Feline Ear Infections: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Melissa Murray
Nov 10
7 min read

Key takeaways:

Ear infections in cats aren’t as common as they are in dogs, but when they happen, they can be painful and signal an underlying health issue.
Common cat ear infection causes include ear mites, allergies, yeast or bacterial overgrowth, and trauma.
Symptoms can range from scratching and head shaking to black debris or foul odor in the ears.
Most infections clear up with the right treatment, but your veterinarian will need to identify what’s causing it first.
Regular ear checks and proper cleaning can help keep your cat’s ears healthy.

You’re scratching your cat in their favorite spot right behind the ear when suddenly they let out a sharp “mraow!” and swat at you. Startled, you take a peek inside their ear and notice black, crusty debris and a few scabs. Uh oh. What’s going on?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. While ear infections are more common in dogs, cats can get them too, and when they do, it’s not a matter to be ignored. A feline ear infection can make even the sweetest kitty grumpy.

Since cats are pros at hiding pain, the infection has likely progressed by the time you notice something’s off. However, once you figure out the cause, most ear infections in cats are treatable — and often preventable with good ear care.

Let’s dive into what’s going on inside those adorable, twitchy ears, and how you can help your cat feel better fast.

What is a feline ear infection?

A feline ear infection happens when bacteria, yeast, or parasites take hold inside your cat’s ear canal and cause inflammation. Veterinarians usually classify them as:

Otitis externa: infection in the outer ear canal (most common)
Otitis media: infection in the middle ear
Otitis interna: infection in the inner ear (more serious and can affect balance)

Most ear infections start in the outer ear, but if untreated, they can spread deeper, causing severe pain, dizziness, and hearing loss, making it crucial to catch and treat them early.

Cat ears peek over a wicker chair in a cozy setting

What causes ear infections in cats?

With no single culprit behind feline ear infections, your veterinarian will have to find the underlying cause, which is typically something that disrupts the natural environment inside the ear. Let’s look at the most common causes of what causes ear infections in cats.

Ear mites

By far the most common cause of feline ear infections, especially kitten ear infections, ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are tiny parasites that love to live in the warm, waxy environment of a cat’s ear canal. They feed on skin debris and oils, causing severe itching and inflammation.

If your cat has ear mites, you might see:

Ear debris that looks like coffee grounds
Head shaking and scratching
Scabs around the ears or neck

Medicated ear drops are one of the ways to treat ear mites in cats, and topical parasite prevention can also protect your feline friend from future infestations. Because ear mites are contagious, other pets in your household may need treatment, too.

Allergies

Just like people, cats can be allergic to pollen, dust, mold, or certain foods. Allergies often cause inflammation that leads to secondary yeast or bacterial infections in the ears.

You might notice chronic itching, frequent head shaking, or red, irritated skin around the ears. If allergies are the trigger, your veterinarian will likely recommend allergy testing, dietary changes, or medications to keep inflammation under control.

Bacterial or yeast infections

Sometimes, the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in your cat’s ear gets disrupted, leading to overgrowth and infection. This can happen after moisture gets trapped in the ear (like after a bath) or when the ear canal becomes inflamed. Cat breeds with stenotic ear canals, such as the Scottish Fold, are also more prone to ear infections because their narrowed ear anatomy accumulates debris more easily.

Typical signs of a yeast or bacterial ear infection include:

Yellow or brown discharge
Foul odor
Red, inflamed ear canal

Your veterinarian will examine samples of ear debris to determine whether yeast, bacteria, or a mixture of both are causing trouble. They’ll then prescribe the right cat antibiotics for ear infections or antifungal treatment.

Gray scottish fold cat with orange eyes playfully lying on its back on a light patterned surface

Foreign bodies

Outdoor cats especially are prone to picking up grass awns, dirt, or small debris that can wedge into the ear canal. When that happens, the ear becomes irritated, inflamed, and prone to infection. Removing a foreign body should always be left to a veterinarian since they have the right tools and can safely flush out the ear without causing damage or undue stress.

Traumatic injury

Rough play, scratching, or a fight with another animal can lead to lacerations, bruising, or hematomas (blood-filled swellings) in the ear flap. These injuries can easily become infected if bacteria enter the wound.

If you spot redness, swelling, or tenderness, contact your veterinarian so they can drain any fluid, prescribe pain relief, and prevent infection from spreading.

Underlying health issues

Sometimes ear infections are just a symptom of something bigger, like diabetes, a thyroid imbalance, or immune system disorders. These conditions can alter the skin’s natural defenses and make your cat more prone to infection.

If your cat has chronic or recurring ear infections, your veterinarian may recommend broader testing to rule out underlying issues.

