Companion Animals

Cat Ear Disease Welfare

Feline ear disease from otitis externa to polyp formation causes significant discomfort and deafness, requiring diagnosis-led management to resolve welfare problems.

Key Facts

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are the most common cause of otitis externa in young cats
Chronic otitis in cats is often associated with polyps or inflammatory disease of the middle ear
Otoscopy and cytology guide appropriate treatment choice for different causative organisms
Bulla osteotomy surgery is required for middle ear polyps causing vestibular signs or deafness
Persistent ear disease causes chronic pain detectable through behavioural indicators

Welfare Considerations

Ear disease causes chronic pain and hearing loss that significantly affects cat quality of life. Diagnosis-guided treatment rather than empirical medication achieves better welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary assessment for any cat showing head shaking, scratching or tilting
Request otoscopy and ear cytology to confirm diagnosis before initiating treatment
Follow up chronic ear disease cases to ensure complete resolution of the underlying cause