Common Causes of the Foul Odor from Your Cat’s Ears
Are you noticing an unpleasant scent coming from your cat’s ears as you cuddle? Other than being off-putting for your snuggle time, this unpleasant odor can be a sign of an underlying health condition in your cat.
This article will run you through the possible causes of the unpleasant smell from your cat’s ears and what you can do about it.
Ear Mites in Your Cat’s Ears
Ear mites are the most common cause of foul odor in feline ears. These are tiny parasites that feed on the oil and ear wax in your cat’s ears. These mites produce a foul-smelling brown discharge in your cat’s ears.
These mites are barely visible to the human eye, but they can be checked during your cat’s routine vet appointments. They are commonly detected from the foul odor from your cat’s ears.
Other indications of ear mites include:
- Your cat may excessively scratch at their ears
- They may frequently shake their head as if trying to shake off something
- There may be hair loss or scabs around your cat’s ears
Ear mites are mobile and can be contagious to other cats and dogs. Your cat may be prone to ear mites if they frequently go outdoors or share blankets and toys with other pets.
Once your vet diagnoses an ear mite infestation, you will need to wash any toys, beddings, or fabrics your pet has used or may have come in contact with ear mites.
Your cat will need the following treatment process:
- Your cat’s ears need to be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any discharge or debris that can affect the treatment. You can get a high-quality ear cleaner from your pet store to rinse away unwanted particles and to keep your cat’s ears clean. Make sure only to use a safe and veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution.
- You will need to apply topical treatments and drops to eliminate any remaining ear mites in your cat’s ears. These medications may be applied for several days or weeks to eliminate all ear mites.
- As an aftercare plan, you will need to regularly check your cat’s ears to ensure the ear mites don’t return. You can do this every week. Regular cat grooming and cleaning your cat’s ears can help ensure that their ear canals are clear and smell fresh.
An Ear Infection
Ear infections cause swelling in the ear canal and lead to serious health issues if left untreated. It is vital to seek the help of a professional if you suspect an ear infection.
Several environmental and internal factors can lead to ear infections, such as:
- A foreign object such as seeds or bits of organic matter may be stuck in your cat’s ears. These can get trapped in the ear canal and cause an infection.
- Your cat’s small and damp ear canal can be an ideal environment for bacteria, fungus, and other microorganisms to thrive.
Cat immune systems are usually strong enough to fight off a potential infection. Having an ear infection can signify a more severe illness or immune disorder, so it is essential to check with your veterinarian.
Your cat may be given ear drops, oral medications, or injectable antibiotics to treat the ear infection.
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Conclusion
Foul odor coming from your cat’s ears may be a sign of a severe condition such as an ear mite infestation or an ear infection. It is crucial to get this checked with your veterinarian to prevent it from worsening.
It also helps to regularly groom your cat to prevent dirt and bacteria from building up in their ears.
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