Infections and mites are common cat ear problems. Knowing the symptoms and what you can do to treat and prevent cat ear infections will keep your kitty happy and pain-free.
Cats rely on an acute sense of hearing for communication, hunting, and navigating their environment. Because hearing is essential for cats, pet parents must pay special attention to ear health. Two of the most common problems that can impact feline ear health include infections and mites, which can cause inflammation, discomfort, and hearing loss if untreated. Let’s learn more about cat ear infections and ear mites, including signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
What Are Ear Mites?
Ear mites are microscopic parasites that feed on wax in your cat’s ear, stimulating the glands that produce wax. Young kittens and puppies are particularly vulnerable due to their weaker and developing immune systems, but cats of all ages can get ear mites. Untreated, ear mites can also lead to infections.
Ear mites are highly contagious. In homes with multiple animals, check all your fur babies and sanitize bedding and floors if one animal has them.
Cats Can Get Different Types of Ear Infections
Another issue that affects cat ear health is bacterial or fungal (yeast) infections, and they’re highly irritating and extremely painful. The most common infection is otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear canal. Untreated, the infection can move to the middle and inner ears. Ear infections don’t resolve on their own, and if they’re not treated, they can cause damage to the ear drum, hearing loss or deafness, and facial paralysis.
Signs and Symptoms of Cat Ear Infections and Ear Mites
A healthy inner ear and ear canal should be light pink. A small amount of light/medium brown ear wax is expected, but these signs indicate your cat might have an ear infection or ear mites:
- Excess ear wax or an accumulation of dark brown wax
- Brownish/grey greasy discharge
- Discharge that looks like coffee grounds
- Red and/or swollen ears with heat around the ears
- Foul odor or a yeast-like smell
- Itchy ears and shaking of the head
- Scratching the ears, head, and neck
- Drooping on one side of the face
- Squinting or abnormal eye movements
- Difficulty walking or hearing
Managing Ear Mites and Ear Infections with Banixx Pet Care
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, take your cat to the veterinarian for an examination. The veterinarian may clean the ears, take a swab, and prescribe an anti-parasitic, antibiotic, or antifungal.
On top of that, you can use Banixx Pet Care as a cat ear infection home remedy to soothe and treat fungal/yeast infections and the irritation caused by mites. It’s also a powerful but gentle ear cleaner you can use regularly to prevent cat ear infections.
And the best part is how easy it is to use Banixx Pet Care! Simply moisten a cotton ball with the spray and gently apply it to the opening of the ear. Hold it there until the ear is moist and then massage your cat’s ear. Repeat two or three times daily for relief and good ear hygiene.
The post A Complete Guide to Your Cat’s Ear Infection and Ear Mites appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.