My cat has hot ears: Why? Is that bad ?

A cat’s ears can be very hot. In this case, we are concerned. And if he was sick… Don’t worry, that’s not always the case. The temperature of a cat’s ears can change depending on its activity but also on its environment. If his ears are hot, your cat may also have a fever. Find out why your pet has hot ears and when you should be concerned about their health and well-being.

How do cat ears work?

A cat’s ear is made up of several parts.

• • The external ear is the one we see, with the auricle and the auditory canal. The epithelium of the ear canal has many seborrhoea glands which produce earwax. As in humans, this substance is orange in color and greasy. It protects the duct thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

• • The middle ear consists of the eardrum, the auditory tube and the ossicles. These are three in number: the hammer, the anvil and the stirrup.

• • The inner ear houses the auditory organs called the cochlea and those that ensure the balance of the feline.

The cat’s ears take the form of movable pavilions placed above the head. It should be noted that the Scottish Fold is a cat breed that has different ears. These are made up of cartilage and covered with a thin skin.

A cat’s ears are so-called sensory organs. They have several functions.

• • They allow cats to perceive sounds and vibrations.

• • They make it possible to become aware of the movements of air, which facilitates its movements at night.

• • They ensure the regulation of the cat’s temperature.

The ears of felines are sensitive to climatic conditions and therefore to temperature variations, exposure to the sun or even frost. Variations in blood flow, linked to physical activity, also impact the sensitivity of the ears. The pinna of the external ear is highly vascularized.

A cat’s body temperature

While the human body temperature is 37°C, that of the cat is between 38°C and 39°C. Beyond these 39°C, the cat has a fever. You should know that the temperature of the cat’s ear canal fluctuates between 38.2°C and 38.4°C. The rectal temperature is 39°C. In both cases, the temperature is independent of the weather and the temperature of the cat’s environment.

• • If your cat is between 38°C and 39°C, he is fine.

• • If he is between 39°C and 40°C, he has a moderate fever. This is most often caused by inflammation.

• • If it is over 40°C, you should be concerned and take it to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

• • If your cat has a body temperature of less than 37°C, it is hypothermic. This decline is due to age. If you have a kitten, hypothermia can be fatal. So you need to take him to the vet.

Cat’s ears: the signs that should alert

If your cat’s ear temperature feels high and isn’t going down, your cat may have a problem. Start by inspecting the pinna for redness, swelling, crusting, or black or green streaks that could be caused by secretions. Also remember to observe your cat. Certain signs are unmistakable and may reveal inflammation of the ear.

• • Your cat is scratching at ear level.

• • He often shakes his head.

• • He does not allow himself to be caressed.

• • He suffers and isolates himself.

If you have any doubts, make an appointment with the veterinarian following your animal. He will be able to auscultate it and check that there is no foreign body or parasites in the auditory canal. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, he will propose an appropriate treatment.

Why does my cat have hot ears?

If your cat’s ears are warm and this symptom lasts, you should be concerned as there is most likely inflammation. This can be caused by:

• • otitis,

• • a parasitic infection,

• • allergic dermatitis,

• • a wound,

• • an abscess,

• • the presence of a foreign body,

• • a carcinoma (ulcer).

Everything you need to know about otitis in cats

Otitis is initially external. The pathology without gravity then leads to an increase in temperature and humidity in the ear canal. The pH is modified and becomes basic. Earwax is secreted in quantity and can accumulate in the duct. If the ear infection is diagnosed and taken care of quickly, the cat will recover quickly. On the other hand, an untreated ear infection can have serious consequences. This is because the wall of the ear canal thickens. It can also be blocked by cysts also caused by otitis.

There are several types of ear infections.

• • Erythematous Ceruminous otitis is caused by mites or fleas. It is characterized by pruritus and dark secretions. In the vast majority of cases, this type of otitis is bilateral, so it affects both ears.

• • Suppurative otitis is another form of ear infection that usually affects only one ear. It is manifested by a large amount of yellowish pus, a bad smell and pain.

To treat otitis in cats, the veterinarian washes the cat’s ears. He also prescribed medication with corticosteroids. Depending on the cause of the ear infection, the veterinarian will add an antiparasitic or antibiotic-based treatment.

allergy in cats

Your cat may have hot ears from an allergy. He can be allergic:

• • to certain foods such as those containing lactose,

• • maintenance products,

• • to plastic,

• • to plants,

• • to mites,

• • flea bites (or other parasites)…

This list is not exhaustive. In case of allergy, the itching can bother the cat. By scratching, it causes microlesions and inflammation, and therefore hot ears.

How to prevent ear problems in cats?

For your cat to be healthy, but also to ensure its daily well-being, you want to prevent ear problems. To do this, you have to adopt good habits from an early age.

• • Take your cat to the veterinarian regularly and do not hesitate to consult him in the slightest doubt.

• • Check his ears (pinna and duct).

• • Observe your cat, if its balance is uncertain, consult!

• • Treat your cat for parasites such as lice, fleas or ticks.

• • Also opt for preventive treatment.

• • Wash your cat’s cushion regularly.

• • Clean your cat’s wounds as soon as you notice them.

• • Don’t wash your cat’s ears, even if you bathe her.

• • Never use a cotton swab on your cat.