Ear Infections in Cats in Dubai: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

What is an ear infection in cats?

Most feline ear infections (medically known as otitis) are caused by bacteria or yeast, often secondary to an underlying issue such as allergies or excessive moisture. To understand ear infections, it helps to know a little about a cat’s ear. Unlike a human’s horizontal ear canal, a cat’s ear canal is mostly vertical, with a small horizontal portion at the end. This ‘L’ shape makes it easy for moisture, debris, and wax to become trapped, creating a warm, dark, and humid environment where infections can thrive. Symptoms can appear suddenly or develop over several days.

Ear mites are another common cause of ear infections in cats, especially in kittens or cats that have been in contact with other infected animals. They cause intense itchiness, leading your cat to scratch and damage the delicate skin of the ear canal.

Recognising the symptoms of an ear infection in your cat

Cats are experts at hiding pain, so you’ll need to be observant to spot the subtle signs of an ear infection. Look out for the following symptoms:

• Frequent head shaking or scratching at the ears
• Dark, crumbly discharge (resembling coffee grounds) in the ear canal
• Strong, unpleasant odour from the ears
• Red, inflamed ear canal
• Visible sores or scratches around the ear area
• Your cat may be hiding or cry/scratch when touched around the head or ears
• In advanced cases: loss of hearing, facial drooping, or balance issues
• Prolonged infections can cause the ear canal to become narrower due to thickening of its walls

Risk factors for ear infections in cats

Any cat can develop an ear infection, but some factors increase the likelihood of this happening:

• Breed-specific risks:
  • Flat-faced breeds (Persian, Himalayan cats) have altered ear canal shapes that can trap moisture and debris
  • Scottish Fold cats have ear fold abnormalities that can predispose them to infections
  • Long-haired breeds may have excessive hair around the ears, reducing ventilation
• Environmental factors:
  • Fine particles of dust and sand can irritate the ear canal and lead to inflammation
  • High humidity and temperature extremes can facilitate bacterial and fungal growth
  • Temperature fluctuations from air conditioning use can increase the risk of infections developing
• Immunocompromised cats (such as those suffering from FIV, FeLV, or diabetes) are less capable of fighting off infections
• Allergies can cause chronic inflammation of the skin in the ear canal, increasing the risk of infections developing

Diagnosis: What to Expect at the Vet

• Your vet will perform a thorough examination, which may involve using a special tool called an otoscope to look deep into the ear canal.
• They may also examine a swab from the ear to identify what cells are present and determine if the infection is bacterial, yeast, or both.

If the infection is severe or keeps coming back, further steps may be required:

• Ear examination and flush under sedation or anaesthetic
• Ear swabs sent for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing
• Allergy testing is performed if food or environmental allergies are suspected
• Blood work to rule out underlying immune system problems

What’s the treatment for ear infections in cats?

Treatment will depend on the diagnosis, but may include:

• Cleaning the ear canal to remove microbes and debris before medication. The first cleaning may need to be done at the clinic under sedation, depending on the amount of discharge and level of pain.
• Ear drops or gel containing antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatories.
• Oral medications for pain, deep infections, or underlying issues like allergies.

With accurate diagnosis and full treatment, most cases resolve within 1–3 weeks. Underlying or chronic issues may extend this timeline.

Home Care Tips

Supporting your cat’s recovery at home is essential:

• Use the prescribed medication consistently and as prescribed
• Ask your vet for help if you are struggling with ear drops
• Use a buster or inflatable collar to prevent scratching
• Monitor for worsening symptoms
• Consider a special diet if allergies are suspected. Special prescription diets may help reduce symptoms if food allergies are contributing to ear infections. Hydrolysed protein diets can be particularly beneficial.

Are ear infections in cats contagious to humans or other pets?

Generally not, unless caused by ear mites, which can spread to other pets, though human infection is extremely uncommon.

Tips on preventing ear infections in cats

• Regular, but not too frequent, ear cleaning can help prevent recurrent infections. Use a product and frequency advised by your vet
• Check ears weekly for signs of wax buildup, discharge, or irritation
• Keep hair around ear entrances trimmed for better ventilation
• Maintain stable indoor temperatures and humidity levels
• Limit outdoor exposure during sandstorms and extreme heat
• Gently inspect and clean ears after outdoor activities
• Ensure your cat is up-to-date on parasite preventatives for fleas and mites

When to Seek Emergency Care

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat experiences:

• Severe head tilting or loss of balance
• Swollen, painful ears
• Bleeding from the ear canal
• Complete loss of hearing
• Neurological symptoms such as disorientation or loss of balance

Concerned about your cat’s ears? Book a check-up today at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Our experienced team offers diagnostic services, emergency treatment, and ongoing care tailored to your pet’s needs. Whether it’s a routine ear check or the treatment of complex, recurrent infections, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted veterinary clinic in Dubai for compassionate care and the expertise to diagnose and treat your cat’s ear infection with the professionalism they deserve.