We all know our loving cats as warm and delightful, which is why it can be confusing when their ears are suddenly cold.

Although it is okay to wonder and worry about your cat's health when their ears are warm, try and take a deep breath! Most of the time, they are okay, and the cold ears occur because of weather changes.

Interesting Cat Features

Cats are adorable feline friends with interesting features! It is good to know about them; this way, through a rigorous process of elimination, you can understand when your cat is 'off' or not feeling well. For one, cats have warm bodies. It is not normal for a cat to feel cold, especially if the inside or outside where they reside is warm.

Their eyes are also bright and wide, and the iris changes depending on the light as well as their mood. Cats communicate using body language and noises. However, they are not good at speaking up when they are hurt or not feeling well. You need to pay attention to the small things often unseen.

Cat's Ears Cold Can Be Common

Are your cat's ears cold? Before you begin to panic and search, take a deep breath! There are common and normal reasons your cat's ears are cold. For example, if the AC is on in your home, your ears may be cold because they are near a vent. Some cats like the feeling of cool air blowing on them and seek out those areas in your home.

However, also keep in mind that cat ears are usually warm. If they are cold and accompanied by other symptoms, it can be a sign that their body is fighting off some kind of illness or bacteria. Did you know heat escapes the most out of our ears and feet? The same goes for animals like cats and dogs. When the ears are cold, this means that the body is protecting and increasing body heat to protect the insides.

If this goes on for too long, though, you should start to worry and seek medical attention

Common Signs That Something Is Wrong With a Cat's Ears

While it is true that cold cat ears are rarely a problem, they can still be an issue if not treated right away. Listed below are four common signs that something is wrong with a cat's ears!

Redness

Have you noticed significant redness near your cat's ears? This can easily be a sign that something is wrong or they have an infection. Most of the time, if there is redness, there is also heat. When there is redness and no heat, it is concerning. Usually, the redness appears after a cat scratches and moves its ears for relief, which can lead to further infections if a wound opens.

Swelling

Ears should not swell! If your cat's ears are cold and are also swelling beyond control, this means that something is wrong! For example, sometimes, organ failure can present itself as swelling, redness, and even pale gums. The starting symptom of organ failure is cold ears in cats! Try to keep the swelling down with medication, water, and a cloth.

Warmth

Although your cat's ears are cold, there is still a possibility that their entire body is running a fever. If you feel that your cat is hotter than usual and they are reacting slower and sleeping more, it could be that they have a fever. You should immediately start to reduce their temperature as this can cause a heat stroke and seizures!

Bleeding

Ear bleeding is not a good sign, but usually, it means that there is an untreated ear infection. The good thing about this is that there are many remedies and treatments. First, control the bleeding and find exactly where it is. If the blood is brown, this usually means that it is older.

Treating Ear Infections in Cats

Treating ear infections in cats takes a lot of time, patience, medication, and monitoring. First, you will need to clean your cat's ear carefully with a microfiber towel. Then, after you pass the towel, there are medications and topical cremes that fight against the bacteria causing the ear infection.

Please keep in mind, though, that it is more common for ear infections to go away by themselves with time and to keep the area dry. If needed, you can also use a cone around your cat's head so they don't scratch and irritate the area more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be scary and concerning to suddenly feel your cat's ears are cold. When you notice, though, take a breath! It is more likely that everything is okay, and instead, they feel cold due to the indoor or outdoor temperatures. If the temperature is high, though, it can be a sign that the body is fighting a virus or bacteria.

It is best to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. Rarely, cold ears are a sign of organ failure. To be safe than sorry is best, though. One visit can't hurt! Call us at (480) 339-0406 or Request an Appointment.