TL;DR: Persistent ear scratching or head shaking in cats usually indicates an infection or mites that requires veterinary care within 24 to 48 hours to prevent severe pain or permanent ear damage.
What causes ear irritation and scratching in cats?
When a cat constantly shakes its head or scratches at its ears, it is a clear sign of discomfort, itching, or pain. The most common causes include:
- Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis)
- Bacterial or yeast infections
- Allergic reactions
- Foreign objects like grass seeds or growths such as polyps trapped inside the ear canal
How urgent is it if my cat has an ear problem?
This condition is classified as Medium Urgency. While it is rarely an immediate life-threatening emergency, it is very painful and will not resolve on its own. To ensure your cat's recovery, you should:
- Schedule a veterinary appointment within 24 to 48 hours.
- Act quickly to avoid aural hematomas, where the ear flap fills with blood from scratching.
- Prevent deep middle-ear infections that can negatively affect your cat's balance.
How can a photo of my cat’s ear help with triage?
Providing a clear, well-lit photo of the inner ear flap and the entrance to the ear canal can significantly assist in triage by allowing a professional to look for:
- Specific indicators such as dark "coffee ground" discharge typical of mites.
- Physical signs of infection like redness, swelling, or the presence of blood.
- Information that determines the severity of the inflammation and the necessity of an urgent or routine visit.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats, head shaking and continual ear scratching are common clinical signs often associated with otitis externa, particularly due to mite infestations. Mites belonging to the family Psoroptidae are frequently found within both the vertical and horizontal ear canals, though they may occasionally be present on other areas of the body. Additional clinical signs may include ear droop.
Chapter: Dermatology, Parasitology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 520)