What does it mean when a cat bites its ear?

A cat biting its ear mainly indicates ear itchiness, which is often caused by infections such as ear mites or skin diseases around the ears. Additionally, if two cats gently bite each other's ears, it may be a way of playing. As long as the bites are not severe, there should be no major issues, and owners don't need to intervene too much. However, if the bites are severe and accompanied by growls, it's advisable to separate the cats for feeding.

Ear itchiness caused by ear mites

Firstly, cats suffering from ear mites will experience intense itchiness, leading them to bite their ears to alleviate the discomfort. At the same time, you can also notice a large amount of black secretions inside the cat's ear canal. It is recommended that owners consult a pet doctor promptly when noticing such symptoms. If the cause is indeed ear mites, cleaning the ear canal with ear cleaner and applying specialized ear mite medication will be necessary.

Ear itchiness caused by skin diseases

Secondly, when a cat has a skin disease around its ears, it can also cause severe itchiness, leading to the cat biting its ears. This is accompanied by abnormal hair loss, skin redness and swelling. Common causes include infections by mites, fungi, and bacteria. It's advised to consult a pet doctor in time or take the cat to a pet hospital for inspection. After determining the specific cause, appropriate medication should be administered.

A way of playing

Lastly, when two cats bite each other's ears, it may also be a sign of their good relationship and a way of expressing affection. Apart from this, two cats playing together, gently biting each other, and licking each other's fur are also manifestations of their good relationship. However, if two cats often fight together and emit growls, it indicates that they have a poor relationship. It's best to separate them for feeding to avoid injuries.