Main Reasons Why a Cat Scratches Its Ears:
Mites There are three mites that may be responsible for itching in cats’ ears: Sarcoptes, Demodex, and Otodectes.
- Sarcoptes is a mite that causes scabies, a condition that leads to severe itching, causing the cat to damage its own skin. Scabies can be transmitted to other pets in the home and even to humans, causing the same symptoms.
- Demodex lives in hair follicles and, under normal circumstances, contributes to healthy hair growth. Cats, dogs, and even humans have Demodex mites, though they are microscopic and not visible. This mite doesn’t always cause itching but can lead to hair loss. Demodex can’t be transmitted to other species, including humans, but can be passed between cats. Most healthy cats don’t develop issues with Demodex, but its overgrowth (demodicosis) is often linked to a weakened immune system, and cats with severe diseases are at the highest risk.
- Otodectes, the ear mite, often causes intense itching, particularly around the ears, face, and neck. It is highly contagious and mainly affects cats, though it can also live on dogs.
These mites can be treated with specific methods, usually with medication. Cats that develop ear infections, which are common if they scratch heavily or have ear mites, also need treatment.
Ringworm Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that spreads among cats. It can also be transmitted to dogs and humans. Not all ringworm lesions cause itching, but it can lead to hair loss, and the skin is prone to injury. A veterinarian will prescribe antifungal medications to treat ringworm.
Fleas Another common cause of itching in cats is fleas, which typically affect the whole body, with signs such as hair loss and scratching. Fleas can not only cause bleeding from scratches but also feed on the cat’s blood, with severe infestations potentially leading to anemia. Fleas can be transmitted between cats and dogs and may bite humans, though they don’t infest them. Over-the-counter flea medications are available, but it’s best to consult a vet to check for tapeworms (transmitted by fleas) and anemia. Treating fleas often requires months of intensive care using flea treatments.
Allergies Excessive grooming, hair loss, and scratching are common signs of allergies in cats. Ear or skin infections can also develop secondary to self-injury and allergic inflammation. Allergies in cats can be difficult to treat. Various types of allergies, such as environmental or food-related, may show similar signs. Cats are known for being picky, and they may react poorly to changes in diet, making allergy treatment challenging.
Infection Skin infections can be bacterial or fungal and may occur for various reasons, sometimes secondary to other causes of itching. Ear infections are a common cause of ear scratching in cats, leading to ruptured blood vessels inside the ear, causing swelling (aural hematoma). External ear infections, which are bacterial or fungal infections of the ear canal, cause unpleasant odors, discharge, pain, scratching, and head shaking. Middle and inner ear infections are rarer but can cause serious symptoms like head tilting, difficulty walking straight, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. These infections, if not associated with an external ear infection, are less likely to cause itching. Antibiotics or antifungal medications help treat these infections, sometimes administered directly into the ear or orally, depending on the cat’s needs.
Foreign Body The most likely culprit for a foreign object in a cat’s ear is grass. It can enter the ear, get stuck, and move deeper into the ear canal. A cat with something stuck in its ear will often shake its head violently and scratch at the ear. A vet should be consulted to remove any foreign objects from the ear under sedation to prevent further injury.
Polyps and Tumors Cats can develop various types of growths in the ears. Some are more common in certain breeds or due to sun exposure, chronic inflammation, or ear canal infection. Abnormal growths can lead to recurring ear infections, causing inflammation from scratching. Small growths can often be surgically removed, while some metastatic tumors may not have treatment options.
Ceruminous Cystomatosis Cats suffer from a condition known as ceruminous cystomatosis, where cyst-like formations, dark purple or gray and the size of a raisin, may form in the ear. These usually appear on the ear flap and ear canal and are generally asymptomatic when small, but larger ones can lead to ear infections and intense itching. If many cysts form or they grow large, they can be removed through surgery, cryotherapy, or other methods.
Anatomy Certain cat breeds are more prone to ear itching than others. The Scottish Fold is the only breed with folded ears, making them more susceptible to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent excessive scratching in these cats.
Injury Cats with scabs on their ears from scratching often scratch excessively, which can become a problem as the wounds may not heal, leading to ear infections.
