The cat shakes its head and scratches its ears: possible reasons. How to clean your cat’s ears at home

Why does the cat shake its head and scratch its ears? We will talk about this in our article. We will consider the main reasons for this behavior of the animal. But before that, we’ll talk about how to clean a cat’s ears at home. This topic is very important for owners. After all, their condition depends on proper hygiene of the ears. Of course, the cleaning procedure for cats is not particularly pleasant. But you cannot do without such an event. Accustom to the procedure is from early childhood.

We clean the ears

How to clean your cat’s ears at home so as not to harm the cat? Now we will consider this topic in detail. First, I would like to note that for this procedure you will need sticks with limiters, boiled water and gauze swabs. If the animal has very dirty ears, then you can use a 0.9% NaCl (sterile) pharmacy saline solution or lotion, which is sold in pet stores.

It is not necessary to use peroxide, soap solutions, alcohol-containing compounds and other folk remedies for cleaning. Such liquids can harm the animal. Because of these funds, the formation of small sores, drying out of the skin, and increased production of sulfur are not ruled out. The shape of the cat’s ear allows the owner to remove unnecessary secretions only from the visible surfaces of the shell. Trying to penetrate deeper, you can scratch the delicate skin and damage the membrane, thereby triggering increased production of sulfur. Clean regularly.

During this event, do not use force, do not try to "twist" the cat. One can achieve obedience with affection and persuasion. You can wipe the ear with a gauze swab if a little sulfur has accumulated in it. With a large amount of it, saline should be instilled into the ear canal. After you carefully massage the ear so that the liquid penetrates deeper. The cleaning procedure will be quick if you let the drops work for at least ten minutes. A cotton swab will help to clean in hard to reach places.

This hygiene procedure should be carried out as necessary. Sterile cleanliness is not necessary. For most cats, one brushing per month will suffice.

The main causes of the disease

Why does a cat often scratch its ears and shake its head? Now consider the main reasons. Note that if the animal scratched its head or ear once, this is quite normal.

Normally, a cat can itch several (two to three) times a day. But if this is repeated constantly, while the pet is nervous, tears the skin, feels discomfort all the time, this is a real cause for concern. Why does the cat shake its head and scratch its ears? The main reasons that cause such inconvenience include:

• scabies mite;
• untreated hematoma;
• water or a foreign object that gets into your ear;
• accumulation of sulfur;
• infections causing inflammation;
• injuries from scratches or bites.

Lack of hygiene

Cats that live in the house are not as susceptible to ear diseases as those who walk the streets. But hygiene of the organs of hearing should be monitored in any case. Therefore, if the cat shakes its head and scratches its ears, then take it to the veterinarian. If at the same time there is an unpleasant odor and accumulation of brown secretions, then, most likely, the animal has otodecosis, which we will discuss later. This is a serious enough disease, so you need to choose the right therapy. In addition to the fact that the cat should regularly clean his ears from plaque, systematic prevention should be carried out. Since such a serious disease can be transmitted to other animals. It is also necessary to periodically inspect the ears of the pet. Since poor hygiene and advanced disease can lead to more serious consequences.

Ear mite

Why does the cat shake its head and scratch its ears? It is possible that the animal has otodecosis. What is this disease? Otherwise, the disease is also called scabies, or an ear mite. Such a disease is mainly affected by weakened individuals, as well as those who live in large groups. Usually the tick parasitizes in the outer passage or on the inside of the ear.

What are the main signs of this disease? In addition to itching in the ears, in the shells themselves, you can replace the brown coating, as well as the sticky liquid. The consequences of such a disease are serious, they include rupture of the membrane, and meningitis, and others. If there is a problem with one ear, then you should still treat both.

Ear infection

Why does the cat shake its head from side to side and scratch its ears? It is possible that he has inflammation of the inner, outer or middle ear. Such a disease may occur due to untreated or transferred scabies. Other causes of inflammation:

• sulfuric cork;
• hypothermia;
• foreign object in the ear.

Sometimes this disease provokes infections. With pancreatic or liver dysfunction, a cat can scratch its ears too. Brown pellets are also observed in shells.

Symptoms of the disease:

1. Itching in the ears.
2. Uncontrolled head movements.
3. Decreased appetite.
4. Fluid in the auricles.

Sulfur plugs in the ears of a cat

If the animal has formed a large sulfur plug, then you should contact a veterinarian. You can also get rid of it at home. This will require either peroxide or saline. The drug should be dripped a week, three times a day. After the cat itself can get rid of the cork. If there are problems, then you should contact the clinic.

Allergy

Why does a cat scratch an ear, but is it clean? It is possible that the animal is allergic to a product. In order to determine what kind of food the reaction is going on, various tests are carried out. Also give antihistamines and local (drops and other) drugs.

Features of the treatment of the disease

If a cat scratches its ears, what should I do? Of course, a treat. The nature of the therapy depends on what kind of disease the cat (kitten) has. For example, with otitis, special drops are used. They contain antibiotics. If the animal has parasites, then antiparasitic drugs are used. When digging in the drops, you need to control so that they are evenly distributed over the sink. Sometimes injections are prescribed. There are times when surgical intervention is required.

Veterinarian recommendations

It is important to properly care (preventative) for the ears of the pet. It is necessary to examine the cat, especially if it often visits the street. You should also regularly treat the animal from parasites. Cleaning should be done once a month.

Conclusion

Now it’s clear why the cat shakes its head and scratches its ears. As you can see, there are many reasons for this behavior of the animal. Therefore, be sure to clean your pet’s ears on time, as we described. Proper hygiene of the animal’s ears is an excellent disease prevention.