Your cat does not scratch his ears by simple reflex or habit, if he scratches his ear, it is for a specific reason. In this article, I present to you the different causes of this problem, with for each one how to recognize it and especially how to act.
Cat scratching its ear: The causes and their solutions
If your cat is scratching his ear, it is for one of the following reasons, here are the ways to stop scratching his ears for each of them.
He has fleas
Fleas do not only concern outdoor cats because indoor cats can catch them via larvae transmitted by mosquitoes. Your cat will also scratch on other places because fleas are everywhere. You can check for their presence in the cat’s coat.
In which case you will need to have it dewormed and then dewormed, in the meantime, you can rid it of its itching with an anti-flea shampoo for cats or baking soda before combing it using a comb dedicated to cat fleas.
Inflammation of the ear
Inflammation of the ear is recognized by redness and sometimes pus, and this can get worse, so you must go to the veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime, clean his ears with cat saline to keep the ear as clean as possible.
Scabies
Cat mange is recognizable by flowing earwax and only treatment from the veterinarian can get rid of it. If nothing is done, your cat can quickly become deaf.
Bacteria and fungi
Recognizable by an odorous earwax this time, bacteria and fungi must also be the subject of medical treatment to avoid aggravation of the problem.
An infection
An ear infection is common in cats, especially those with diabetes, and if your cat not only scratches its ears, but also rubs or shakes them, then it is an infection.
This infection can evolve and lead to deafness in the cat, hence the need to act quickly.
Ear mites
These parasites are invisible and the symptoms are itching that leads the cat to scratch its ears. Very contagious, they can however be easily eliminated by veterinary treatment.
An allergy
Cats can have allergies just like us, if you notice he has conjunctivitis or rhinitis then get the vet to prescribe antihistamines so he can be off the hook.
What to do while waiting for the vet?
You can first keep it as healthy as possible with saline water and give it drops of apple vinegar in its food which will help it with the itching.
You can also give her a cat painkiller ointment to prevent itching and aggravation of the problem.
Cat scratching its ear: The final word
If your cat is scratching its ear, it is possible that it is suffering from a pathology requiring medical treatment or risk of aggravation. You must therefore act as soon as possible. Blood or pus and signs of aggravation are signs that urgent action is needed to save your cat’s ear.