Protecting your cat’s ears from illnesses

The ears of a cat are highly sensitive and ideal for hunting. However, cats who are allowed outdoors are particularly prone to injuries, infections and parasites in their ears. These must be treated without delay.

The ears of a cat – a wonder of nature Cats’ ears are not just there for hearing Illnesses and other dangers for a cat’s ears How can I recognise ear mites in a cat? What are the options for treating an ear mite infestation? How should I clean my cat’s ears?

The ears of a cat – a wonder of nature

Cats are superior to us in several ways. This includes, above all, their hearing. While we can only perceive sounds up to a frequency of about 20,000 hertz, cats can hear them in a range of up to 65,000 hertz. Hearing the squeaking of a mouse is no problem for them. But that is not all: when hunting, it is also important to know where the sound is coming from. This is only possible for us to a very limited extent by moving our heads back and forth. A cat manages this simply by using its ears. It has 32 muscles in each ear that allow it to turn its ears independently of each other in any direction. In this way, it can estimate the position and distance of a prey very accurately.

Cats’ ears are not just there for hearing

Although ears are primarily for hearing, they also perform other tasks for cats. For our feline friends, they are also a means of communication. If the ears are hardly moving and pointing forwards, this indicates that the cat is listening in a fairly relaxed way. If, however, its ears are moving quickly back and forth, are pointing backwards, or even laid down flat on the cat’s head (in order to protect them), this is a sign of maximum tension. In the event of an encounter with another cat, an attack will be imminent.

And a cat’s ears serve another purpose – balance. The so-called vestibular system is partly located in the brain, but is also present in the inner ear. It coordinates the head and eye movements and ensures perfect balance. In interaction with its tail, this enables the cat to, for example, walk along the top of a garden fence or the edge of a board without any difficulty balancing.

Illnesses and other dangers for a cat’s ears

The ears of a cat are covered with hair both on the inside and out. On the outside, they serve to protect against mechanical influences; on the inside, the main purpose is to prevent dirt and dust from entering. Nevertheless, it is not possible to avoid disorders of the ears altogether. You can expect any of the following:

Injuries
Cats that are allowed outdoors can sustain injuries when they roam through the undergrowth, when awns (foxtails) get caught on them or when they get into an altercation with another cat.
Parasites
Parasites are able to nest in the warm and slightly damp ear cavities. Ear mites are one of the most common pests.
Inflammation
Fungi and bacteria can cause inflammation of the ear. A cat’s ears should therefore be checked on a regular basis and kept clean.

How can I recognise ear mites in a cat?

Ear mites measure less than a millimetre and are barely visible to the human eye. However, a relatively large number of these parasites leads to a visible impairment of the inner ear. Redness, swelling and incrustations occur. In addition, the annoying itching causes the cat to scratch more and shake its head. If you suspect that your cat has ear mites, you should take it to the vet immediately, because ear mite infestation is extremely contagious. The vet will examine the cat’s ears with a so-called otoscope in order to obtain an exact picture.

What are the options for treating an ear mite infestation?

An ear mite infestation is very unpleasant, but does not generally pose a major danger. If the vet detects these tiny arachnids in your cat’s ears, they will be treated with medication. This can consist of antiparasitics, anti-inflammatory ointments and antibiotic ear drops. The treatment must normally be provided over a period of at least three weeks in order to successfully kill all the stages of the mites. It is also advisable to treat any other cats living in your home. In addition, surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with ear mites should also be meticulously cleaned and disinfected. Otherwise, there is a risk that the mites will reappear after a short interval.

How should I clean my cat’s ears?

In order to promote faster recovery, it is advisable to clean your cat’s ears in between or before using a medicine. This must, however, be done very carefully and you should never use normal cotton buds. These could transport impurities deeper into the ear and damage the eardrum. Ask your vet if they advise using special cotton buds for animals or if it would be better to simply clean your pet’s ears with a cotton cloth. The cloth should only be slightly damp and you should wipe from the inside outwards. An ear cleaner can then be dripped directly into your cat’s ears. This loosens the debris, which falls out when, for example, the cat shakes its head. You can also use the cloth again. This should, however, depend on how well your cat endures the procedure. If it is causing your pet excessive stress, it is better to carry out the next cleaning session at a later point in time.