February 27, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Health, Pet Meds

It's not uncommon to notice your cat scratching its ears, but if it seems to be doing this more than usual, you may want to look for signs of an ear infection that needs to be treated with certain pet drugs.

Ear infections are most commonly caused by too many bacteria or yeast organisms. Bacterial infections are often caused by wetness in the ear, while pets with a buildup of ear wax typically get yeast infections in the ear. In this case, you might smell a yeasty odor from the cat's ear, or the ear may become red and swollen, with waxy buildup inside.

Allergies are another common cause of ear infection or scratching in cats. When humans suffer allergies, we typically get itchy eyes and a runny nose. Pets, however, experience heat and inflammation of the ears, head, neck and feet when they are having an allergic reaction. This predisposes them to increased yeast growth and itchy, smelly otitis, or ear infection. About 80 percent of dogs with allergies develop eat infections, and cats can suffer as well.

You can distinguish an ear infection from regular old ear scratching because of a few other symptoms. Cats will shake and scratch their heads more than usual. Sometimes, they may even scratch their ears with their paw and then smell or lick it. There is also often an odor or discharge during an ear infection.

If you suspect that your cat is suffering the symptoms of an ear infection, it is important to bring it to the veterinarian for treatment. Infection can spread from the outer ear to the inner ear and cause deafness if untreated. Plus, no animals like that itchy feeling all the time.

Your vet will likely recommend pet products like Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with Hydrocortisone for inflammation caused by bacterial, viral and yeast infections. However, other bacterial infections may need to be treated with prescription medications like Tresaderm or Baytril. You can make it easier for your feline to swallow these pills by hiding them in Greenies Pill Pockets.

Your vet will also recommend that your start your cat on a flea and tick preventative program like Revolution, since this product also prevents against ear mites, which can also cause ear itching and sometimes infection. 

Related posts:

1. When ear scratching is too much
2. Stinky dog? Poor health may be to blame
3. When your pet has mite-y itchy ears
4. Keep your dog’s ears in good shape
5. Maintain a good relationship with your dog’s ears