From ear mites to cancer, a diverse array of medical conditions can cause cats to develop ear infections. Allergies, the formation of a polyp or tissue growth in the middle ear, trauma to the ear from scratching, bacteria, yeast, and many diseases all can lead to otitis, or inflammation of the ear canal.
Cats frequently will shake their heads and scratch their ears when they have otitis because of discomfort and irritation. Generally, medications are successful at treating most cases of otitis, but if allergies or other complicating underlying conditions are causing the inflammation, additional measures may need to be taken to eliminate the problem.
The veterinarian will need to examine the outside of the ears, as well as the ear canal and tympanic membrane or eardrum to see if there are any abnormalities. Sometimes sedation or general anesthesia will be needed to allow the ears to be examined and cleaned thoroughly and to perform diagnostic tests.
