December 20, 2011
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Health, Pet Meds

Cats have a number of strange grooming behaviors, including scratching their ears. This behavior is normal and it is common for cats to scratch their ears frequently. However, if you notice your cat scratching its ears more than it normally does, you should look closer to make sure there is not an underlying medical condition causing the itch.

Ear scratching is one of the most common reasons cats see veterinarians. The cause can be an ear infection or a mite infestation, but there are certain ways you can tell the difference.

Allergic skin diseases are one common cause for ear scratching. Your cat may be responding to an allergy to its foods, pollen, fleas or direct contact with an allergen. In these cases, your vet will recommend changing the cat’s pet food to determine if that is the cause. While you figure out the cause for these allergies, you can treat the symptoms with pet shampoo like Excel Hydrocortisone Shampoo, which relieves itching and does not sting. Another option is Excel Hydrocortisone Spray if you can’t bathe your cat.

Fleas and mites may also cause scratching. Fleas will cause all-over itching, but cats that are allergic to the pests may be itchier around the neck and rump. Mites can be specific to ears and are microscopic, so it can be difficult to determine that this is the cause. To rid your cat of fleas, use pet meds like Capstar Flea Treatment Tablets – these begin to work within 30 minutes and will kill 90 percent of adult fleas within six hours on your cat. To prevent infestations altogether, make sure your pet is on a flea and mite preventative program such as Revolution or Advantage Multi.

Cats are also prone to bacterial or yeast infections in their ears. Such infections can cause itching. Yeast infections can come about if your cat is allergic to something, but they are extra itchy and may also include smelly brown debris. Bacterial infections are also often secondary to other issues but they too can itch. Both types of infection can be treated with Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with Hydrocortisone. This product also relieves the itching as it heals the infection and cleans the ears.

In all cases of itchy ears, the best plan of action is to bring your cat to the veterinarian before coming to any conclusions, the news source reports. 

Related posts:

1. Kitty scratching her ears? Infection may be to blame
2. Relieve itching in your dog
3. When ear infections don’t go away
4. When your pet has mite-y itchy ears
5. Stinky dog? Poor health may be to blame