Feline Head Shaking: Causes, Signs & When to See a Vet

A cat may shake its head once and then go back to normal. This can happen after a bath, after getting water near the ear, or when a bit of dust gets inside.

But feline head shaking that keeps happening can mean your cat has a problem.

The cause may be small, such as dirt or wax. It can also be an ear infection, ear mites, allergies, or an object stuck in the ear. Some cats may shake their heads because of pain or an injury.

The key is to watch your cat closely. Look at the ears and check for other signs. If the shaking does not stop, a vet can help find the cause.

Why Is My Cat Shaking Its Head?

Cats shake their heads when something does not feel right.

Your cat cannot tell you that its ear hurts or it feels itchy. Head shaking may be one way it shows you that something is wrong.

Some common causes are:

• Ear infection
• Ear mites
• Ear wax
• Dirt
• Allergies
• Something stuck in the ear
• Ear injury
• Swelling
• A growth in the ear
• A problem deep inside the ear

The cause is not always easy to see. An ear may look fine from the outside while there is a problem deeper inside.

If your cat keeps shaking its head, it is best to have it checked.

Ear Infection

An ear infection can make your cat’s ear sore and itchy.

Your cat may shake its head many times. It may also scratch one ear or rub its head on the floor, wall, or furniture.

You may see:

• Red skin
• Swelling
• Fluid
• Dark material
• A bad smell
• More scratching
• Pain when touched

Your cat may also keep one ear lower than the other.

Some ear infections are mild. Others can affect deeper parts of the ear. A deeper ear problem may cause trouble with balance.

A vet can look inside the ear and find out what is wrong. Your cat may need medicine to clear the problem.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are very small bugs that can live in a cat’s ears. They can make the ears very itchy.

A cat with ear mites may shake its head often. It may scratch its ears or rub its head on things.

One sign can be dark, dry stuff inside the ear. It may look like coffee grounds.

But dark ear dirt does not always mean mites. Other ear problems can look much the same.

A vet can check the ear and tell if mites are the cause.

If your cat has ear mites, other pets may need to be checked too. Mites can spread between animals.

Wax and Dirt

Sometimes the reason is simple.

A little wax, dust, or dirt can make an ear feel strange. Your cat may shake its head to try to get rid of it.

You may want to clean the ear, but be careful.

Do not push a cotton swab deep into the ear. It can hurt the ear or push dirt farther inside.

Do not use human ear drops either. They may not be safe for cats.

If your cat keeps shaking its head, ask a vet to check the ear.

Allergies

Allergies can make a cat’s skin and ears itchy.

A cat may react to food or something in its home or yard. Dust and pollen can also bother some cats.

An allergic cat may have other signs too.

You may notice:

• Face scratching
• Body licking
• Red skin
• Itchy skin
• Hair loss
• Ear problems that come back

If your cat gets ear problems again and again, tell your vet. An allergy may be part of the problem.

Finding the cause can help your cat feel better and may help stop the problem from coming back.

Something May Be Stuck in the Ear

A small piece of grass, dirt, or another object can get into a cat’s ear.

This may cause sudden head shaking. Your cat may also scratch one ear or pull away when you touch its head.

This can happen after a cat has been outside.

Do not try to dig inside the ear. The ear canal is small and can be hurt very easily.

If you think something is stuck inside, let a vet check it. The vet can remove it with the right tools.

Ear Injury

Cats can hurt their ears while playing, fighting, or scratching.

Even a small cut can make an ear hurt. Your cat may shake its head because of the pain.

Hard scratching can also cause more damage.

An ear hematoma is one problem that can happen after strong scratching or head shaking. Blood can collect inside the ear flap.

The ear may look:

• Puffy
• Thick
• Soft
• Swollen
• Bigger than normal

A swollen ear should be checked by a vet. The vet will also look for the reason that caused the shaking.

Dental Pain Can Cause Strange Head Movements

Head shaking does not always start in the ear.

A cat with tooth or mouth pain may make odd head movements, mainly while eating.

You may notice:

• Less interest in food
• Trouble chewing
• Dropping food
• Bad breath
• Eating on one side
• Moving away from food

Cats can hide pain very well. A tooth problem may not be easy to see at home.

If your cat shakes its head when eating, tell your vet. The teeth and mouth may need a check.

Deeper Ear Problems

The deeper part of the ear helps a cat stay balanced.

A problem there can cause more than head shaking.

Watch for:

• Head tilt
• Walking in circles
• Falling over
• Trouble standing
• Trouble walking
• Trouble jumping
• Fast eye movements
• Vomiting
• Poor balance

These signs need quick care.

If your cat suddenly cannot walk well or keeps falling, contact a vet as soon as possible.

When Should You See a Vet?

One quick head shake is not always a reason to worry.

But shaking again and again is worth checking.

Make a vet visit if your cat:

• Keeps shaking its head
• Scratches its ears a lot
• Has red ears
• Has swollen ears
• Has fluid in the ear
• Has a bad ear smell
• Seems to be in pain
• Has a swollen ear flap
• Eats less than normal
• Acts different

Get urgent help if your cat has severe pain, trouble walking, serious balance problems, seizures, collapse, or sudden weakness.

What Can You Do at Home?

You can gently look at the outside of the ears. Check for redness, swelling, fluid, or other changes.

Keep your cat calm. If possible, keep it inside while you work out what is wrong.

Do not:

• Put oil in the ear
• Use human ear drops
• Use alcohol
• Use hydrogen peroxide
• Push cotton swabs into the ear
• Pull out a deep object
• Use old medicine
• Use medicine made for another pet

Different ear problems need different care. The wrong product may make the problem worse.

Ask your vet before using any ear cleaner or medicine.

How Does a Vet Find the Cause?

Your vet will ask about your cat’s behavior.

They may ask when the shaking started, how often it happens, and if your cat scratches its ears.

The vet will look inside the ears. A small sample may be taken from the ear too. This can help find mites, yeast, bacteria, or other problems.

Treatment depends on the cause.

Your cat may need ear medicine, cleaning, parasite treatment, or care for another health problem.

How Can You Help Prevent Ear Problems?

Check your cat’s ears from time to time. Look for redness, swelling, fluid, or a bad smell.

Do not clean the ears too often unless your vet tells you to. Too much cleaning can irritate the skin.

If your vet gives you an ear cleaner, follow the directions.

Keep your cat’s living area clean. Follow your vet’s advice about flea and parasite care.

If your cat has had ear problems before, watch for early signs. Early care may keep a small problem from getting worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is feline head shaking always an ear infection?

No. Ear infections are common, but mites, allergies, dirt, injuries, dental pain, and deeper ear problems can also cause head shaking.

Why does my cat shake its head but not scratch?

Some cats shake their heads when an ear feels itchy or painful without scratching much. A lack of scratching does not mean the ear is fine.

Can I clean my cat’s ears at home?

Only use a cleaner that is safe for cats and approved by your vet. Never push anything deep into the ear.

Is head shaking in cats serious?

It can be. Repeated shaking may mean your cat has an ear or health problem. Severe pain or balance trouble needs fast vet care.

Can ear mites spread to other pets?

Yes. Ear mites can spread between animals. If your cat has mites, your vet may want to check other pets too.

Conclusion

Repeated feline head shaking should not be ignored.

Your cat may have an ear infection, mites, allergies, wax, dirt, an injury, or another problem. Watch for redness, swelling, fluid, bad smells, scratching, pain, and balance changes.

Do not use random products or human medicine in your cat’s ears. If the shaking keeps happening, a vet can find the cause and give your cat the right care.