My cat is scratching her ear a lot. Does she have an ear infection?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 8th, 2024

  Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Tor and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. Yes, I see the two wounds, and they could be caused by her scratching at her ear. While that could be due to fleas, it may be she has an ear infection causing her to scratch at her ears. Continually scratching at them would cause the wounds to get bigger. This does need to be checked out by a vet, as if she does have an ear infection, it could be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria. In addition, the ear drum needs to be visualized through an otoscope to make sure it's still intact before any medication is given. Ear problems can be considered an emergency as leaving them untreated can lead to hearing loss. Given that these wounds are getting bigger, I'd see if you can get her into her vet asap. I hope this helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 30th, 2017

  Ear infections can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, or a combination of these, and can be associated with dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. Juanita needs to see a vet to have an ear swab done. Your vet can look at the sample under the microscope and treat appropriately based on what is found. Your vet will also need to examine the ear with a scope to see if the ear drum is intact, as some medications cannot be used safely if the eardrum is ruptured. Ear infections can be very painful, and can sometimes progress to include the middle or inner ear, where they can cause neurologic signs or permanent hearing loss. Please book an appointment to have Juanita seen as soon as possible to help get her feeling better.

  

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• Answered By Ana M, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 11th, 2018

  It is possible that Ginger has an ear infection. She has a vertical ear canals that curves into a horizontal canal. Her ear drum sits at the base of the horizontal canal. A lot of times, the problem is deep within the canal and cannot be seen from the outside. Ginger should see her veterinarian for an ear exam. If the ear is inflamed, has discharge deep inside or is painful and/or itchy, an infection is likely. A sample can be collected to look under the microscope to choose an appropriate ear medication and cleaner. If it is not an infection, she could also have a foreign body (piece of grass for example) or a polyp with her ear canal. I hope this information helps and Ginger is feeling better soon!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful