TL;DR: Occasional ear scratching is usually a normal grooming behavior, but persistent scratching with redness or odor may indicate issues like mites or allergies. This is typically a low-urgency situation unless your cat shows signs of pain, discharge, or bleeding.
Is it normal for my cat to scratch their ears occasionally?
Occasional ear scratching is often a normal part of a cat's daily grooming routine. Just like humans, cats may experience a random itch. However, when scratching occurs several times a day or is accompanied by head shaking, it may indicate mild irritation, a buildup of wax, or the early stages of an ear condition such as allergies or mites.
When should I worry that my cat's ear scratching is an emergency?
The urgency level for occasional ear scratching is Low. If your cat is still eating, playing, and acting normally, this is generally not a medical emergency. However, you should monitor the ears and contact a vet if you see:
- Redness or inflammation of the ear flap or canal
- A foul or unusual odor
- Visible discharge or dark debris
- A persistent head tilt
- Scratching so intense that the skin begins to bleed
How does sending a photo help my vet triage my cat's ear issue?
A high-quality image of the inner ear helps a veterinary professional identify specific clinical signs and determine the next steps, including:
- Assessing skin health: Checking for inflammation or redness.
- Identifying debris: Spotting dark, crusty material common with ear mites.
- Detecting infection: Finding yellow or green discharge indicative of bacteria or yeast.
- Determining urgency: Deciding if the cat needs an immediate exam or home monitoring.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats, occasional ear scratching is often associated with otitis externa, commonly caused by ear mites, particularly those of the family Psoroptidae; Notoedres cati is also a common mange mite implicated. Clinical signs may include head shaking and ear droop in addition to scratching. Diagnosis involves clinical signs, history, and skin scrapings, although negative scrapings do not rule out mite infestation. In severe cases, short-acting glucocorticoids may be necessary to reduce inflammation and pruritus. Radiographs, CT, or MRI may be indicated in relapsing or severe chronic cases, especially when otitis media or neurologic signs are suspected.
Chapter: Dermatology, Parasitology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 921)