Have you ever touched your cat’s tiny ears? When we hug them, we notice that their ears become warm. Is this an indication that the cat is ill or that something is wrong? To learn more about the causes of cat ear fever, read our article on the subject below!
Why are cat ears so warm?
Here are six common causes of your cat’s hot ears.
Cats regulate their body temperatures
Cat ears are useful not only for hearing, but also for regulating body temperature. Because a cat’s ear has tiny blood vessels, it contracts in cold environments to retain heat and expands in hot environments to perform its heat release function. Don’t be alarmed if you notice your cat’s ears getting warmer as the temperature rises. Your cat simply adapts by regulating its body temperature.
Cats with cooler ears in the winter may simply be maintaining their body temperature. If your cat is feeling cold, give them a warm blanket or set up a heated bed.
The cat has a feve
It could also be a sign that your cat has a fever, though this is one of the milder symptoms. Because, before we conclude that the cat has a fever, we should also check the temperature of the cat’s abdomen and armpits. A cat thermometer should also be used to determine if a cat has a fever; if it is above 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit, the cat has a fever. A low-grade fever can be checked and monitored, but seek immediate medical attention if it lasts more than a day or two or reaches 104°F.
Other symptoms of a fever in your cat include:
- Unappetizing
- Frustrated
- Lack of energy or activity
- Change behavior, hide
- Reduce grooming
- Shaking or shortness of breath
The cat has ear mites
Ear mites irritate cats, causing them to scratch, pick, and rub their ears as much as they can. Furthermore, ear mites are highly contagious, causing intense itching and inflammation—and thus making their ears hot. When the cat shakes its head, the skin inside the ear becomes inflamed and covered with black debris, indicating that the cat is infected with ear mites.
But how can you tell if your cat has ear mites? Another distinguishing feature is the discharge or cat earwax that resembles black coffee grounds. Ear mites do not go away on their own, and if left untreated, they can cause secondary infections that can spread to other pets. As a result, if you notice any signs of ear mites in your cat, take them to the vet for treatment.
Cat with allergies
If your cat’s ears are hot, it could be due to an allergic reaction to dust, grass, pollen, mold, or certain foods. Fever, itching, and redness, as well as sneezing and tearing, are the most obvious symptoms.
Some of the substances that can cause common cat ear allergies include:
- Pest
- Diet
- Dust or particles
Cats’ hot ears aren’t the only allergy symptoms they exhibit. They have other symptoms in addition to ear burning, such as:
- Scratching ears or other parts of the body more often than usual
- Scratching or rubbing causing bald spots or hair loss
- Swollen ears or other areas of skin
- Red ears or other itchy spots
- Scratched enough to cause injury.
- Cats may wake up suddenly from a good night’s sleep.
As a result, if you have any doubts that your cat is suffering from allergic disease, consult your veterinarian right away to test your cat for a specific allergen and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Cat ears infected
Cat ears are extremely fragile and easily infected. The ears of a cat are divided into two sections: the outer ear and the inner ear. Hot ears are one of the symptoms of an infected cat’s ear. Cats rarely get ear infections, but they can be caused by bacteria, yeast, untreated allergens, or poor ear hygiene.
Ear infections in cats can cause permanent damage if left untreated. As a result, it is best to combine attention with other signs, such as:
- Pain when opening mouth
- Chew reluctantly
- Shaking his head often
- Slapping the affected ear
- Tilt your head
If an infected cat’s ear is not detected and treated promptly, it can result in other serious complications, including deafness. As a result, consult your veterinarian at the first sign of infection.
Should the ears of a cat be hot or cold?
According to research, the answer is that a cat’s ears must be warm. The normal body temperature of a cat should be between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature higher than this may indicate a fever. If your cat’s body temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, seek immediate heating or other measures to raise your cat’s body temperature, as this temperature is dangerously low for cats.
How to Remove Cat Ears
We should clean the cat’s ears to prevent ear disease or infection. Particularly if you notice fluid coming from your ear. The following are safe methods for cleaning cat ears:
- Place the cat on your lap and sit comfortably.
- To open the ear canal, gently retract the ear tip.
- Hold the ear cleaner with one hand while holding the ear cup with the other.
- Drip a small amount of cleaning solution into the ear canal gently.
- Take out some dirt from the inside of your ear.
Avoid alcohol and scented cat ear cleaners when using ear washes, instead opting for hypoallergenic, mild and non-irritating to the eyes, fragrance-free, peroxide- or alcohol-free solutions.
Epilogue
If your cat’s ears are hot to the touch but you don’t notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t worry too much because cats’ natural bodies are quite warm. However, if you notice any signs of illness or instability, keep an eye on them and take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
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