Trouble with head shaking Keeping your cat head shaking?
It can be normal to suddenly shake its head after waking or playing. But if it is happening a lot it can be a problem.
It also may come with scratching, pain, smell, or fluid in the ear.
Causes of cat shaking head Ear mites, an ear infection, dirt, allergy, or something stuck in the ear can make a cat unhappy. It can also make the deeper parts of the ear sore or full. Many problems in the ears can be fixed. Finding the cause is the first step.
Why does my cat shake its head?
A cat can shake its head when something feels wrong in one or both ears. The ear may itch or hurt. It is hard for your cat to tell you so it may be the first thing you notice.
Things that make a cat shake its head include: Ear mites, Ear infection Dirt or extra wax Allergies Something in the ear Injury Growth or polyp Deeper inside the ear A problem that you cannot see from outside What makes a cat head shake?
If you look in your cat’s ears you might see some causes of head shaking. Others, like growth or a small object, need a vet to tell.
Ear mites Ear mites are tiny parasites that can live in a cat’s ear.
They cause itching. You might see your cat shaking its head or scratching the ears or rubbing its head on things. You might also see dark material in the ear. It looks a bit like coffee grounds.
The skin will be red or sore.
The mites can move to other cats. Ask your vet how to safely treat them. An ear infection An ear infection can also make your cat shake its head.
An infected ear can be painful, itchy, and full. It might look red or swollen. There can be a bad smell or discharge and you might see your cat scratch more and tug at the ear.
The discharge may be brown, yellow, dark, or any other color.
It is important to understand that a problem can be deep inside the ear. Ear infections can affect the outer and deeper parts of the ear.
If your cat keeps shaking its head, see a vet. Dirt or wax Allergies can also make a cat shake its head.
Sometimes dirt or extra wax can be a cause.
Ask your vet if you are worried that your cat’s ear is dirty and see what you can do to clean it. Avoid pushing cotton swabs into the ear as they can cause problems. Other causes for head shaking All other causes include:
An allergy that makes the skin itchy A small thing in the ear An injury Growth or polyp Can’t see it yourself Think about your cat’s whole behavior change.
Does it eat differently?
Does it move differently?
Does it walk differently?
Causes such as discomfort in the ear often also change behavior.
What to watch for in your cat Look for your cat scratching a lot, redness or swelling, bad smell, discharge, blood, pain, and tilt to one side. Watch for signs of difficulty walking or acting tired or sick.
A single sign doesn’t give the whole picture but look for one or more of them. How to clean your cat’s ears The ears can be safe to clean if you have been shown how to do so.
Only do this if you have seen your vet.
Do not use cotton-tipped swabs deep in the ear and only use a product recommended by your vet.
Do not try to treat a sore, red, or swollen ear yourself and always follow your vet’s advice. When to see a vet Head shaking needs to be checked out.
Make an appointment if you see these signs: Your cat is in pain Blood coming from the ear Swollen flap on the outside of the ear Discharge or bad smell Head tilt or trouble standing or walking Loss of balance Sudden hearing change Walking in circles or falling down Bad smell Strong head tilt Swelling of the whole ear flap Severe pain or bleeding These signs need a vet. Your cat shaking its head doesn’t always need a vet but those signs will.
What will a vet do to help?
Your vet will look at the ears, take a small sample, and send it to the lab.
This sample can tell if there are mites or bacteria or other problems. The vet will tell you what treatment is needed. Ear medicines and parasite medicines can be helpful. Follow all instructions and do not change medicines without your vet’s OK.
FAQ Why is my cat shaking its head but has clean ears?
Something might be deep inside the ear. An infection, mites, an injury, and allergies can all cause symptoms.
How often can a cat shake its head?
There is no set number. If a cat is shaking its head or scratching it often or for the first time watch for other signs and ask your vet if you are worried.
Can cats have head shaking from ear mites?
Yes!
Ear mites can cause intense itchiness. Cats with mites often scratch and shake their heads.
Can I put human medicine in my cat’s ears?
No!
Only use medicines that your vet recommends.
How often can a cat shake its head?
There is no set number. If a cat is shaking its head or scratching it often or for the first time watch for other signs and ask your vet if you are worried.
Summary Cats shaking their heads once in a while is normal. If it happens often or to the same degree it can be an uncomfortable problem. It can make the ears itchy or sore, infected, or dirty.
Have a look for scratching, redness, smell, discharge, swelling, and trouble walking or looking straight ahead.
Don’t put objects deep in the ear or use medicines without asking your vet. If your cat keeps shaking its head see a vet.
Why does my cat shake his head?
Cause Treatment Ear mites Ear solution prescribed by your vet An ear infection Several causes require medicine to be used in the ear or parasitic medicine, prescribed by your veterinarian.
Follow directions and do not change things without a vet’s OK.
An allergy Change in your cat’s behavior and his ears An object in the ear An injury Growth or polyp If your cat is scratching, tilting his head, or not moving well, ask for help. Call your veterinarian if you see: Your cat is in pain Blood coming from the ear Swollen flap on the outside of the ear Discharge or bad smell Head tilt or trouble standing or walking Loss of balance Sudden hearing change Walking in circles or falling down If you notice these signs have a visit as soon as possible. Why does my cat shake his head and has no dirt in his ears?
Something else is going on like an infection, mites, allergy, or injury.
Lauren Wilson is a content writer at Nameiix.com who loves finding beautiful, creative, and meaningful names. She writes about baby names, girl and boy names, nicknames, and fun naming ideas. Lauren keeps her writing clear and easy to read so readers can quickly find a name they love.
