Do you have a cat that is scratching its ears with blood? This situation may seem very worrying, but in this article, you will discover all the solutions to put in place to treat the underlying problem. I explain everything to you.
Cat scratching its ears with blood: The causes and their solutions
What’s causing your cat to itch, and therefore scratch until it bleeds, can be due to several causes. Here are the main causes of this problem, with for each, the solutions to put in place so that your cat stops scratching his ears.
He has fleas
Fleas, usually found in tall grass in the spring and summer, love your cat’s coat, but they don’t reciprocate. So if your cat is also scratching its neck and face, it’s probably infested. You may notice redness of the skin due to their bites.
Only a flea treatment can get rid of these parasites. Because he will not be able to get rid of it on his own and the fleas will eventually multiply. Having it dewormed will prevent a recurrence, especially if it is a cat that has access to the outside and can catch it at any time.
Inflammation of the ear
If your cat only scratches the inside of the ear or its base, it is suffering from inflammation that can turn into otitis externa, and in this case, only the veterinarian can intervene to prevent the problem from worsening and deafness in the ear. cat.
Ear mites
Recognizable with the earwax flowing from the cat’s ear, mange is a parasitic infection especially present in cats living in communities. Again, a quick visit to the veterinarian is essential.
Bacteria and fungi
These two elements are naturally present in the cat’s ear but can develop in large numbers and affect cats of all ages. Typically, smelly earwax escapes from the cat’s ear. The veterinarian is also the only solution here.
Acarians
Mites are very common in cats and love to feed on the wax in the cat’s ears and will therefore bite the inside of its ear, causing itchy scratching. You will need a topical remedy to treat the cat.
An allergy
An allergy to pollen, to a type of food or even to dust mites can cause skin problems and therefore itching and you will need treatment for your allergies.
Atopic dermatitis
May be due to the above factors, this dermatitis is also likely to occur in the presence of smoke, perfumes or deodorant, clearly any substance potentially toxic for him. Aloe vera, rosemary and peppermint help relieve itching.
Fur grows inward
The fur can scratch the ear as it grows inward and can end up becoming an infection and you will need to clip the affected hair.
A wound
An ear injury is possible if your cat has fought, bumped or fallen, disinfect the area well with saline for cats so that everything goes well and he can heal quickly.
Stings
Mosquito or flea bites can scratch it and the cat then scratches its ear until it bleeds, you can also relieve the area with natural remedies so that it can stop scratching.
The sun
The sun can dry out the skin and make it scratchy, so give it omega-3s and vitamins and minerals so it can have less dry skin.
Polyps
Polyps are growths of tissue in the cat’s ear and can affect its issue. Only the veterinarian will be able to cure it and treat the polyps in time.
Diabetes
Diabetes is responsible for itchy skin and to recognize this, see if your cat is lethargic, always thirsty or is vomiting, then he probably has diabetes and needs treatment.
What can I do myself?
While waiting for the vet visit, have the ear disinfected and kept at the healthiest level possible. To prevent him from scratching because of the pain, give him natural remedies like drops of apple cider vinegar in his water bowl and half a teaspoon in his food. Calendula is also highly recommended.
There are also painkillers for cats and ointments, but never give him medicine for humans at the risk of making him seriously ill, his organism being different from ours.
My cat is scratching its ears with blood: The final word
If you have a cat that scratches its ears with blood, try to keep the pain and itching under control and visit the vet to avoid irreversible damage.