What causes cats’ ears to become hot?

Dec 30,2023
4Min

Hot ears in cats may be caused by excessive environmental temperature, stress, fever, or ear canal problems. It is recommended that you first measure the cat's rectal temperature with a mercury thermometer. If the cat's body temperature exceeds 39.5 degrees Celsius, it means that the cat's body temperature is on the high side. At the same time, it is also necessary to observe whether the cat has other clinical symptoms besides elevated body temperature. If so, the cat needs to be taken to a pet hospital so that the doctor can conduct diagnosis and treatment based on the symptoms.

1. The ambient temperature is too high

Cats’ heat dissipation function is relatively weak, so when the ambient temperature rises, the cat’s body temperature will rise, resulting in hot ears. This is a normal phenomenon. The owner does not need to worry too much. Just move the cat to a cool and ventilated place to rest and give it plenty of drinking water.

2. Stress

Some cats are timid, so they will feel nervous or scared when they arrive in a new environment or when strangers appear at home. At this time, because the cat is very nervous, its heartbeat will speed up, and its ears will be somewhat congested, so it will feel very hot. However, other problems generally do not occur in this situation, and you can just patiently comfort the cat.

3. Fever

If you feel that the cat’s ears are very hot, you can also touch its belly, groin, or even four foot pads. If they are all very hot, Then consider that the cat may have a fever. At the same time, you can use a thermometer to measure the cat's rectal temperature. If it exceeds 39.2°C, it is likely to be a fever. It is recommended to continue testing. If it does not drop or continues to rise, you should seek medical treatment in time.

4. There is a problem with the ear canal

If the cat has a problem with the ear canal, such as ear mites or otitis externa, which causes inflammation, it will also cause the cat’s ears to feel hot. At the same time, there will also be head shaking, frequent ear scratching, and even hair loss in the ear canal or auricle. If you find that your cat has these symptoms, you need to take the cat to the pet hospital as soon as possible to check the earwax, identify ear mites or otitis externa, and then take symptomatic treatment.

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