If your cat has been spending their nap time splayed out in the sun or lying next to the fireplace, it is understandable that this part of their body might feel warmer than usual. If we want to understand if a cat having warmers is a worrying condition, then we need to also look at other symptoms and possible behavioral changes.
Knowing both the general habits of felines and the specific behavior of our own cat will help us to determine the cause. The heat is passed on by convection from many objects (not the sun), but even a cat's paws can warm their ears.
If they sleep in a call and wrap their paws over their ears, their own body heat can increase the temperature. This may be true up to a point as the cat's immune response will elevate their temperature and their ears may be used to regulate it.
If you notice that the cat's ears are hot, red, and they are behaving strangely, you will need to take them to the vet. As we have already stated, one of the main functions of a cat's ears is to regulate their body temperature.
If you feel sweat (not saliva from a cat licking their paws), then a fever may indeed be present. Another symptom which may suggest the presence of fever is if the cat's nose is both warm and dry.
However, if we want to know undoubtedly that the cat has a fever, we need the vet to take their temperature. If the temperature is a little higher there may be an issue with the reading, but as soon as it moves past 103.6 of (39.8 °C) then fever is present.
In general, if a cat has hot ears, but displays no other symptoms, and they soon return to normal, there is little cause for concern. Their warm blood might circulate there, especially if they are trying to heat up their body, making them seem abnormally hot when everything is fine.
As we can see by the readings above, a cat's normal body temperature is higher than our own, so they may only feel comparatively warm. They might be overtired (sometimes hard to tell with cats), appear apathetic, be aggressive, does not react well to stimuli or generally changes their usual demeanor, there is a high probability something is wrong.
These are mites the size of a grain of salt, and they act by laying eggs in the cat's ear canal. If you have an outdoor cat, and they go outside, then they may simply have ears which feel cool due to the weather.
Staying in sunlight might make their ears feel warm just sitting in a draft may cool them down. If a cat's ears are cool to the touch, especially when they should otherwise be warm, it is possibly due to poor blood circulation.
During warmer times of the year, vasodilation increases blood flow to these areas, the better to release excess heat from the body. The patches of color develop as these cats mature, and are darkest at the coolest parts of its body, typically the ears, nose and tail.
If a cat’s ear temperature is a source of concern, feel the stomach and underarms. Seek veterinary attention if you observe extreme total body heat for more than two days consecutively.
If this describes your cat’s current conditions, you’ll probably have noticed a number of related signs and symptoms, any of which will be more telling than ear temperature alone. Any combination of these symptoms points more conclusively to a potentially dangerous health issue.
Fevers caused by viral infections in cats may subside as quickly as they arise. Fevers caused by secondary bacterial infections are usually accompanied by wounds that you can easily observe or can be indicated by unnatural areas of swelling if they are internal.
Whether the source of the infection is mites or yeast, these microscopic organisms wreak havoc only when conditions are optimal. The Penna, or the outer part of the ear that you see and touch, may become warmer as well, but it is the heat inside that permits mites and fungi to flourish.
Symptoms of an ear infection more alarming than warmth include dark-colored discharge and a strange, pungent smell. Heavily muscled in spite of their delicate appearance, each is capable of moving and turning independently of the other.
If the heat emanating from one or both cat ears is a cause for concern, don’t panic. Discoloration in and around the ear canal can alert you to serious issues, along with marked shifts in behavior and unusual odors.
This means that a cat’s ears will often feel hot to the touch. Cats use their ears to regulate body temperature, so variety is important.
The temperature of a cat’s ears is a barometer of feline health. Cat ears contain little fur, fat or muscle, so heat leaves the body from these extremities.
During warmer times of the year, a cat’s body engages in vasodilation. This increases a cat’s temperature, and the excess heat leaves through the ears.
Blood vessels narrow, conserving heat within the body. Check your cat’s ears multiple times over the course of the day.
A cat spending excessive time in the sun risks skin cancer. Let a cat doze by a window, soaking up the sun’s rays through a protective layer.
When it has absorbed sufficient heat through the ears, the cat will relocate. When a cat has hot ears, it is tempting to immediately assume it is feverish.
Cats experience a wide range of fevers every day. A cat’s immune system is busy, constantly fighting off foreign invaders.
This may lead to temporary spikes in temperature, bordering on feverish. As the cat’s body purges the invader, the ear temperature will return to normal.
If your cat has a wet and streaming nose and eyes, it has an infection. If your cat has heatstroke it will be dehydrated, lethargic, and may experience seizures.
