What are some typical cat ear infection treatments?

Make sure to see a vet about ear infection treatments! The problem with treating cat ear infections yourself with an antibiotic is that there are several different potential infectious agents, including several types of bacteria, fungus and other foreign bodies. Another risk is that the cat’s eardrum may already be ruptured, especially if you’ve noticed the ear infection symptoms for a long time now. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that your cat’s hearing will suffer, it does mean that certain ear infection medications should not be used. Doing so will result in complete loss of hearing in that ear. The infection should be seen by a professional before any treatment can be recommended.

So, if the infection has been caused by a foreign body (which could mean anything from a tick to a piece of dirt) then the vet will most likely sedate the cat and remove the problem. Depending on the vet’s diagnosis of the infection, this will lead to a course of medication. However, this step relies on a positive ID on the cause of the infection. Owners are usually expected to administer medication themselves. This will be a lot easier if you have a “mellow” cat, since you are required to inert an eye-dropper into the vertical section of your cat’s ear canal. Don’t worry though, the vet will show you how it’s done!