In comparison to puppies, kitten ear infections are not very common. If you suspect your kitten has an ear infection, it's important to take him to a veterinarian to be examined. Have patience with your kitten when administering medications to the ears.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of an ear infection in a kitten is reddening of the area, shaking the head frequently, scratching of the ears, bad odor in the ears and discharge from the ears. In severe cases, the ear canal might close from swelling.
Ear Mites
The presence of ear mites is often the cause of kitten ear infections. There will be a black discharge, shaking of the head and scratching. After ear mites are treated and gone, many times kittens will be left with an ear infection. Let the veterinarian know the kitten was treated for ear mites, particularly if the problem is cleared up prior to the veterinarian visit.
Damage to the Ear Drums
In some instances, ear infections in kittens are caused by bacteria or fungus inside the ear canal. The ear drum can rupture or have damage to it. Prompt and appropriate treatment reduces the chances of damage to the kitten's ear drum.
Underlying Health Issues
The veterinarian will often run blood tests for underlying health issues when a kitten gets an ear infection. Feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus and diabetes can all cause kitten ear infections and frequent ear infections in adult cats. Tumors and irregularly shaped ear canals can also cause ear infections in kittens.
Treatment
The majority of kitten ear infections are treated with medications specifically for bacteria or fungus. Often, two different types of ear drops are prescribed to treat both. Tumors or closed ear canals are typically treated with surgery. Diabetes, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus are treated on a case-by-case basis.