What's going on when a cat scratches its ears?

A cat scratching its ears may be due to various reasons such as excessive earwax, ear mites, ear inflammation, or ringworm. Here are some suggestions for owners to identify the cause and take appropriate measures:

Excessive earwax

If the cat doesn't have its ears cleaned frequently, the buildup of earwax can cause itching, leading to scratching. This generally isn't a serious issue, and the owner can simply take the cat to the vet for earwax removal. It's also a good idea to clean the cat's ears regularly with pet-specific ear cleaning solutions.

Ear mites

Ear mites can cause severe itching, leading to the cat scratching its ears. The main symptoms include inflammation of the outer ear and the presence of brown or black discharge. To treat this, owners should clean the cat's ears and administer medication to eliminate ear mites. As ear mites are contagious, it's necessary to isolate the affected cat and continue treatment for at least three weeks.

Ear inflammation

If the cat has a purulent discharge from its ears, it may be due to ear inflammation. As there are various causes for ear inflammation in cats, it's recommended to take the cat to the vet to determine the cause and choose the appropriate treatment.

Ringworm

If the cat has ringworm, it will have redness, scabbing, and excessive shedding on the skin, causing severe itching. In this case, the owner should first put a Elizabethan collar on the cat to prevent it from scratching the affected area. Then, clean the cat's skin with physiological saline solution to remove the crusts and lesions. After cleaning, apply antifungal medication to the affected area. To help the cat recover faster, ensure proper nutrition to strengthen its immune system.