Ear infection is one of the problems faced by cats and dogs, though it is not that common for cats. The causes of ear infection are also various, from yeast, bacteria or other medical conditions too. Yeast is one of the most common causes of ear infection in cats. Y
east is mainly caused by fungi, parasitic organisms that produce spores. Yeast mostly exploits a host that is weak or sick, but even the healthiest of cats may also be infected. In dogs, yeast infection also can their ears, look at the ways how to treat yeast ear infections in dogs.
Let’s get to know better about yeast infection in cat’s ears, including the causes, symptoms and possible treatment for it.
Causes of Yeast Infection in Cat’s Ears
The cause of yeast infection in cat’s ears is yeast or fungi. But ear infection in cats can also be caused by other factors as the following:
- allergies with food or pollen
- overgrowth of yeast or bacteria
- wax buildup in the ear canal
- thick hair in the ear canal
- ruptured eardrum
- improper ear cleaning
- diabetes mellitus
- autoimmune diseases
- foreign things, such as bristle from grass
Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infection in Cat’s Ears
Scratching might be the common symptoms your cat might show as ear infection mostly causes itchiness. Itchiness can also be caused by other factors such as elaborated in causes and remedies for itchy ears in cats.
Besides, your cat might also paw at his ears or shake or tilt his head in the direction of the infected ear. The other symptoms are as followed:
- dark discharge (black or yellowish)
- swelling of the ear flap or canal
- buildup of wax on or near the ear canal
- strong and unpleasant odor
- loss of balance or disorientation
If you see any of these symptoms, then you should take immediate action, either to the vet or do some home treatment.
Types of Cat’s Ear Infections Caused by Yeast
Different types of fungus are found in parts of the body, including the ears. Yeasts are able to multiply too rapidly and colonize the infection results. If a yeast infection in a cat’s ears occurs for more than once, it can be a sign of underlying disease or compromised immune system.
Here are the types of yeast infection in cat’s ears:
- Ear Infection
This is the most common body infection caused by yeast. You will find your cat shaking his head and scratching at the ear followed by unpleasant odor. This infection is also known as otitis, might also affect all parts of the ear, including the outer, middle and inner part of the ears.
If you bring your cat to the vet, your vet will take a sample of the ear to be able to determine the type of the yeast. Ear cleaning is one of the common treatments for some cats. However, if it is severe, your cat might need to be given anesthesia during the cleansing.
- Malassezia Dermatitis
This yeast lives on cat’s ears and skin. The excessive amount of this yeast can cause Malassezia dermatitis. The symptoms of this disease are hair loss, redness, skin irritation, scaling and even a foul odor.
This yeast can be triggered by other infections, allergies or even other diseases, including liver and pancreatitis in cats. Your vet will be likely to give antibiotics to treat this problem.
- Feline Candidiasis
Candida yeast is commonly found in the cat’s nose, ears, mouth and even the intestinal tract. If the yeast is out of control, then it might attack the cat’s immune system. Excessive amount of this yeast in the ear will lead to symptoms common to ear infections.
Treatment of Yeast Infection in Cat’s Ears
As being told before, once you see any symptoms of ear infections caused by yeast, immediately contact your vet. Your vet will give some medications, either orally or with direct application to the infected area.
Your vet may give anti-parasitic, antifungals or antibiotics. Read also about things every owner should know about antibiotics for dog. Antibiotics might have several effects too to your cats. All of these will also come in ointment or eardrop form.
Cleaning and drying the ear canal will be also part of the treatment. As an owner, you also need to check your cat’s ear regularly if the inside of the ear flap is pink and it has clear canal.
If you get ear drops prescribed from your vet, then gently lift the ear flap and squeeze out the drop to the ear canal. Then, massage the base of the ear to make it works to the ear canal.
Cat’s ear infection caused by yeast can be prevented with regular checking. You have to know that a cat’s healthy ears are pale pink, have no odor or debris and ear wax.
Keep checking your cat’s ear regularly and when you find any potential of ear infection, you can contact your vet to prevent it from getting worse. However, never ever do the cleaning process by yourself unless it is instructed by your vet.
You might consider these following natural remedies for ear problems in cats, but still you need to consult with your vet about the safety of the ingredients.