A small amount of wax in your cat’s ears is normal. This restricts your cat’s hearing, invites bacterial infection, and feeds parasites.
When a cat roams outdoors, it attracts all manner of dirt and dust. There are two primary types of ear infections that affect cats.
Whether internal or external, the symptoms of feline ear infections are universal. Thankfully, they are easily treated, though the infection can cause secondary health concerns.
In addition, be mindful of signs of parasitic infestation in your cat’s ears. Mites feed on wax in a cat’s ears and cause a distinct discharge.
Left untreated, mites will multiply and cause increased levels of distress. Minimize the risk of ear mites by remaining up to date on your cat’s parasite deterrents.
A reputable flea and tick treatment will also protect against ear mites. Sometimes, hot ears in cats can be caused by an unwelcome growth.
The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery explains how polyps are often linked to ear infections. This means that cats will experience hot ears when they have polyps.
Leguminous myxomatosis is non-cancerous, and it rarely causes pain for the cat. If you inspect your cat’s warmers and find these lumps, it can be horrifying.
Ear cysts can also be a result of ingrowing hairs, trapped air or parasite bites. Your cat will be able to return home after the procedure, albeit feeling a little groggy.
If you suspect that your cat has a malignant tumor in its ear, see a vet at once. If confirmed that your cat has a cancerous tumor, referral to a specialist is likely.
Your cat will be in pain if living with a tumor, so take action straight away. Hot ears are not the most prominent sign of an allergy in cats, but they are a symptom.
When your cat has an allergic reaction, its entire body gets to work. If your cat’s ears are hot, watch out for other odd behaviors.
Scratching Vomiting and diarrhea Swelling around the paws Struggling to breathe Your cat may also experience itchy ears with an allergic reaction.
If your cat is acting strangely and has warmers, look for potential allergy triggers. Dust, smoke, air fresheners, and fabrics are all common allergens for cats.
As the cat’s heart starts pumping harder, blood will rush to the head. Constantly hot ears in cats may point to a medical problem that needs to be identified and resolved.
This article will guide you through the signs and teach owners how to take care of their cats. She is supposed to be warm, but if your cat’s ears are hot, that’s when you should be concerned.
Vomiting is the first indication where owners should note that their cat is not feeling well. Diarrhea is an indication of any bacteria in the intestine and can lead to dehydration if not treated.
Bring your cat into the vet if symptoms don’t subside. As soon as they catch the sound of the jar opener, they are in the kitchen in a matter of seconds.
A loss of appetite is unusual, but don’t immediately panic. Take concern when your cat’s loss of appetite becomes more frequent.
A loss of appetite is a sign that there is trouble in a cat’s digestive system. Lack of eating for a few days can also lead to an unhealthy fatty liver or hepatic lipids.
Signs you should keep note of her sleeping too much, lying around a lot, or even lack of power to play with toys. Don’t ignore your cats if they wheeze after only ten steps.
Hair loss can be an indication of allergies, any little external parasites, or another skin condition. Over grooming is a form of stress relief for cats and is considered a behavioral mannerism.
Before calling the vet, explore your cat’s behavioral issues before citing it as something wrong with their health. If your cat is having trouble jumping onto furniture or even limping, then it could be a sign of injury or even arthritis.
Before making your assumption, schedule an appointment with the vet anyway, so they can examine for possible injuries or conditions. Whenever you get to the home from a long day of work, your cat happily jumps in your lap to great you, but then you’re greeted with bad breath.
Bacteria in the mouth or infection can lead to heart or organ problems. Go to the closest veterinarian clinic if you notice any signs of trauma, difficulty breathing, seizures, or severe pain.
Keep your cat on a wholesome yet healthy diet and provide a happy home for them to live in. Remember, you are ultimately giving your cat the best life that she deserves.
A cat's behavior and bodily reactions can all be examined to help determine if a problem is present that needs to be further investigated. The pads on the bottom of the feet are another area that can be checked for heat, if a fever is suspected.
It may be simply that the cat has been lying in the sun, or has become overheated in some way and the body is attempting to cool down. If there are any changes, the cat seems listless, sluggish, sleeps excessively or isn't acting in a usual way, this may because for concern.
Cats have a very high tolerance for pain and illness and will not usually show outward signs until the problem has exacerbated. When a cat's ears are hot and a fever is suspected, there are other signs that you can look for to determine if this is the case.
Checking for a warm and dry nose is not always the most telling approach, but this can also help to indicate a fever. Fever is actually a beneficial process, as it works to kill off bacteria, but very high temperatures for longer than a day or two can lead to dehydration, seizures or brain damage.
My cat has an abscess infection on her ear for quite a while, my cat has an abscess infection on her ear for quite a while, I leaving it untreated harmful? Im pretty positive my cat has eremites.
About six, I have a cat with fair colored skin on his ears. About six months ago, I noticed the edge of one of his ears beginning to curl out- appearing as if it was drying out.
My female spayed calico has been holding her left ear funny My female spayed calico has been holding her left ear funny for a few days, and she recently stopped coming up to me whenever I'm near her. Hi, I have just noticed some small spots on the inside of my cat's ears.
They have been kept up to date on their shots, but they both used to spend time outdoors when they were young… read more Last vet said she was due for Fell/FIV on 9-6-06 and Force/Fell Annual and Rabies 3 on 10-6-06. New vet read it wrongs wrote down 3 year on 10/6/05 rather than 1 year s… read more.
My kitty has started walking funny, what should I do My 3-year-old female cat has started walking with her head tilted to the left side. I also noticed that there is a small scratch inside that ear.
We just noticed (it may have been an ongoing thing) that at night, her usual (hunting time, she is an indoor cat) her ears turn red & they get hot to the touch. Cat: 14-year-old.is getting small sores in her ears .fleas my 14-year-old cat is getting small sores in her ears and occasionally around the back of her neck.
She is an inside cat for the most part and does not have fleas. Cat: about 10 years old has developed sores.fur.scratch.fleas my cat who is about 10 years old has developed sores and missing fur.
Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc. The site and services are provided “as is” with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts.
JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. All cats benefit from regular grooming and it helps reduce hair-shedding in the home.
For long-haired cats, it is essential and should be done daily, especially on the backs of the legs and the tummy, where matting often develops. Ideally, start from kitten hood and use a brush firm enough to penetrate the thick undercoat.
Their eggs tend to build up in cracks and crevices, such as down the sides of armchairs. You must treat the cat, the house and other areas such as the garage, either with an aerosol spray, or with medication that stops fleas from developing.
Regular treatment is essential for all cats, dogs and rabbits in the household. Cats that go out may have “hide holes” in garden sheds which will also need treatment.
In the summer, fleas can survive in piles of garden refuse, so make sure these are tidied away and cannot be accessed by your cat. Ask your vet for advice on instituting a flea control program with reliable products, and follow the instructions carefully.
Herbal products are also ineffective and some (e.g. tea tree oil) can be toxic. In normal circumstances, our immune system acts to protect us from attack by “foreign” substances, such as bacteria and viruses, thus preventing disease.
However, in allergic individuals, the immune system overreacts to essentially harmless substances, such as pollen, house dust or food proteins. Often, people wheeze or sneeze but cats tend to get an itchy skin, often noted by licking or over-grooming, which may produce a sore patch.
The only way to diagnose it is by “trial” feeding a low allergy diet, and seeing if the condition improves. Some animals and people are born with the tendency to develop allergies, but do not usually show symptoms from birth.
You may need to keep your cat indoors if he/she is a hunter or may be eating food from a neighbour. They are not always needed to confirm diagnosis, as vets can do this by excluding other causes of itchiness and looking at the pattern of the itch.
Medication has to be stopped some time before testing and, in a severely itchy cat, this may not be practical. Good quality flea control is essential, because itches can “add up”.
Scratching and licking causes skin damage which leads to infection with bacteria or yeasts. There are concerns about side effects, and your vet will prescribe treatment to minimize these.
As a preventative measure, you can also get treatments from your vet which kill ticks if they attach. Infection with tiny ear mites, which are microscopic creatures, are one common cause.
In the long-term, the lining can become thickened and corrugated so that it traps wax and needs frequent cleaning. The ear canal is cone-shaped, and runs from the visible opening down the side of the head, before turning inwards to the eardrum.
It is particularly a threat to cats with white or pale ears or noses, parts which may get sunburn that can even progress to skin cancer. If this is not possible, sunblock (factor 15 or higher) can be used, but it will need repeated applications through the day.
Cats are not the only source of ringworm (which is a fungus, like athlete’s foot) so all animals in the household should be checked by the vet in this situation. The fungus produces infective seeds called “spores” which are spread into the environment and are generally quite common, therefore, there can be many sources of ringworm. Your vet will prescribe treatment and advise you on disinfectants to use in the home.