Ringworm

Though rare, ringworm on a cat’s ear can mimic an ear infection, especially if scaly patches or hair loss appear around the ear. A fungal culture and inspection under a special light help confirm diagnosis, and the appropriate antifungal medication can tackle this type of infection.

Symptoms of ear infections in cats

Cats are stealthy about pain, so keep an eye out for subtle changes that may indicate an ear infection, such as:

Frequent scratching or pawing at one or both ears
Head shaking or tilting
Redness, swelling, or scabs around the ears
Black, brown, or yellow discharge
Bad odor from the ear
Sensitivity when you touch the ear
Balance issues or walking in circles (in more severe cases)

Even if you’re not sure it’s an infection, it’s a good idea to get your cat checked out. Left untreated, infections can become chronic and cause lasting damage.

When to see the veterinarian

If your cat shows any signs of an ear infection, it’s time to call your veterinarian.

They’ll start with a physical exam and use an otoscope to look deep inside the ear canal. Typically, they’ll also take a sample of any debris inside the ear using a swab and check it under the microscope for yeast, bacteria, or mites.

If your cat shows symptoms that indicate a deeper issue, such as a head tilt or neurological changes, your veterinarian may recommend imaging or additional diagnostics.

Close-up of a furry animal's ear with fine hairs in focus

Treatment options for cat ear infections

Once your veterinarian determines the cause of your cat’s ear infection, treatment usually begins with a gentle cleaning to remove wax and debris. Afterward, they’ll apply ear drops or ointment to fight infection and soothe irritation. Some medications last for weeks with just one application at the clinic, while others require daily medicated drops at home.

Your veterinarian will guide you through what’s best. Avoid home remedies, as they can irritate or damage delicate ear tissue.

Most prescription ear drops help reduce inflammation, itching, and pain, so your cat should start feeling better soon. But addressing the underlying cause, like allergies or parasites, is key to preventing future infections.

Finally, don’t skip follow-up visits. Even if your cat seems fine, stopping treatment too early can lead to antibiotic resistance or a recurrence. A quick recheck ensures the infection is fully cleared and your cat’s ears are truly healthy again.

How to prevent ear infections in cats

While you can’t prevent every ear problem, there’s a lot you can do to keep infections at bay.

Clean your cat’s ears regularly

In most cases, cleaning your cat’s ears weekly with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner can help keep ear infections at bay. During these cleaning sessions, check for redness, debris, or odor that may indicate a lurking infection.

Keep your cat’s ears dry

Trapped moisture can lead to an ear infection, so gently wipe away water if you bathe your cat. You can also use an ear cleaner with a drying agent like salicylic acid as part of their grooming routine.

Manage allergies

If your cat has allergies to environmental triggers, fleas, or foods, follow your veterinarian’s plan to keep inflammation in check, which may include a hypoallergenic diet.

Control parasites

Year-round prevention for fleas and ear mites is key for keeping your cat comfortable and itch-free, especially if they go outside.

Visit your veterinarian

Routine checkups help catch small issues before they turn into big ones, so don’t forget to schedule your cat for wellness visits, even if they appear perfectly fine.

Close-up of an orange tabby cat with green eyes, looking up

Prevention is the best medicine

From excessive scratching to strange head shakes, ear issues can seem to pop up out of nowhere, but with prompt attention and proper care, your cat can bounce back quickly.

If your cat’s showing signs of discomfort, don’t wait and schedule a veterinary appointment right away. The sooner your veterinarian identifies the cause, the sooner your cat can get relief.

And remember, when you have Pumpkin Cat Insurance, you can get help covering the cost of unexpected illnesses like ear infections, allergies, and more. Because peace of mind is worth purring about.

Fetch your free quote today.

FAQs

Are ear infections common for cats?

Although cat ear infections aren’t common, they’re certainly not unheard of. Ear infections can happen to cats of any age or breed, but cats with allergies, diabetes, or conditions that weaken the immune system may be more at risk. Breeds with small outer ears, like Himalayans and Persians as well as outdoor cats and kittens are more prone to ear infections. However, even older, indoor cats aren’t immune.

Make sure to check with your vet before adding new foods, especially if your pup is on medication.

Are cat ear infections contagious?

Depending on the cause, your cat’s ear infection may be contagious between pets. Bacterial or yeast ear infections aren’t contagious, but ear mites are, and they can easily pass between cats (and sometimes dogs) through close contact or shared bedding.

How much does it cost to treat ear infections in cats?

The cost for treating ear infections in cats depends on the cause of the infection and veterinary practice. The cost usually includes the exam fee, diagnostics, medications, and (if necessary) any follow-up examinations. If your cat requires sedation, anesthesia, or surgery, this will add considerably to your bill. Most uncomplicated ear infections due to ear mites can be treated for under $100.

References

Ear Infections in Cats: What to Know