As an attentive cat owner, you may have noticed your cat’s ears twitch, either randomly or regularly. While it may seem like your cat is sassing you when they flick their ears a certain way, that is likely not the case. So what exactly does it mean when a cat twitches its ears? Why do cat’s ears twitch?
There are plenty of reasons a cat will twitch its ears, such as sensitivity to their ears getting touched, trying to hear their surroundings better, or medical conditions such as ear mites or an ear infection.
A cat’s ears are sensitive, and there are plenty of reasons that may cause ear twitching in cats. Let’s get into the article to determine whether your cat’s ear twitching is something to be concerned about or if it is just one of their natural reflexes.
Why do cat’s ears twitch when you touch them
While humans have a mere six muscles in their ear, cats have a whopping 32 ear muscles making them incredibly sensitive to touch.
When you notice your cat twitching its ears when you touch its ears, it may cause you to worry or feel like the touch is causing them pain. Luckily, you can rest assured that you are not causing your cat any pain when they twitch their ears after you have grazed them because a mere breeze would cause the same involuntary reaction.
Although it doesn’t cause them pain, it can make them a little uncomfortable due to the intense sensitivity of the ears. Since their ears are so sensitive, it may be best to avoid the area in the future to avoid any discomfort caused by the sensitivity.
Due to the number of muscles and the related sensitivity, ear twitching in cats is normal unless you see it is visibly irritating your cat, becoming more frequent, their head shakes with it, or they also paw at their ears while they twitch.
Why do my cat’s ears twitch when sleeping
While your cat is sleeping, you may notice their ears twitching as well as other body twitches. Ear twitching is entirely normal as they are likely dreaming. Like humans, cats are capable of creating dreams. During these dreams, they may experience involuntary body reactions such as ear twitching, paw kicking, or tail flicking.
However, if your cat is not fully asleep, whether sunbathing with its eyes closed or in the beginning stages of sleep, you may notice its ears twitching as well. Their ears twitch in these cases because your cat is actively listening to the surrounding sounds. The number of ear muscles your cat has allows your cat to hear sounds that human ears are not capable of picking up. So seeing ear twitches while your cat is seemingly asleep or in a deep sleep is extremely common and nothing to be concerned over.
Why does only one of my cat’s ears twitch
Cats primarily express themselves through their ears, and twitching just one ear can indicate your cat is in distress or annoyed.
This distress can sometimes be brought on by other animals in the home, an upset in the environment, or being picky about the food you’ve given it. It is best to identify the problem and resolve it to the best of your abilities. In some cases, your cat may want to be left alone to relax somewhere it feels safe and comfortable.
Can ear twitching in cats mean they have an ear infection
Yes, excessive ear twitching or head shaking in your cats can mean it has an ear infection. Although not common, ear infections can occur in cats. It is common for a cat to experience balance-related symptoms while it has an ear infection, so it is crucial to look out for these as well to determine if it is an ear infection causing the ear twitching:
- Unsteady while standing still
- Lack of coordination
- Swaying while walking
- Lack of walking
If you suspect your cat has an ear infection, it is best to bring them to the vet as soon as possible to get correctly diagnosed and treated.
How do cats get ear infections
Since ear infections are not common in cats, unless they are currently infested with ear mites or have recently had an infestation, underlying health conditions may be to blame for your cat’s ear infection. Cats with the following are more susceptible to getting ear infections:
- Weakened immune system
- Allergies
- Diabetes
Inflammation of the ear canal, which causes a wax build-up, creates an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast, causing an ear infection to develop.
Ear infections can form on the outer part of the ear or the middle. Refer to the table below to determine the causes for both types of ear infections:
| Causes | Location |
|---|---|
| Environmental Irritants | External Ear Infection |
| Weakened Immune System | External Ear Infection |
| Wax Build Up | External Ear Infection |
| Allergies | External Ear Infection |
| Overgrowth of Bacteria/Yeast | Middle Ear Infection |
| Diabetes | Middle Ear Infection |
| Polyps or Tumors In The Ear Canal | Middle Ear Infection |
| Ruptured Eardrum | Middle Ear Infection |
| Improper Ear Cleaning | Middle Ear Infection |
Can ear twitching in cats mean they have ear mites
Yes, ear twitching and head shaking can be symptoms of an ear mite infestation. Ear mites are more common than ear infections in cats. Unfortunately, your cat will not be able to remove all ear mites by simply shaking and scratching its ears, so it is crucial to bring your cat to the vet if you fear it may have an ear mite infestation, as this can spread quickly to surrounding areas causing more irritation, hair loss, and excessive scratching.
How do cats get ear mites
Ear mites are contracted through contact with another infected animal and are highly contagious, and all animals in the household should get treated to prevent further spreading of the infestation.
Ear mites are common in animals, including cats. However, younger animals, such as kittens, are more susceptible to having ear mite infestations. With proper treatment and medication from the vet, your cat and any other animals in your household can be free of ear mites.
Why is my cat’s ear twitching after flea medication
Ear twitching shortly after applying flea medication can indicate an allergic reaction. It is best to bring your cat to the vet for proper flea treatment as some over-the-counter flea treatments are highly toxic. The main symptoms of an allergic reaction in a cat are:
- Muscle tremors
- Ear twitching
- Excessive salivation
If the symptoms persist, try removing the flea medication with a warm bath with mild soap. Dry your cat with a towel and brush out their fur to ensure most of the product gets removed. If the symptoms continue or get worse, consider bringing your cat to the vet.
Conclusion
There are plenty of causes for your cat’s ear twitching, some being normal and harmless, while others require a trip to the vet and treatment. It is best to analyze your cat’s daily habits and note whenever it twitches its ears, whether it happens regularly or randomly.
Additionally, be sure to note whether your cat seems to be irritated or in any discomfort while they are twitching their ears. Also, look out for pawing their ears or shaking their head along with the ear twitching. If you are concerned that a medical issue is the cause of the ear twitching, bring your cat to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
My name is James, and welcome to FAQCats!
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