Symptoms of Feline Ear Diseases

Any form of feline ear disease can cause pain and discomfort.  With an accurate veterinary diagnosis, medical treatment is just a step away.  Pain and/or discomfort are synonymous with almost any type of feline ear disease.  Any condition involving a cat’s ears should be addressed immediately.  Prompt treatment will help prevent permanent damage or deafness.

In the early stages of an ear infection a cat may occasionally scratch or rub their ears.  Headshaking may begin as the condition worsens.  Rubbing, shaking, and scratching, become more frequent as the signs of discomfort and pain increase.  If the infection is allowed to progress, a cat may actually end up scaring their face and ears with scratching.

In some cases, ear infections cause so much pain and discomfort; they lead a cat to resist human contact.  As the infection increases, the ears often become red and inflamed; with an odorous discharge.  If the infection is due to ear mites, a dark colored discharge resembling coffee grounds will be apparent. 

Cats suffering from ear infections sometimes show their grumpy side.  If the nerves of the inner ear are infected; a cat may become dizzy, tilt its head to one side, walk in circles, or display unusual eye movements.  These conditions are very distressing and uncomfortable for a cat.