Otitis in cats is a very common disease known to pet parents. The ear infection in cats - which also affects dogs - can have several causes and brings discomfort to the kitty. Even though feline otitis often begins in a milder form, it can evolve and even cause hearing loss. As it progresses, otitis in cats affects different regions of the ear.Therefore, it is divided into three: external, medium and internal otitis. Patas da Casa explains the differences between them, as well as how to clean the cat's ear in the right way, what is the remedy for otitis in cats and what are the most common symptoms of the disease. Check it out!

Otitis in cats is a disease that can have quite varied causes

There are many possible causes of otitis in cats, since anything that triggers an infectious process can be the starting point. The most common cause of feline otitis is poor hygiene. A dirty cat ear is very exposed to bacteria, fungi and mites that can cause the disease. Therefore, knowing how to clean a cat's ear is essential. In addition to poor hygiene, other causes arecauses are trauma, accidents and foreign bodies in the animal's ear. Otitis in cats can also be a consequence of other diseases, such as FIV, FeLV and FIP. An animal with low immunity is more likely to develop the disease. Otitis in cats can be classified in three ways, according to the affected region.

Feline otitis externa: only the most superficial part of the ear is affected

As its name suggests, otitis externa in cats affects the outer region of the cat's ear. This part is located before the eardrum and has the function of carrying sound to the innermost parts of the ear. Because it is the most superficial region, it is also the place most exposed to the action of agents that cause inflammation. Thus, feline otitis externa is the most common. It can be classified as chronicor acute.

Feline otitis media: the disease progresses and reaches the eardrum

As otitis in cats affects the inner layers of the ear, it becomes more serious. Otitis media is therefore more serious than otitis externa. It usually occurs as a result of external otitis that has not been treated properly. The middle ear is where the eardrum is located. In otitis media, the membrane that protects the eardrum is ruptured, resulting in more severe pain.than in the previous step.

Feline otitis interna: the most serious stage of the disease

Otitis interna is undoubtedly the most serious and causes the most discomfort. It occurs in the inner ear, a region of the ear where several bones and the acoustic nerve are located. This is where the cat's hearing actually takes place. It is also the place responsible for maintaining the animal's balance. When there is inflammation in this region (usually as a consequence of otitis media), the cat feels painmuch more intense.

The intensity of the symptoms of otitis in cats increases according to the phases

Each type of otitis in cats affects a region of the ear, but has basically the same symptoms. What changes is their intensity. While in otitis externa the symptoms are milder (although still quite bothersome), in otitis interna the symptoms are much more noticeable. The level of pain of a cat with otitis also increases greatly according to the levels: otitis in catsIf the procedure of how to treat otitis in cats is not followed quickly, it can even lead to deafness. The most common symptoms of otitis in cats are:

• Itching
• Bad smell
• Wounds
• Black wax on the edge of the ear and in the outer ear
• Cat shaking its head

Feline otitis X ear scabies in cats: understand the difference between the two diseases

We know that there are differences between external, middle and internal otitis in cats, but many people also confuse it with otodectic mange. Ear scabies in cats - as it is also called - is another disease that affects this region in the cat. The symptoms are practically the same as those of feline otitis - which is why the doubt is so common. However, ear scabies in cats is caused by a few typesspecific mite, while otitis in cats can also be caused by bacteria, fungi, allergies, trauma and other reasons. In addition, comparing the concentration of black earwax is another way to differentiate scabies from otitis in cats. Photos can show that in ear scabies in cats there is a much higher production.

Remedy for otitis in cats: treatment consists of drugs and washes

Otitis in cats starts on the outside of the ear, moves to the middle and then inside. This evolution is very dangerous, because the later you start taking care of it, the greater the chances of even causing the cat to lose its hearing. As soon as you notice the first signs, do not hesitate to take your pet to the vet. He will know how to treat otitis in cats in the best way according to the levelThe specialist may prescribe a remedy for otitis in cats and will usually also recommend washing the site in more severe cases. The antibiotic for otitis in cats helps to eliminate the infection and the healing ointments heal the wounds present at the site.

How to clean a cat's ears: hygiene is key to preventing the dreaded disease

Even if you take the antibiotic for otitis in cats and all the medicines indicated by the veterinarian, you need to pay extra attention to the hygiene of the place, as this care prevents the disease from returning. Only the veterinarian knows how to clean cat ears with otitis. If the cat has the disease, let the specialist do the washing to avoid complications. However, once cured, you can eitherlearn how to clean your cat's ear in a very simple way. You only need absorbent cotton and earwax remover specifically for cats. Wet the absorbent cotton a little with the product and apply it to the ear. Start with the outer region and then move on to the inner parts as far as you can touch your finger, without forcing it so as not to hurt the animal. There you go! You see how easy it is to clean a cat's ear!By making it a habit and always taking care of your pet's health, you can prevent your kitty from contracting feline otitis.