Signs of ear infections in cats: black or yellowish discharge from any of the ears, tilting of the head, discharge from the ear that looks like ground coffee, redness or swelling in the ear canal, loss of balance or disorientation, loss of hearing, strong and unpleasant odor coming from the ear, excessive accumulation of wax in or near the ear canal. That's why it's critical to seek treatment for your cat's ear infection as soon as possible. An easy to treat outer ear infection can quickly spread to the cat's middle ear and inner ear. If left untreated, ear infections in cats can cause hearing loss.
Early treatment of infections is essential, as ear infections can become chronic, leading to facial paralysis and hearing loss. Other signs include redness in the affected ear and foul-smelling discharge. The outer ear canal may thicken and harden to the touch due to chronic inflammation, and the lymph node at the base of the chin on the affected side may be enlarged. Your cat may be reluctant to move and prefer to sit or lie down in one place, and their head may sway from side to side, even when they are at rest.
You may also notice nystagmus (short, rapid movements of the eyeballs from one side to the other). Cats with weak immune systems, allergies, or diabetes are often more susceptible to ear infections than cats without these health problems. Some cats may not show external signs, but you may notice that your cat is reluctant to chew or seems to feel pain when opening its mouth.
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