What does it mean when my cat shakes their head?
It’s normal for your cat to shake their head — Cats often instinctively shake their heads when they eat or have an itch. Occasionally, underlying medical conditions cause head shaking — Head shaking could be a symptom of an ear infection, allergies, and some neurological diseases.
Signs of Ear infection in Cats
- Yellowish or black discharge.
- Head tilting.
- Ear discharge resembling coffee grounds.
- Hearing loss.
- Swelling or redness in the ear canal.
Why is my cat twitching and shaking head?
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
This is a complex behavior disorder that is triggered by fleas, stress, seizures, pain, or brain inflammation. Cats with this syndrome have overactive nerves, which results in twitching or head bobbing as well as many changes to behavior, including when brushing or petting your cat.
Why does my cat shake her head when excited?
She may be psyching her self up for a jump or she might be using the head shake as a way of assuring herself of depth perception. Cat’s don’t always notice things not in motion and moving her head gives the illusion of movement to what she’s looking at.
Why does my cat keep shaking her head?
Occasional head shaking is perfectly normal but if your cat suddenly starts shaking their head a lot more than usual it’s likely to indicate a problem such as: Ear infection. Aural haematoma. Ear mites.
Why does my cat do weird head movements?
Vestibular disease is a condition in which a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth (called nystagmus), a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting. These clinical signs usually appear suddenly, often in less than an hour.
Signs your cat may have ear mites
- shaking their head or scratching their ears excessively.
- having red and inflamed ears caused by extra wax and irritation.
- producing a black, dry ear discharge which can sometimes let off a bad smell.
Can indoor cats get ear mites?
Even indoor-only cats can end up with them, and once one cat in the house has them, the others are sure to end up with them as well. Otodectes cynotis seen under a microscope. The most common type of ear mite is Otodectes cynotis, which live in the ear canal and feed by piercing the thin skin.
How can I treat my cats Ear infection at home?
Heavily moisten a cotton ball with the ear cleaner. Apply the cotton ball to the base of the ear and fold the ear flap over onto the cotton ball. Massage the base of the ear (you should hear a squishing sound), and then allow your cat to shake his head.
What does it mean when a cat keeps shaking its head?
Head shaking usually indicates a problem with the ears. Book an appointment with your vet if you have noticed your cat shaking their head more than usual.
What Are the Signs of an Ear Infection in a Cat?
- Black or yellowish discharge.
- Redness or swelling of the ear flap or ear canal.
- Waxy buildup on or near the ear canal.
- Discharge from the ear that resembles coffee grounds (a symptom of ear mites)
- Strong odor.
- Hearing loss.
- Loss of balance or disorientation.
Why does my cat keep shaking his head and scratching his ear?
Ear mites are tiny parasites that like to live in and around cat ears. They are easily passed between cats and are most commonly diagnosed in kittens. Ear mites make cats shake their heads and scratch themselves around the ears, head and neck.
How does a cat act with an ear infection?
A cat will show his discomfort by scratching or pawing at their ear or shaking or tilting their head in the direction of the painful ear. Other symptoms to look for include: Black or yellowish discharge. Redness or swelling of the ear flap or ear canal.
How do you check a cat for ear infection?
How Ear Infections in Cats Are Diagnosed. Your veterinarian will begin by using an otoscope to look into your cat’s ear canal, then taking a sample of ear debris to examine under a microscope to determine whether bacteria, yeast, or ear mites are causing the problem with your kitty’s ear.
Will cats ear infection go away on its own?
While cats don’t often get ear infections, they are painful and will likely not go away on their own. It’s important to familiarize yourself with signs and indicators of this type of condition so that you can get your feline friend help if they need it.
What can I give my cat for ear infection?
Antibiotics (such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, or cefpodoxime) will be prescribed for a bacterial infection for 6-8 weeks minimum. If the infection is fungal in nature, an anti-fungal medication (most often itraconazole) will be prescribed.
Can you treat an ear infection without a vet?
Never put anything in your dog’s ear without veterinary instruction. Your veterinary team can help you find the ideal treatment to treat the infection and give your dog much-needed relief. Itchy, uncomfortable ears can be caused by everything from ear infections to allergies and ear mites.
How does apple cider vinegar help a cat’s ear infection?
Keep Your Pet’s Ears Clean
Highly diluted organic apple cider vinegar may be used to clean your pet’s ear as the acid kills the yeast and fungi which could cause an infection.
How can I help my cat with an ear infection?
Treatment for feline ear infections is generally straight forward. To begin your veterinarian may clip the fur around your kitty’s ear canal to help keep it clean and dry. If the infection has reached the middle ear but the eardrum is untouched, oral or injectable antibiotics may be given to clear up the infection.