- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
When snuggling with your cat, you may have noticed that her little ears feel hot to the touch. Cats are masterminds when it comes to hiding pain and illness. So, you might be wondering if her hot ears are a clue that she’s feeling under the weather. Her warm ears might be no concern at all, but if you notice a change in kitty’s behavior along with with her hot ears, that’s a sign it’s time to consult your vet.
Read on to learn the most common reasons why your cat’s ears are hot.
Reasons for Hot Cat Ears
1. Cats Just Run Hot
It’s true, a cat’s natural body temperature is several degrees hotter than a human’s, at about 101.0˚ to 102.5˚ Fahrenheit. This warmer body temperature could help explain why cats obsessively lounge in sunspots or in your clean, warm laundry. So, if your cat isn’t exhibiting other symptoms, it’s perfectly normal that a cat’s ears may feel warm or hot to a cooler, human touch.
2. Your Cat Is Regulating Her Body Temperature
A cat’s ears are for more than just listening—and for making airplane ears. They also help to regulate body temperature. Your cat’s ears are full of tiny veins that constrict in cold environments (to retain heat) or expand in hot environments (to release heat), so if your cat has been lounging in the sun for the afternoon, chances are she could be letting off body heat through her ears. Boop her little nose, and you might notice it’s warm too!
As for cold ears, don’t be alarmed if your cat’s ears are chillier in winter months, she’s probably just conserving her body heat. If you think your kitty might be too cold, treat her to a cozy blanket or a heated cat bed. Remember, we humans are better at tolerating colder temps than your once-desert-dwelling cat.
3. Your Cat Has a Fever
Hot ears could be a sign that your cat has a fever, but it’s certainly not the only sign, according to this article from Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center and Urgent Care. Before jumping to the conclusion that your cat has a fever, the veterinary center recommends feeling your cat’s stomach and underarms for unusual warmth. Or, you have a cat thermometer, check for a fever which is anything above 103.5˚ F. A slight fever is okay to watch and see, the veterinary clinic says, but if the fever persists for more than a day or two or reaches 104˚ F, it’s time for a visit to the vet.
According to PetMD, some other signs that your cat could have a fever include:
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Lack of energy or activity
- Decreased drinking
- Hiding
- Decreased grooming
- Shivering or rapid breathing
4. Your Cat Has Ear Mites
Most common in kittens and outdoor cats, ear mites will drive your cat nuts and will cause her to scratch, paw, and rub her ears against anything in sight—causing her ears to become hot. You might also notice her shaking her head and see that the skin inside her ear is inflamed and spotted with black debris.
Ear mites won’t go away on their own, can cause secondary infections if not treated, and are highly contagious to other pets. So, if you suspect ear mites in your cat, it’s best to take her to the vet. (And forget at-home remedies for ear mites, Banfield Pet Hospital warns—they just aren’t safe to use on your cat.)
5. Your Cat Has an Ear Infection
Okay, hot ears might not be a primary symptom of an ear infection in your cat, but the extra attention she’s giving to her ears could make them warm to the touch. An ear infection in cats isn’t as common as they are in dogs, but can be caused by bacteria or yeast, and could follow an infiltration by ear mites. According to PetMD, signs that your cat has an ear infection include:
- Pain when opening the mouth
- Reluctance to chew
- Shaking the head
- Pawing at the affected ear
- Tilting of the head
- An altered sense of balance
If left untreated, ear infections can have serious complications, including deafness. So, talk to your vet at the first sign of an infection.
6. Your Cat Has Allergies
Cats can have allergic reactions to environmental stimulants (dust, grass, pollen, and mold) or to certain foods. If your cat has allergies, you might notice that she is sneezing, has watery eye discharge, or has hot, itchy rashes on her skin—including her ears.
If you suspect allergies in your cat, Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover.com and Chief Veterinarian, Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital, says to talk with your vet. Your vet may test your cat for specific allergens, then prescribe a cat-appropriate antihistamine.
The Takeaway
There’s probably no need to sweat if your cat has hot ears without other symptoms or unusual behaviors. Cat ears are pretty amazing body parts—they are important for regulating your cat’s body temperature and can even move independently of one another to hear better! So, when your cat does show unusual signs like itching, shaking her head, or other changes in appearance or behavior, it’s important to talk to your vet for care.