear discharge from the ear area could signal an ongoing infection. If your cat seems to be struggling with hearing loss and doesn’t respond like they normally do, they might be having an inner ear problem. When cats struggle with ear infections, they could also develop problems with their balance due to fluid buildup.

How to Help

Fortunately, appropriate pet care can help to heal ear infections. Veterinarians may use antibiotics, antifungal, or antiparasitic drops or medications to ward off infections. The area may also need to be carefully cleaned and drained to help your cat’s body to manage the infection. During pet care visits, your veterinarian may recommend clipping the hair around the ear shorter to encourage the ear to drain properly and dry out, preventing future infections.

If you are concerned about the health of your cat, you can turn to Dykes Veterinary Clinic in Foley, AL, for reliable pet care. With a commitment to kindness and offering the best care possible for animals, these trusted professionals can help your pet to live a healthy life. To find out more about how they can help, visit their website, or give their office a call at (251) 943-3211.