My cat's ears twitch, itch, and bleed. What's causing this problem?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  I would be highly suspicious of an ear infection. I would suggest a return trip to the veterinarian. You can hopefully book this as a "revisit" which is a reduced price or even free.
  
  
  Outer ear infections can progress to inner ear infections. Inner ear infections are very difficult to treat, are very painful and have serious potential complications, such as hearing loss and problems with balance. i would suggest returning to the vet as soon as you can, the vet may be willing to charge a discounted "recheck" exam fee rather then a full consult fee as you are returning for the same problem. The vet may also take a swab of the infected ear and send it away for analysis, so that the exact pathogens causing the infection can be identified and therefore a specific antibiotic can be used.
  
  I hope that this answer was helpful, and more importantly that Frida Katlo ear gets better soon. Warmest regards to you both.
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on May 11th, 2017

  Unless your kitty has actually been diagnosed with ear mites after microscopic examination of debris from her ear by a veterinarian, I would be suspicious that she may actually have an ear infection, rather than mites. Ear infections are not contagious like mites are, and are usually due to some type of underlying allergy or other problem.
  
  I would recommend taking Seraphiel to the vet for an exam when you are able to. Your vet can take a sample of the material in her ears for analysis to help diagnose the problem, and will prescribe appropriate medication to treat it depending on what is found. If needed, they can also discuss options for further work-up for underlying allergy problems that may be causing the ear issues.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 12th, 2017

  This is an unusual situation. If Seraphiel goes outside and comes into contact with other cats, this could explain why she frequently acquires ear mite infections, but perhaps you are treating her quickly before the mites can be transmitted to your other cat. Even though Seraphiel was diagnosed with ear mites (I assume microscopically by her vet), there is a chance that she could have a concurrent bacterial or yeast ear infection, which is often caused by underlying allergies. If this is an ongoing issue, consider starting both cats on Revolution or Advantage Multi on a monthly basis to prevent fleas, ear mites, heartworm disease and some intestinal parasites.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 28th, 2018

  Did you get a definite diagnosis of ear mites from a vet? It is actually very uncommon for dogs to have ear mites. Ear mites are usually diagnosed on stray dogs or dogs that are not well taken care of. My guess is that the ears are not getting better because your dog probably doesn't have ear mites. Ear mites are very easy to treat so if she did have mites I would have expected it to be better already as well.
  
  I suggest you get her to your vet so they can give you a definitive diagnosis as to what is actually causing the ear problem. That way you can get the appropriate treatment. Usually ear problems are due to a yeast infection, a bacterial infection or a combination of the two.
  
  I hope this helps. Best wishes.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful