You may have noticed that your cat’s ears get hot when you’re cuddling on the couch with him. As a cat owner, you might be wondering if her excessively warm ears are normal and if they are cause for concern. The answer is entirely dependent on her symptoms and the circumstances.
In general, if your cat’s ears are warm to the touch but there are no other symptoms, there is nothing to worry about. Small veins in your cat’s ears contract in cold environments to retain heat and expand in hot environments to release heat. So, if your cat spent the afternoon relaxing in the sun, she may have been releasing body heat through her ears.
You may notice other symptoms in addition to your cat’s ears being hot; perhaps they are bright pink, itchy, or she has a dry nose. Following a surgical procedure, your cat’s ears may feel warmer than usual. Some of these additional symptoms may be warning signs, and you should take your cat to the vet.
Ear Infection Symptoms
Cats are very clean animals who take excellent care of their bodies. As a result, a cat who constantly scratches its ears may have an ear infection or another health issue.
The first step should be to examine your cat’s ears. Do they appear to be red? Do they feel warm to the touch? If this is the case, it may indicate an infection in the ear canal. Here are some other indicators that a cat should be seen by a veterinarian:
Inflamed and irritated ears
Bright pink ears that are hot
When a cat’s ears become hot following surgery
Frequently shaking or tilting of the head
Excessive head or face scratching
Ears have a dark brown discharge.
Sneezing is accompanied by hot ears.
Possible Causes of Cats’ Hot Ears
Finally, a cat’s ears can become hot for a variety of reasons. Some of these are serious and require immediate veterinary attention, while others are not. Here are some of the possible causes of your cat’s ears feeling too hot.
